Christmas Markets 2022

Bonjour from Port Chalmers.

We are half way through the year and are relieved to have several clients heading off to France in August and September, plus some promising enquiries for next year.  Naturally we are looking forward to our own visit in September, when we’ll be joined by friends to cruise the waterways of Alsace from the marshy plains of the Rhine River up into the Vosges Mountains.

European Waterways 12 passenger barge the Panache also cruises this route and they have just announced some Christmas Market cruises in November/December.   Guests are met in Strasbourg for an afternoon transfer to the Panache for a champagne welcome.  Highlights of the cruise include the picture-postcard Christmas markets of Colmar and Strasbourg, half-timbered picturesque villages, the beautiful Zorn valley; ideal for walking or cycling along the tow path, the Lalique museum in Wingen-sur-Moden and the canal itself with the remarkable Arzviller boat lift and two tunnels.

So if you are thinking of visiting family and friends in the northern hemisphere this Christmas, please consider this unique 6 night cruise.  The all-inclusive price is 5850 €uros per person, share twin and cruises start on 27 November, 4 December or 11 December 2022.

We have also looked at the possibility of building the barge cruise into a package for small groups of four to eight, starting with some nights in Paris – more Christmas markets as well as its famous sights.  Then to Alsace for the Panache cruise, followed by a train to Lyon for its spectacular Fete des Lumieres.  Apart from this annual light festival, Lyon is a delightful city with the best fine art museum outside Paris and a wonderful textile museum, plus the mysterious Vieux Lyon and, of course, more Christmas markets.  Next we suggest a train to Barcelona to make up a two week itinerary.  December is a great time to visit Barcelona with average daily temperatures around 15ºC, so you won’t be suffering from heat exhaustion on the long walks between Gaudi’s wonderful buildings.  Plus there are far fewer tourists, but still the amazing buzz of the city with outdoor music, wine, tapas and some uniquely Catalan Christmas markets.  We have a pdf of this proposed ’independent tour’ if you are tempted.  

We hope we have stimulated your interest in travelling to Europe and urge you to get in touch to discuss your plans and aspirations.

Best wishes, Robert & Barbara