Maastricht is the capital of the Dutch province of Limburg and situated on both sides of the river Maas in the south-eastern part of the Netherlands close to both the Belgian and German borders. It is regarded as the oldest city of the Netherlands and gained international recognition when the Maastricht Treaty was negotiated and signed here in 1992, leading to the creation of a borderless European Union and the Euro.

Nowadays, Maastricht is regarded as a centre of tradition, history and culture, and popular with tourists for shopping and recreation. Explore its picturesque squares, romantic streets and historical buildings including numerous beautiful churches.  The most important sights include: the fortifications, with their 13th century town gate, fragments of medieval city walls, bastions and casemates. 

The Christmas market takes place in the city’s largest square and includes a giant wheel as well as an ice ring, a great tradition in the low countries that goes back to the days when people skated on frozen canals. This market includes many stalls selling mouth-watering local delicacies, based on the fact that Maastricht has a huge selection of different restaurants who stage an open-air food festival in August every year.

There is also the chance to visit the two Christmas markets in nearby Valkenburg, both situated in the city’s caves as well as the large and superb outdoor Christmas market in Aachen in Germany just across the border. 

The tour is based in the Bastion Deluxe Hotel Maastricht Centrum (Dutch ****) which is situated literally  10 minutes walk away from the Christmas market and the shopping precincts next to it in the Old Town.  

Programme:

Thursday:            Departures 06:00 to 06.30 hrs; lunchtime train; early evening arrival in Maastricht

Friday:                  Optional coach excursion to Valkenburg (Holland) Christmas Markets

Saturday:             Optional coach excursion to Aachen Christmas Market in Germany

                Sunday:                 Departure after breakfast; afternoon train; return 20.00 to 20.30 hrs

This package price includes:

·         4-star air-conditioned coach & Eurotunnel return

·         3 nights’ Bed/Buffet Breakfast in Bastion Deluxe Hotel Maastricht Centrum, Holland

·         Courier/hostess service throughout