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Tailor-made Winter Holidays & City Breaks

Contents At Fred.\ Holidays, we specialise in European tailor-made holidays. This means we can create the perfect holiday designed specifically to your requirements; whether you prefer 3, 4 or 5-star accommodation, additional nights, rail transport, regional flights or even multi-country holidays, simply let us know and we will do the rest.

If our suggested holidays are not quite what you are looking for, or if your preferred destination is not featured, please do not hesitate to call us for more information and your personalised holiday quotation.

Feature

Page

European Historic Thermal Towns Association

Austria – Salzburg

Austria – Vienna

Belgium – Antwerp

Belgium – Bruges & Brussels

Canary Islands – La Gomera

Croatia – Croatia, Slovenia & the Adriatic Coast

France – Nice

France – Paris

Germany – Berlin

Germany – Black Forest

Germany – Black Forest - Baden-Baden, Freiburg & Karlsruhe

14 - 15

Germany – Bremen

Germany – Cologne

Germany – Düsseldorf

Germany – Erfurt & Weimar

Germany – Munich

Germany – Nuremberg

Germany – Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Gibraltar

Hungary – Budapest

Italy – Italian Vistas

Italy – Rome & Venice

Netherlands – Amsterdam

Scandinavia – Denmark – Copenhagen

Scandinavia – Iceland – Iceland's Magical Northern Lights

Scandinavia – Norway – TromsØ

Scandinavia – Sweden – Stockholm

Spain – Barcelona

Spain – Spain's Classics

Switzerland – Explore further with the Swiss Travel Pass

34 - 35

Featured dates for Christmas Markets

• Twinkling Star Christmas Market - Wiesbaden, Germany • The Christmas City - Montecatini Terme, Italy • Noël à Vichy - Vichy, France • Christmas Market - Baden-Baden, Germany • Christmas Fair - Caldes de Montbui, Spain • House of Santa Claus Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy • A bright Christmas - Ourense, Spain • Santa Claus Village - Acqui Terme, Italy • Sparkling Christmas Enghien-les-Bains, France

European Historic

• Ice Rink - City Park, Budapest, Hungary

Thermal Towns Association

Must see

The European Route of Historic Thermal Towns gathers over 40 spa destinations in 15 countries across Europe. Discover these therapeutic landscapes where architecture, nature and tradition dialogue in perfect harmony. Add a spark to your winter break and explore the festivities throughout Europe’s thermal towns. For your personalised holiday experience call our tailor-made travel specialists.

Salzburg

Austria

Suggested Winter Holiday

Yule Love This Local Treat Bosna Sandwich – Bratwurst served with onions, parsley and secret spices.

4 nights in Salzburg Daily departures available including 3* accommodation with breakfast and return flights from the UK.

From £449pp Must see Salzburg Advent Festival – An extravaganza of choral singing that takes place at the weekends in the Festpielhaus.

Or alternatively Perchten Parades – Locals in Salzburg and the surroundings towns don creepy wooden masks to help scare away the evil spirits of winter.

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 14th December 2019.

21st November 2019 – 26th December 2019 Salzburg effortlessly creates a fairytale atmosphere that is perfectly paired with the magic celebrations that take place at Christmas time. The birthplace of Mozart and ‘Silent Night’ has hosted a festive market since the 15th century and will welcome you once more in 2019. These days, there are five different settings to choose from, many of which sit in the shadow of the impressive fortresses and palaces for which Salzburg is famous.

Ringstrasse Lights – The historic Ringstrasse is lit-up with fantastic light displays that decorate the parks, buildings and streets.

Austria

Must see

Vienna

On any normal day, the smell of sweet pastries wafts along the streets of Vienna. However, during Advent, things are turned up a notch and the smells are joined by sparkling lights and festive music to create a feast for the senses. With resplendent buildings like Schloss Schönbrunn creating romantic backdrops, the various Vienna Christmas markets offer ice skating, petting zoos, nativity scenes and, of course, the usual handicrafts. Plus, some of the markets are transformed into New Year’s villages after Christmas Day.

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Vienna Daily departures available including 4* accommodation and return flights from the UK.

From £349pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 15th December 2019.

Or alternatively

16th November 2019 – 6th January 2020

Art Advent On Karlsplatz – Focuses on high-quality, handmade gifts and all the food is organic.

Yule Love This Local Treat Vanillekipferl – Crescent-shaped biscuits made with almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts.

Antwerp

Belgium

Yule Love This Local Treat Smouteballen – Delicious fried balls of dough.

Where better to sample the delights of a Christmas market than a country filled with beer, chocolate and waffles? There will be plenty of local specialities on offer across hundreds of stalls that stretch from the Grote Markt, where a lightshow illuminates the city hall, to the picturesque Steenplein, where a Ferris wheel provides the fun. Photo booths are also dotted around the city, so there will be plenty of opportunities to capture the memories.

