ALFA TRAVEL

Experience the Continental Christmas Markets

Get into the Christmas spirit with coach operator Alfa Travel who are offering a number of 4 day breaks in December to Germany and Belgium from only £162 per person. Passengers can enjoy the convenience of a choice of local pickups from the north west and north east regions (see Alfa’s website for pickup details www.alfatravel.co.uk ). Included in the tour price is 3 nights dinner, room and continental breakfast as well as excursions to the various markets.

Rudesheim market is a smaller affair but no less breathtaking with streets lined with over 100 stalls representing a number of nations and presenting customs and traditions from all around the world. As well as being famous for its illuminations and entertainment there is also Europe’s largest nativity scene with life size figures on display. Why not treat yourself to some deliciously made Rüdesheim Coffee, which is exclusively made with locally distilled Asbach Uralt Brandy, whipped cream and traditionally served in an authentic Rüdesheim Coffee Set.

Staying in Ostend Alfa’s 4 day Belgian tour takes in the Bruges and Ghent Christmas markets as well as being able to spend some free time exploring Ostend’s own Christmas Market with is festively decorated stalls and open-air ice-skating rink.

There can't be many settings more beautiful at Christmas than medieval Bruges, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and horses and carts plodding by. The Christmas market on the main square forms a ring around an open-air ice rink, and the festive stalls are laden with all sorts of Christmas goodies, including unusual hand-made decorations, brightly coloured sweets and of course the famous Belgian chocolates.

This winter, Bruges' train station square hosts the magical Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival. Three hundred thousand kilos of ice and 400 tons of snow are shipped in and professional ice sculptors work hard to complete their glacial creations.

Ghent welcomes the festive season with a charming Christmas market which takes place on St. Baafsplein . Visitors can wander among the 50 chalet-style wooden huts in search of decorations, candles, cards and hand-made gifts, serenaded by a choir singing carols

Details for both tours are contained in the Alfa brochure available from leading agents, as well by visiting the Alfa website or by calling 08451 305666.