Day 1: York Christmas Market then Hull
Depart North Wales and travel to York. Enjoy some time at leisure at the annual St Nicholas Fayre, one of the most popular festive markets in the country. Like stepping into a scene from a Dickens’ tale, the lively Victorian market stalls sell everything from local produce to traditional gifts and crafts. We continue to Hull for our overnight ferry crossing to Rotterdam.
Day 2: Royal Delft and the Royal Christmas Fair
Upon arrival in Rotterdam, we make the short drive to nearby Delft for a visit to the factory museum of Royal Delft Blue Pottery where you can see the production process and the option to make some festive purchases in their on-site shop. Return to The Hague in time for the opening of the Royal Christmas Fair at around 12.00 noon and spend the rest of the day strolling around the stalls. It is located in the historic heart of The Hague in the middle of the Binnenhof, Noordeinde Palace, embassies, museums and attractive shopping areas such as the Denneweg, the Plaats and the Plein.
With dozens of Christmas houses, thousands of LED lights, atmospheric fires, mulled wine and an almost daily visit from the one and only Santa Claus, this 19-day Christmas market is a real highlight. The special programming with Christmas choirs, storytellers, children’s activities and musical performances also makes this Christmas market well worth a visit!
Day 3: Amsterdam and the Light Festival
Depart after breakfast for a full day to explore this cosmopolitan city, stroll along the tree-lined canals and preserved 17th century gabled houses. During the day, Amsterdam has plenty to offer. It is awash with museums and galleries for those with an interest in art such as the incomparable Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank’s House or the Rijksmuseum. Or why not engage in a Heineken experience? During the month of December, the city also has an Ice Village with an ice rink and the main exhibition centre will become a winter-wonderland.
In the early evening Amsterdam comes alive with its Light Festival. During a 1 and ¼ hour cruise along the canals you will see light sculptures created by leading artists and beautifully illuminated buildings and bridges in this outdoor light exhibition.
Day 4: The Hague then Rotterdam
After breakfast, enjoy time at leisure in The Hague. The main cultural and historical sights this city has to offer, include the Peace Palace, Noordeinde Palace, The King’s Office and The Binnenhof, where the Dutch Parliament is located. You can also return to the Royal Christmas Fair from 12.00 noon for some last-minute shopping.
In the late afternoon, we make our way back to the Europort in Rotterdam for our overnight sailing to Hull.
Day 5: Manchester Christmas Market then Home
We disembark our ferry in Hull and make the return journey to North Wales, stopping en-route in Manchester. The city centre is jam-packed with unique and eclectic restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and galleries. The Christmas market located in the city centre, offers more than 220 stalls selling all kinds of festive food, drink, and gifts.