Must see Ice skating rink at the Groenplaats.

Suggested Winter Holiday by Rail 3 nights in Antwerp Daily departures available including 3* accommodation and return rail travel from the UK.

From £349pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London St. Pancras on 5th December 2019.

7th December 2019 – 6th January 2020

Or alternatively Head to the Grote Markt for a festive kiss under the giant ball of mistletoe.

Kroketten – Potato croquets filled with cheese and smothered in béchamel sauce.

Belgium

Yule Love This Local Treat

Bruges & Brussels

These two charming Belgian cities provide everything you want from a magical Christmas market. Besides the sheer beauty of the destinations themselves, you can look forward to plenty of handmade decorations, Yuletide celebrations and culinary revelations. In Bruges, the twinkling lights reflect back at you from the famous canals, as horse drawn carriages roll past to set a romantic scene. Meanwhile, in the capital, the Winter Wonders event spreads joy across the city, bringing a sound and light show to the Grand Place, an ice rink to Place de la Monnaie and choir concerts to the Black Tower.

Suggested Winter Holiday by Rail 4 nights in Bruges & Brussels

Must see

Or alternatively

Daily departures available including two nights’ 4* accommodation in Bruges, two nights’ 4* accommodation in Brussels, rail travel from Bruges to Brussels and return rail travel from the UK

The view from the 83-metre-high Bruges belfry over the stalls below.

Winter Pop, Brussels – A pop-up Christmas village appears in a different square on each Advent weekend.

From £449pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London St. Pancras on 10th December 2019.

30th November 2019 – 7th January 2020

La Gomera

Canary Islands

Suggested Winter Holiday 7 nights at the Hotel JardÍn Tecina Daily departures available including half board accommodation, return private overseas transfers, return ferry crossing and return flights from the UK.

From £799pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick on 2nd December 2019.

Hotel JardÍn Tecina Here the word “garden” is not only part of the hotel name but also an essential part of the entire resort. With an area of more than 70,000 square metres, its rooms are like white bungalows built according to the traditional Canarian architecture.

La Gomera is part of the Canary archipelago located to the south of Tenerife and is considered one of the largest natural paradises in Europe. Declared as a Biosphere Reserve in 2011, it keeps in its forest species that have disappeared from the rest of the world. Black sand beaches, crystalline waters and huge ravines that descend from the centre of the island towards the shore. This strong contrast of the exuberant nature enchants its visitors with a magic that becomes true with every step.

Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast Day 1:

Depart UK - Opatija

Day 2:

Opatija - Istrian Peninsula - Opatija

Day 3:

Opatija - Plitvice Lakes

Day 4:

Plitvice Lakes - Dubrovnik

Day 5-6: Dubrovnik Day 7:

Dubrovnik - Split

Day 8:

Split - Ljubljana, Slovenia

Day 9:

Ljubljana - Lake Bled - Ljubljana

Day 10: Ljubljana - Zagreb, Croatia Day 11: Zagreb - Arrive UK

Tour Experiences • Visit Europe’s oldest pharmacy at Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Monastery.

Croatia

In Partnership with

Croatia, Slovenia & the Adriatic Coast

Weekly departures available October 2019 – April 2020

• Stroll through Split and see the famous Diocletian’s Palace. • Take a Plenta boat ride to the picturesque island in the centre of Lake Bled.

Must-See Inclusions • Spend three nights in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. • Explore Opatija, “Croatia’s Riviera”, a retreat for Habsburg Monarchs. • Experience the wonder of 16 cascading lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Culinary Inclusions • 16 Meals: 10 breakfasts and 6 dinners. • Visit a local family for dinner in the Konavle region outside Dubrovnik. • Sample farm-to-table delicacies of the Istrian Peninsula at a local restaurant.

From £1,999pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Heathrow on 5th November 2019.

Medieval architecture, tranquil lakes, local villages and Croatian charm will delight you on this tour featuring Dubrovnik, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and the pearls of the stunning Dalmatian Coast.

France

Nice

Suggested Winter Holiday 4 nights in Nice Daily departures available including 4* accommodation, return private overseas transfers and return flights from the UK.

From £399pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick on 5th December 2019.

1st December 2019 – 1st January 2020

Yule Love This Local Treat Socca – Pancakes made from chickpea flour.

Must see

Or alternatively

Skating rink at the Fontaine des Trois Grâces.

Visit Santa at the House of Father Christmas.

As one of the most southerly Christmas markets in Europe, Nice offers temperatures that are likely to be slightly warmer than other destinations. Don’t worry, though, the magical atmosphere will still be present thanks to streets decked out in festive lights and a quaint market located at Place Masséna and the Albert 1er Garden. Most Christmas markets offer plenty of delicious foods to try but, with a dedicated tasting area, you’ll know exactly where to head to sample the flavours of Nice. There’s a full programme of shows for children too, so the little ones will have more than enough to keep them busy.

