Why not enjoy Christmas abroad this year and experience the
incredible celebrations put on across Italy, France and Spain? There is
no doubt that the market breaks in London, Manchester, Birmingham and
other UK cities are impressive, but experiencing Italian, French and
Spanish festivities is something that everyone really should put on
their Christmas wish list.
The festive season should be filled
with fun, food and laughter, and these are the things you will find in
abundance when you take a four or five day escorted tour to the Paris
Christmas markets, Barcelona Christmas markets or Italian Alpine
Christmas markets. Whichever country tickles your fancy, you won't be
disappointed by the atmosphere or the festive decorations and traditions
that you'll find in the Piazzas of Italy, the Places of France and the
Barras of Catalonia.
Sights and sounds not to be missed at Christmastime in Europe:
Italy
Choose
from Christmas breaks to Lake Garda and trips to the Italian Alpine
Christmas markets, and experience a magical few days tasting the
renowned Italian cuisine and browsing all that Italy has to offer. If
you choose Christmas in Lake Garda you will see immediately what all the
fuss is about when you arrive and see the mirror-calm waters, the
craggy and dramatic mountainous backdrop and the pastel-coloured houses
that line the shores. Lake Garda is one of the most idyllic places to
base yourself from if you plan to visit some of Italy's most prominent
cities, from Romeo and Juliet's "fair Verona", to the Christmas markets
of Trento - a great place to finish off your Christmas shopping. On
Christmas Eve you can attend a traditional midnight mass at the church
in Riva del Garda and welcome Christmas in the traditional style. Then
enjoy Christmas day on the Lake, exploring the shoreline, before mooring
and enjoying a four-course Christmas dinner complete with live music
and entertainment.
If you choose to leave Lake Garda for another
time and instead visit the Italian Alps and the Christmas markets in
Bolzano and Merano, you will see exactly what a white Christmas should
look like, thanks to the snow-capped Alps and the rooftops of the houses
in the Alpine towns and villages. Spend your days perusing the local
arts and crafts, and pick up some unusual and unique Christmas gifts for
friends and family back home, before tucking into traditional Italian
cuisine and warm spiced red wine.
France
If a Christmas markets
break is what you want, then Paris is the city for you thanks to the
incredible work that goes into dressing, decorating and lighting
France's capital. Don't miss the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre,
Notre Dame and the Champs Elysees in all their festive glory; these
sights are particularly impressive at night when they're lit up against
the night sky and when the hustle, bustle and aroma of the Christmas
markets at La Defense (the business district) fills the air. Experience
Paris with the help of an experience tour guide when you choose escorted
tours to France, and don't miss out on all the things this great city
has to offer quite apart from all the fun you'll have practicing your
French with the Christmas market stall holders, trying the food and
drink that is on offer and investing in festive arts and crafts for
friends at home.
Spain
Visit Barcelona's Christmas markets for
the ultimate Spanish festive experience because, while being by the sea
might not conjure up festive thoughts, Barcelona is so much more than a
seaside city. Home to some of the most incredible Modernist
architecture, to authentic and delicious tapas that changes with the
seasons and, of course, to the Christmas markets during December,
Barcelona is definitely worth a tour. Simply strolling the main areas of
the city will give you an insight into how the Catalans celebrate
Christmas. Take inspiration home with you, as well as some of the
traditional, handcrafted jewellery, artworks and woodcrafts that are
sold on the market stalls.
There are two main Christmas markets
sites in Barcelona, the Fira de Santa Llucia and the Fira de Nadal, in
the shadow of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, one of the world's most
awe-inspiring cathedrals. Whichever one you pick, you'll also see just
what food is traditional in Spain and how it differs from the turkey
dinner we're used to.
No comments :
Post a Comment