7 minute read
Leading locations
Globe hopping 32 / Leading locations
Christmas Markets
Cosy wooden chalets, the smell of delicious treats and the sound of carol singers – Christmas markets truly are the best way to get clients into the festive spirit
GERMANY
Contiki’s new German Christmas Markets trip stops at markets in six diff erent cities for a festive bonanza.
The seven-day tour visits Frankfurt, Koblenz, Cologne, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Rothenberg, Nermberg, Dachau and Munich. Clients will see the fairy-tale turrets of Neuschwanstein Castle, experience Munich’s famous Christmas Markets, taste winter warming regional dishes and raise steins in traditional beer halls. Priced from £1,104pp, all transport, accommodation and food is included. contiki.com Globe hopping Leading locations / 33
CENTRAL EUROPE
G Adventures has launched its fi rst Christmas market tours in Europe. Starting in Salzburg, Hellbrunner Christmas Market is home to over 700 beautifully-decorated Christmas trees, and Germany’s Nuremberg market is celebrated as one of the oldest in the world. With four departures running from late November through to the end of December, the week-long tours will take travellers from Berlin to Vienna, stopping in Salzburg, Munich and Nuremberg. The seven-day trip starts from £1,099pp and can also be taken in reverse. gadventures.com
SLOVENIA
Slovenia’s Christmas markets are up there with the likes of Germany’s, but not as crowded. From the vibrant markets of Ljubljana to fairytale festivities of Lake Bled, the Slovenian Christmas markets serve up dazzling decor, handmade crafts, Christmas concerts, and delicious treats.
For something totally unique, take a fi ve-kilometre train ride through the giant Postojna Caves to uncover a living nativity scene, with 150 performers taking part. Cox and Kings’ six-night fl exible package starts from £1,545pp. coxandkings.co.uk
UK
Who says the UK doesn’t do Christmas as well as Europe? Exeter Christmas Market is nestled against the backdrop of the city’s beautiful Cathedral and off ers all the same mouth-watering treats and festive magic as its counterparts further afi eld.
Departing on November 22, 24, 26 and 30 and December 6, 2021 from selected pickup points around the country, this break also includes free time in Torquay. Priced from £119pp, it includes coach travel and two nights’ half-board accommodation. Based on two sharing. justgoholidays.com
ESTONIA
Tallinn, Estonia, is arguably at its best during the festive period. A tour with a local guide will reveal the gems of Tallinn Old Town, including the ancient Toompea Castle and Nevsky Cathedral. The fairy-tale landscape features family run handicraft stalls, local art galleries and boutique shops.
A towering 20m Christmas tree greets clients in the town square, where you can sample Estonian food and drink including local desserts and Vana Tallinn liqueur. The three-hour Tallinn Christmas Tour is priced at £234 per group. toursbylocals.com
Globe hopping 34 / Six of the best...
Island highlights in Jersey
Just a short flight or ferry ride away from the UK, Jersey has year-round appeal whatever the season
Foodie focus
Jersey’s big four – oysters, dairy, Jersey Royal potatoes and lobster – are just a few of the local flavours on offer. Clients can dine at the island’s Michelin starred restaurant, Bohemia, or look for local produce at the colourful and lively Central and Beresford Markets, which have served the community for over 200 years. Local chef Rex Barker shares insights into the local produce on his foodie tours.
Into the wild
Jersey has a varied landscape from long sandy bays in the south to rugged cliffs in the north. Perfect for exploring on foot, walkers and hikers can lace up to explore its wooded valleys, stunning coastlines and verdant countryside. Clients can visit the golden orchards of La Mare Wine Estate or explore the trails along the island’s many beaches. Eagle-eyed ramblers can forage for wild edibles such as fungi, berries, sea herbs and many fragrant plants.
Back in time
Rich in history, Jersey was shaped by many years of battle between the English and French armies. Medieval fortress Mont Orgueil Castle dates back to the Hundred Years’ War, while St. Helier’s Royal Square was the site for the Battle of Jersey. Visitors can also head to the Railway Walk where it meets the Rue de la Corbière to spot one of the island’s many Dolmens. Dating back to the Bronze Age, these grave sites are where chieftains were buried.
Story time
The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to have been occupied by German forces in World War II. Jersey Heritage, The National Trust for Jersey, the Channel Islands Occupation Society and the Jersey War Tunnels are all dedicated to telling the island’s story. A calendar of events and tours with local guides offer an immersive experience. Or take in a film screening or performance at a heritage site.
Cosy pubs
Visitors can find their perfect pub on pintsized Jersey. There’s St. Mary’s Country Inn for traditional winter hideaway vibes and modern British cuisine, or pop into the The Vic in the Valley and enjoy the roaring fire. After walking the winding coastal path down to Devil’s hole, the Priory Inn provides a pitstop for comfort food. Or wander into Old Smugglers Inn, dating back to the time where pirates would venture into St. Brelade’s Bay.
Thrill seeking
The cliffs, bays and ocean that surround Jersey allow for a range of actionpacked adventures. Wild Adventures offers a range of activities including paddle boarding, kayaking and coasteering as well as bushcraft and survival skills. Valley Adventure Centre, Jersey’s only high ropes adventure centre, is open throughout the year and features archery, climbing, abseiling, paintball or laser combat, in addition to aerial trekking.
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TOP STORIES November/December 2021
Win a place on the fi rst fam to AlUla
TRAINING
SAUDI ARABIA welcomes tourists to discover the world's largest outdoor living museum – AlUla – with a new online training programme and portal. Both have been designed to provide agents with the knowledge and confidence to sell this unique destination. Agents that register and successfully complete five short training modules have the chance to win a place on the first trade fam to AlUla, in 2022, as well as a range of other prizes.
Alulaspecialist.com
A Royal resort
TRAINING
THE NEW Sandals Royal Curaçao opens in April 2022. Designed as a romantic paradise for couples, the resort features never-before-seen Sandals signature firsts, from innovative and unique accommodation to a two-level infinity pool to 12 new dining concepts, including the brand's first floating restaurant! Agents can access the new online training modules now to learn more about the exotic Caribbean island of Curaçao and the stunning new resort, as well as brush up on their Sandals selling knowledge.
Incentive
Monthly prizes with Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Specialist
AGENTS THAT register and complete the Abu Dhabi Specialist Program before February 2022 will be entered into a monthly prize draw.
Up for grabs are £50 Love2shop vouchers or a pair of Manchester City tickets for a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium during the 2021/22 season.
The Abu Dhabi Specialist Program provides in-depth insights into adventure activities and the local culture, activities and the local culture, as well as off ering sample itineraries and tips from locals to help increase selling success. To become an Abu Dhabi Specialist, register and complete all modules on the course for the chance to win each month. abudhabispecialist.com
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