The lights along Rue St. Dominique – This trendy street always puts on a show.

France

Must see

Paris

You can rely on the City of Love to add a drop of romance to the tradition of Christmas markets and Paris certainly provides plenty of twinkling lights and charming stalls to set the scene. With markets located at some of the city’s most iconic monuments (The Eiffel Tower, Louvre and, no less beautiful after the tragic fire, Notre Dame Cathedral), there is plenty of choice and lots on offer. Children are well catered for in the form of carousels, petting zoos and an enchanted forest that leads to Santa’s house, whilst foodies will love the national and regional delights that can be eaten alongside plenty of vin chaud (mulled wine). As well as those that are traditionally French, there are themed markets focussed on Japan, Sweden and Norway.

Yule Love This Local Treat Beignets – Fluffy inside, slightly crunchy outside. These doughnut-like snacks will have you wanting more.

Suggested Winter Holiday by Rail 3 nights in Paris Daily departures available including 4* accommodation and return rail travel from the UK.

From £349pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London St. Pancras on 11th December 2019.

Or alternatively Alsatian Christmas Market – Located at the Gare de l'Est, this market features lots of food and handicrafts from the unique region of Alsace.

Berlin

Germany

The smell of roasted chestnuts will fill the air as you wander through the City West Christmas Market. You’ll see the magnificent Charlottenburg Palace, with Baroque styled details, serve as a beautiful backdrop behind the many marquees and wooden huts selling all sorts of crafts. A blanket of lights covers the market, encompassing you in all the action and guiding you towards The Winterwald, an extra festive zone with a carousel, railway and air swing.

Yule Love This Local Treat Kartoffelpuffer – A potato pancake flavoured with onion and garlic or apple sauce and powdered sugar.

Must see Watch live music and theatrical dance performances at the WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt.

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Berlin Daily departures available including 3* accommodation with breakfast, four-day Berlin Welcome Card and return flights from the UK.

From £329pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 7th December 2019.

25th November 2019 – 31st December 2019

Or alternatively The Märchenzelt, a fairy tale tent for children to create some arts and crafts.

Germany

Black Forest

Suggested Winter Holiday 6 nights in Triberg Daily departures available including 3* accommodation with breakfast, return private overseas transfers and return flights from the UK.

Yule Love This Local Treat

From ÂŁ699pp

Black Forest waffles.

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 3rd December 2019.

Must see Stained glass windows created by the children of Baden-Baden.

Or alternatively See the giant Advent calendar in the windows of Gengenbach town hall.

Although the Black Forest has some wonderful, traditional Christmas markets, a trip to this popular region in the winter offers the chance to spend your time doing plenty of other activities too. As you may expect, peaks like the Feldberg provide excellent ski and snowboarding opportunities, whilst other resorts allow you to branch out and try toboggans, curling, ice skating and more. When it comes to the markets, a dusting of snow often gives everything a more nostalgic feel. Cities such as Freiburg and Baden-Baden have fantastic events, but arguably the most picturesque can be found under the viaduct in Ravennaschlucht.

Baden-Baden, Freiburg & Karlsruhe

Germany - Black Forest

Must see

Suggested Winter Holiday 6 nights in The Black Forest

Suggested Itinerary Day 1

Depart UK – Karlsruhe

Day 2

Karlsruhe – Baden-Baden

Day 3

Baden-Baden

Day 4

Baden-Baden – Freiburg

Day 5

Freiburg

Day 6

Freiburg – Karlsruhe

Day 7

Karlsruhe – Arrive UK

From £749pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 10th December 2019.

Or alternatively

Something extra

Try candle making in Freiburg.

Enjoy wintry Freiburg.

Daily departures available including 4* accommodation with breakfast, rail travel from Karlsruhe to Baden-Baden, Baden-Baden to Freiburg and Freiburg to Karlsruhe and return flights from the UK.

Walk the festive fairytale lane in front of the Baden-Baden’s Kurhaus.

Baden-Baden: 28th November 2019 – 6th January 2020 Freiburg: 21st November 2019 – 23rd December 2019^ Karlsruhe: 26th November 2019 – 23rd December 2019

Yule Love This Local Treat Käsespätzle – Southern Germany’s answer to mac and cheese.

SouthWest Germany (the state of BadenWürttemberg) is one of Europe’s most romantic destinations: think Black Forest and Heidelberg, Lake Constance and fairy tale castles. With medieval and Baroque palaces and houses providing the backdrop for dozens of beautifully-decorated wooden stalls, SouthWest Germany is full of romantic Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) to explore. We start in Karlsruhe, the northernmost city and the gate to the Black Forest. The Christmas markets here fan out from the city centre, much like the street layout. There are many different options to choose from, the biggest of which is the main market on Friedrichsplatz. Here, magical lighting displays create a festive atmosphere and the Glühweinwäldchen (mulled wine grove) adds a rosy tint to your cheeks. Keep one eye on the sky, too, as Santa often swoops across on his sleigh. Elsewhere, you can skate on the largest open-air ice rink in southern Germany (Schlossplatz), head back in time at the Medieval market (Karlsburg Castle, Durlach) and keep the kids busy at Kinderland St. Stephan. As with many other German Christmas markets, it’s the setting that really creates that festive atmosphere in Baden-Baden. In the shadow of mountains and forests, the iconic Lichtentaler Allee (one of the country’s prettiest streets) leads you to a wide range of stalls that stretch all the way to the Kurhaus. There’ll be plenty of characters there to help you celebrate, including the Christmas Angel kicking things off, daily live music and entertainment plus a living nativity. Meanwhile, Freiburg’s Christmas market surrounds the striking münster. More than 130 huts, many of which focus on traditional hand-made crafts, mean there is plenty to see. Jewellery makers, gemstone cutters and other sellers are more than happy to show off their trades and there’s even a chance for you to get hands-on with some candle making, baking and glass blowing. While the adults indulge in some well-deserved mulled wine (red or white), the little ones can take a spin on the wooden Ferris wheel. ^Freiburg Christmas Market will be closed on Sunday 24th November

Bremen

Germany

Must see Maritime performances at Schlachte Zauber (Schlachte Magic).

Yule Love This Local Treat Schmalzkuchen – Diamond-shaped pieces of deep-fried dough dusted with icing sugar.

Or alternatively Wander through the alleys of the Schnoor District to admire the shop windows and lights.

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Bremen Daily departures available including 3* accommodation, four-day ErlebnisCARD travel card and return flights from the UK.

From £289pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 4th December 2019.

25th November 2019 – 23rd December 2019

Bremen brings all of its maritime history and heritage to its two main Christmas markets, one of which takes place along the Schlachte Promenade on the banks of the River Weser. With a medieval theme, expect to find cosplay pirates singing sea shanties, stalls selling local bottles of grog and plenty of handmade gifts. Meanwhile, the magnificent Marktplatz hosts another market with a fairground, 170 beautifully decorated huts and mouth-watering treats nestled amongst popular sights like the Town Hall, Roland Statue and Bremen Town Musicians Statue.

Must see The Rhineland’s tallest Christmas tree in the shadow of the spectacular Cologne Cathedral.

Germany

In the Alter Markt, Cologne’s resident Heinzelmännchen (gnomes) host their very own market themed around traditional trades. Here, smiths and glassblowers demonstrate their craft and there are alleys for fashion and food. Meanwhile, Heavenue (a portmanteau of heaven and avenue) features pop-art inspired stalls and the charming huts at the Stadtgarten Christmas Market change weekly to keep things fresh.

Cologne

If you’re looking for variety then Cologne is a great choice for 2019’s Christmas market break. There are eight different areas where festive stalls can be found, spread right across the city from the steps of the iconic cathedral to the cobbled streets of the harbour area.

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Cologne Daily departures available including 4* accommodation and return flights from the UK.

From £399pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 13th December 2019.

Or alternatively

26th November 2019 – 23rd December 2019

Watch Santa and an angel arrive at the Angel Christmas Market on horseback once a week.

Yule Love This Local Treat Reibekuchen – fried potato cakes served with apple sauce.

Düsseldorf

Germany

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Düsseldorf Daily departures available including 3* accommodation with breakfast, four-day DüsseldorfCard travel card and return flights from the UK.

Yule Love This Local Treat

From £299pp

Grünkohl mit Mettwurst – kale served with sausages and mustard.

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Heathrow on 15th December 2019.

22nd November 2019 – 30th December 2019

Must see The stalls at the AltstadtMarkt are made to look like the traditional Düsseldorf burgher houses.

Or alternatively The life-size nativity on Marktplatz includes a hand-made manger from Bethlehem.

If you’re looking to party through the festive season, then what better place to do it than the ‘longest bar in the world’? That’s the name given to Düsseldorf’s Old Town, an area of the city that becomes the heart of the action at this time of year. There are seven different Christmas markets to discover, all of which are in easy walking distance of each other and offer a unique atmosphere. With plenty of activities and shows specifically catered to children, you can choose to wander through the Engelchen-Markt (Little Angel Market) bathed in light, admire the authentic tradesmen at the Handwerker-Markt or delight in the Scandinavian vibes at the MärchenMarkt. There’s also a Ferris wheel, the Dome of Light on the Königsallee and an ice rink.

Germany

Erfurt & Weimar

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Düsseldorf Erfurt & Weimar Daily departures available including 3* accommodation with breakfast, three nights’ 4* accommodation in four-day DüsseldorfCard travel card Erfurt, three nights’ 4* accommodation and return return flights private from theoverseas UK. in Weimar, transfers and return flights from the UK.

From £299pp pp From Price is based £949 on two adults sharing a room

departing London Heathrow 15th aDecember Price is based on two adults on sharing room 2019. departing London Stansted on 10th December 2019.

Erfurt: 26th November 2019 – 22nd December 2019 Weimar: 26th November 2019 – 5th January 2020

Yule Love This Local Treat Erfurt schittchen – This stollen is so good that it has its own trademark.

Must see Erfurt’s 12-metre-high Christmas Pyramid made in the traditional, handcrafted Erzgebirge style.

Or alternatively Listen to the choir sing Weimar’s own Christmas carol, ‘O, du fröhliche’.

Christmas in Thuringia is not complete without a trip to either the Erfurt or Weimar Christmas markets – or, better yet, both! In the capital of the region, Erfurt, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus provide a glistening backdrop for hundreds of stalls covering the Domsplatz, Fischmarkt, Willy-Brandt-Platz and stretching along Anger and Schlösserbrücke. Meanwhile, in the shadow of statues built in honour of Goethe and Schiller, the Weimar Christmas market brings visitors to the Theaterplatz, Schillerstrasse and the Marktplatz. The latter has held the tradition of hosting a giant, glistening fir tree since 1815. Both markets offer Thuringian specialities like blue-dyed fabrics and crafts from the Erzgebirge mountains.

Munich

Germany

Must see Christkindl post office, where you can get a unique stamp for your Christmas cards before sending them.

Yule Love This Local Treat Flammkuchen – a flatbread pizza with a variety of different toppings.

Or alternatively Try a stein of Christmator, a special beer brewed at the Haidhausen Christmas market.

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Munich Daily departures available including 3* accommodation, four-day MunichCard travel card and return flights from the UK.

From £399pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick on 7th December 2019.

27th November 2019 – 24th December 2019

Choice is on the menu when you visit Munich during the festive period. With so many different markets to explore, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Most people gravitate towards the Marienplatz, where there are so many stalls that they spill out into the surrounding streets. A giant tree stands in front of the Town Hall and festive music fills the air. The other markets across the city each have their own niches and themes. The Kripperlmarkt is the place to buy traditional figures for your nativity, Winter Magic at Viktualienmarkt is a full-blown food fair and the Medieval Christmas Market graces Wittelsbacher Platz.

Germany

Nuremberg

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Nuremberg Daily departures available including 3* accommodation, return private overseas transfers and return flights from the UK.

From £389pp

Yule Love This Local Treat

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 17th December 2019.

3 im Weggla – Three finger-sized grilled sausages in a roll.

28th November 2019 – 23rd December 2019

Must see The Christkind (a chosen ambassador for the market) on the balcony of the Church of Our Lady, opening up the market.

Or alternatively Listen to the children’s choir and brass band play Christmas songs on the stage.

When visiting the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in the Old Town, you’ll be surrounded by over 180 charming wooden stalls with red and white canvas roofs, selling various culinary delicacies and homemade Christmas decorations. You can browse the different decorative items including traditional wooden nutcrackers, shimmering tinsel angels and multi-coloured stars. As you stroll down the brightly lit lanes between the stalls, you’ll notice the overwhelming scent of sweet gingerbread and spiced mulled wine.

Yule Love This Local Treat

3 nights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburger Schneeballen (Snowballs) – deep-fried balls of shortcrust pastry made from a recipe passed down through the generations.

Daily departures available including 4* accommodation, return rail travel from Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and return flights from the UK.

From £449pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 16th December 2019.

29th November 2019 – 23rd December 2019

Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Suggested Winter Holiday

Must see The view of the illuminated Christmas market from the top of the town hall.

Or alternatively Arrive for opening night when the mysterious Rothenburger Reiterle opens the festivities.

Rothenburg eats, sleeps and breathes Christmas all year round. Arrive in the middle of summer and you’ll be able to admire decorations from the past in the Christmas Museum or buy something a little more modern at the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village. However, visit during the festive period and things are even more enchanting. This romantic, chocolate box of a town hosts a charming market on the main square, in the shadow of beautiful buildings and the historic city walls (on which you can walk). The medieval atmosphere is created by the Night Watchman, who offers nightly tours as live concerts ring out from the surrounding churches – one of which, St. James’s, features the ‘Holy Blood Altar’.

British Overseas Territory

Gibraltar

The Christmas market in Gibraltar may be a relatively new addition to the celebrations in this British Overseas Territory, but it’s a great choice of destination if you’re looking for that home away from home feeling. It’s also the ideal place to grab some lastminute presents, as all of the shopping is VAT-free. Coinciding with the opening of the market, the Festival of the Lights, where live music rings out and the decorative lights on John Mackintosh Square are turned on, will take place. The market is open every Wednesday to Sunday and will include plenty of handmade gifts and tasty treats.

Yule Love This Local Treat Calentita – pancake made with chickpea flour which highlights Genoese heritage.

Suggested Winter Holiday

Must see

Or alternatively

Visit all of Gibraltar's unique attractions.

The Festival of the Lights – Christmas lights switch-on at John Mackintosh Square.

4 nights in Gibraltar Daily departures available including 4* accommodation and return flights from the UK.

From £429pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick on 13th December 2019.

Budapest

Hungary

The two main markets in Budapest take place on two of the largest squares in the city. Vorosmarty tér and St. Stephen’s tér both host cosy huts offering authentic Hungarian handicrafts that help to preserve age-old traditions in folk art and trade. Glass-blowers, potters, embroiders and more will be hosting demonstrations in an effort to tempt you over to their stall.

Must see The Budapest Nutcracker Ballet at the Hungarian State Opera House.

Outside the basilica, the market will also be joined by a spectacular laser show which illuminates the cathedral magically. Other entertainment includes an ice-rink, live music from various stages and Danube River cruises to see the lights from the water. Plus, when the cold weather starts to make your toes go numb, warm them up with a dip in one of the famous Budapest spas.

Or alternatively Explore the city on the Budapest Christmas Light Tram.

Suggested Winter Holiday 4 nights in Budapest Daily departures available including 4* accommodation, return private overseas transfers and return flights from the UK.

From £359pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 8th December 2019.

Yule Love This Local Treat Chimney cakes – spiralled ribbons of sugar-coated dough cooked on a spit.

Italy

Italian Vistas

Weekly departures available October 2019 – April 2020

In Partnership with Italian Vistas Day 1:

Depart UK - Rome

Day 2-3: Rome Day 4:

Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento Coast

Day 5:

Sorrento Coast - Isle of Capri - Sorrento Coast

Day 6:

Sorrento Coast - Florence

Day 7:

Florence

Day 8:

Florence - Pisa - Venice

Day 9:

Venice - Murano Island - Venice

Day 10: Venice - Verona - Stresa Day 11: Stresa - Lugano, Switzerland - Isola Dei Pescatori, Italy - Stresa Day 12: Stresa - Arrive UK

Tour Experiences • Get an in-depth tour of the famous Colosseum. • Relax on a scenic boat ride to the enchanting Isle of Capri. • Enjoy a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration.

Must-See Inclusions • Visit the Academy Museum in Florence to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. • Stroll the streets of Verona - the backdrop for Romeo and Juliet. • Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes in the captivating resort of Stresa.

Culinary Inclusions • 17 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners. • Visit a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample the local wines.

From £2,499pp

This tour has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Sorrento Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District.

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 3rd December 2019.

Rome & Venice

Italy

Suggested Winter Holiday Rome & Venice Daily departures available including three nights’ 4* accommodation with breakfast in Venice, three nights’ 4* accommodation with breakfast in Rome, rail travel from Venice to Rome and return flights from the UK.

Yule Love This Local Treat Panettone – Light, sweet bread speckled with flecks of fruit.

From £499pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 4th December 2019.

With a big emphasis on the religious side of the festive period, Rome’s Christmas markets offer plenty for the traditional traveller, as well as those who enjoy modern markets. The largest event is held in the Piazza Navona, where magical stalls fill the space around the three famous fountains. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, Mercato Monti focusses on vintage clothing and accessories, whilst the regular markets in Testaccio and Piazza Mazzini get a Yuletide make-over. Meanwhile, in Venice, a glittering Christmas village takes over the Campo Santo Stefano and Strada Nova hosts a row of charming stalls. Authentic Venetian handicrafts such as masks and Murano glass items take centre stage, whilst gourmet Italian foods like olive oil and balsamic vinegar can be sampled there and then or brought home to enjoy.

Must see

Or alternatively

The bridges and narrow streets of Venice illuminated by festive lights.

Roma Gospel Festival at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome.

Yule Love This Local Treat Oliebollen – A round ball of tasty fried dough.

Netherlands

Skate a few laps around the ice rink at the Museumplein.

Amsterdam

Must see

Or alternatively Flower Market – See Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes.

Suggested Winter Holiday Placed in front of the Royal Palace – in the Dam Square – is the eye-catching, 20-metre-tall Christmas tree, doused in bright, multicoloured lights. When entering the marketplace, you’ll be drawn to the many cosy stalls selling wintery refreshments such as warm waffles and traditional German sausages. Why not wander through the Amsterdam Light Festival, where various light installations are positioned around the canals or watch the World Christmas Circus to see amazing acrobats take to the skies.

3 nights in Amsterdam Daily departures available including 4* accommodation, return private overseas transfers and return flights from the UK.

From £399pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Southend on 12th December 2019.

20th November 2019 – 6th January 2020

Copenhagen

Scandinavia - Denmark

Yule Love This Local Treat Æbleskiver – balls of buttermilk dough fried in butter and smothered in fruit sauce.

The sheer variety of markets on offer in Copenhagen highlights the Danish capital as a true Christmas city. It makes sense for the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson to bring the magic over the festive period and the famous author even has a market held in his honour. Other options include the plethora of stalls on the famous Nyhavn waterfront and a market at the Carlsberg factory – complete with specially brewed mulled beer. Perhaps the most charming event, though, takes place at Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Each year a theme is chosen for the illuminations and there’s usually an appearance from Santa and his reindeer.

Must see The enchanting market at Tivoli Gardens.

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Copenhagen Daily departures available including 4* accommodation and return flights from the UK.

From £379pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 12th December 2019.

16 November 2019 – 22nd December 2019

Or alternatively Flids Christmas Market – focusing on handmade items by local artists.

Iceland's Magical Northern Lights Day 1:

Depart UK - Reykjavík

Day 2:

Reykjavík

Day 3:

Reykjavík - Golden Circle - Lava Exhibition Center - Vík

Day 4:

Vik - Seljalandsfoss - Skógar Museum - Vik

Day 5:

Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon - Skaftafell National Park - Vik

Day 6:

Vík - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavík

Day 7:

Reykjavík - Arrive UK

Scandinavia - Iceland

In Partnership with

Iceland's Magical Northern Lights

Weekly departures available October 2019 – April 2020

Tour Experiences • Explore Skogar Folk Museum, covering all aspects of Icelandic Life. • Experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur. • Learn about the volcanic nature of the island of Iceland during a visit to the Lava exhibition Centre.

Must-See Inclusions • Search for nature’s dazzling display on a Northern Lights cruise. • See Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, filled with floating icebergs. • Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon.

Culinary Inclusions • 10 meals: 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners. • Savour gourmet Icelandic cuisine at a popular local restaurant.

From £2,299pp

The “land of fire and ice” is a place of many wonders, including the rare opportunity to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis – or Northern Lights. This tour will bring you on a search for that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Luton on 13th December 2019.

Tromsø

Scandinavia - Norway

With the Polar Night meaning that the sun doesn’t rise between 25th November and 21st January in this part of Norway, you’ll have to rely on the Christmas decorations and lights on the tree in Stortorget (the main square) to guide you through Tromsø.

Must see The Northern Lights (if conditions are in your favour).

Although there is a farmers’ market selling local food and handicrafts every Saturday, this is not the biggest reason why travellers venture into the Arctic Circle during the festive period. Thrilling activities like whale watching, husky sledding and chasing the Northern Lights will give you plenty to do when you’re not shopping or soaking up the romantic atmosphere.

Or alternatively Sankta Lucia Parade – although St. Lucia day is 13th December, a beautiful light parade will take place on Saturday 7th.

Suggested Winter Holiday 5 nights in Tromsø Daily departures available including 3* accommodation with breakfast and return flights from the UK.

From £659pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick on 6th December 2019.

Every Saturday in December 2019

Yule Love This Local Treat Christmas Cookies – An old tradition says that each household should have seven different varieties available for guests.

Scandinavia - Sweden

Stockholm

Suggested Winter Holiday 3 nights in Stockholm

Daily departures available including 4* accommodation, return airport transfers and return flights from the UK.

From £399pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 6th December 2019.

23rd November 2019 – 23rd December 2019

Yule Love This Local Treat Kanelbulle – sweet cinnamon rolls often eaten with coffee in a pastime known as fika.

Must see Dancing around the Christmas tree at the Skansen Christmas market.

Or alternatively Travel outside of the city centre to visit the Sigtuna Christmas market.

The traditional Christmas market in the heart of Gamla Stan (Old Town) can be traced back to 1837 and many of the charming stalls are created in the image of those that would have been around back then. The coloured buildings that stand on Stortorget square are brilliantly lit up by the festive lights, as the smell of glögg fills the air. Another option is the Christmas market at the Skansen open-air museum. With Nordic wildlife onsite and stalls surrounding historical buildings, the event has an authentic feel that you often don’t get with modern markets. If you’re lucky, everything will be given a dusting of snow to make it even more magical.

Barcelona

Spain

Must see The giant Tio de Nadal in Plaça Nova – another interesting Catalan tradition, the Christmas Log.

Yule Love This Local Treat Churros – delicious sticks of sugar-coated dough accompanied by chocolate dipping sauce.

Or alternatively Three Kings Parade – arrive around January 5th to see the celebrations for Kings’ Day, arguably more important to the Spanish than Christmas Day.

Suggested Winter Holiday 4 nights in Barcelona Daily departures available including 3* accommodation, return private overseas transfers and return flights from the UK.

From £379pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Luton on 12th December 2019.

30th November 2019 – 6th January 2020

Arrive in Barcelona at Christmas and you’ll discover many signs of the quirky festive traditions that the Catalans hold dear. Figurines depicting celebrities on the toilet are slightly confusing but these are sold for good reason. Known as caganers, these little statues bring good luck to nativity scenes and represent the Pagan tradition of fertilising the soil. There are two main markets, or ‘firas’, to search out in the city. Fira de Santa Llúcia is located outside the cathedral and offers over 200 stalls. Meanwhile, opposite the alluring Sagrada Familia, Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia is slightly smaller and often graced by Santa himself.

Spain's Classics Day 1:

Depart UK - Madrid

Day 2:

Madrid - Toledo Prado Museum - Madrid

Day 3:

Madrid - Cordoba - Seville

Day 4:

Seville

Day 5:

Seville - Granada

Day 6:

Granada - Valencia

Day 7:

Valencia - Paella Experience - Valencia

Day 8:

Valencia - Barcelona

Day 9:

Barcelona

Spain

In Partnership with

Spain's Classics

Weekly departures available October – November 2019 and February – April 2020

Day 10: Barcelona - Arrive UK

Tour Experiences • Feel the energy of Spain at a flamenco performance in Seville. • In Cordoba, take a walking tour of the Mezquita, a religious marvel.

Must-See Inclusions • Step back in time in Toledo, the former capital of the Spanish Empire. • Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra Palace. • Explore Madrid’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the royal family.

Culinary Inclusions • 14 meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 4 dinners. • Savour a “paella experience” including a paella-making demonstration and lunch. • Enjoy local cuisine and regional wines at dinner.

From £2,299pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Stansted on 10th November 2019.

Experience Spain’s colourful pageant of art, history and culture. Set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, this stunning destination is dotted with white pueblos and groves of oranges and olives.

Switzerland

If you’re hoping to visit more than one destination during your winter break, Switzerland is the perfect country to choose. The efficient and all-encompassing travel system allows you to cover large distances in a short amount of time and using it couldn’t be easier – especially with the Swiss Travel Pass. Purchase one of these and you’ll have access to a wide range of routes via train, bus, boat and even cable car, meaning no stone will be left unturned in your quest to find the most

enchanting Christmas markets. And enchanting is definitely the right word. A dusting of snow in the higher areas and breathtaking natural landscapes all around help to add an extra layer of magic and nostalgia to your holiday. Lakes, mountains and cities are all waiting to be explored and all can be combined for a true Swiss festive break. Hiking trails, or at least those that are still accessible at this time of year, will guide you on your adventure and there are plenty of other exciting outdoor activities for you to try too.

Must see • Lumina light festival, Saint-Maurice • Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz (Orphanage Square), Bern • Christmas Village in Parc des Bastions, Geneva • Pilatus Christkindli Market, Lucerne • Lenzerheide Magic Forest, Vaz-Obervaz

Suggested Winter Holiday 7 nights in Switzerland Daily departures available including 3* accommodation, Swiss Travel Pass for the duration of your stay and return flights from the UK.

Suggested Itinerary Day 1

Depart UK – Basel – Bern

Day 2

Bern – Geneva

Day 3

Geneva

Day 4

Geneva – Saint-Maurice

Day 5

Saint-Maurice – Lucerne

Day 6

Lucerne

Day 7

Lucerne – Vaz-Obervaz

Day 8

Vaz-Obervaz – Zurich – Arrive UK

From £1,399pp Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick on 2nd December 2019.

In this brochure:

Freiburg

Rome

25, 26

Destination

Page

Geneva

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Amsterdam

Gibraltar

Saint-Maurice

Antwerp

Granada

Salzburg

Baden-Baden

Isola Dei Pescatori

Seville

Barcelona

32, 33

Karlsruhe

Sorrento

Berlin

La Gomera

Split

Bern

Ljubljana

Stockholm

Bremen

Lucerne

Stresa

Bruges

Lugano

Toledo

Brussels

Madrid

Triberg

Budapest

Munich

Tromsø

Capri

Murano Island

Valencia

Cologne

Nice

Vaz-Obervaz

Copenhagen

Nuremberg

Venice

25, 26

Cordoba

Opatija

Verona

Dubrovnik

Paris

Vienna

Düsseldorf

Pisa

Vík

Erfurt

Pompeii

Weimar

Florence

Reykjavík

Zagreb

If your desired destination is not featured please call us for more details

0800 988 3369

www.fredholidays.co.uk sales@fredholidays.co.uk

All prices featured are per person based on two adults sharing a room, are subject to availability and change. Hotel ratings are hotels own, City taxes may be applicable and are payable locally. Rail routings may involve connections and are subject to changes. Holiday programmes are subject to availability and change, further terms and conditions may apply. Featured dates for Christmas Markets are subject to change. Full operator terms and conditions apply.For full terms and conditions please visit www.fredholidays.co.uk/terms E&OE.

09 44 09 44