Christmas Markets Cruise - Meuse & Ardennes

5 days / 4 nights
Return Executive Coach Travel departing from selected pick up points
Return Eurotunnel crossings
4 nights full board accommodation on the MS Olympia or similar – ensuite cabins
Morning and afternoon tea, coffee and pastries are included whilst on board as is a nightly late evening snack
Visits to Namur, Liege, Maastricht, Valkenburg & Tournai

The river cruise ship MS Olympia has an elegant restaurant, a reception, shop, restaurant, a panoramic salon with a bar, sundeck with terrace furniture and sun beds. Cabins are all ensuite and have adjustable heating and air-conditioning, a flat screen T.V., minibar (stocked on request) and safe. Windows on the Upper Deck can be opened. Breakfastsare buffet style (hot & cold), Lunch is 4 courses both served and buffet style & Dinners are 5 courses and served at your table. There is also a Captain’s Dinner included at the end of the cruise.

On board there will be a true Christmas atmosphere for this festive cruise as well as evening entertainment.

A morning at leisure in Namur, which despite its modest size is the 'capital' of Wallonia. Historically the city's raison d'être has always been its location at the confluence of the Rivers Meuse and Sambre. It is commanded by a vast former military citadel which was one of Europe’s mightiest fortresses until very recent times. Tours operate daily if you choose to visit here (local charge). Beneath the Citadel, Namur's picturesque old-town has much to discover.

The Christmas Village of the City of Liège (Village de Nöel) is not only the largest of its kind in Belgium it is also the one with the longest pedigree following the long-standing Germanic legacy of Christmas markets. The Christmas Village turns the city centre into a place filled with a magical and enchanting spirit of the Christmas festivities. True to its Latin roots, as reflected in its various chalets offering a myriad of culinary delights, the Christmas Village has broken new grounds by creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Valkenburg Christmas Markets are very different to many others as they are held in caves.  Be amazed by this wonderful setting and decor which are in harmony with the numerous stands offering Christmas gifts and other luxuries. The spacious and long galleries, which are typical of this cave, are especially magical and will be a visit to remember. There is also the cosy Christmas Market in the Velvet Cave with its lights, Christmas trees and wonderful decorations. A visit here is more than beautiful decorations alone as you can also enjoy the impressive mural paintings, sculptures, the unique 18th century chapel and market stalls with Christmas and gift items (local entrance charges apply).

Maastricht- All year round Maastricht is a wonderful city, with just the atmosphere that bon-vivants love but around Christmas the city takes on that extra spellbinding edge. Under the title of ‘Magical Maastricht’, the city goes into full Christmas mode for the Christmas markets. During this period the historic inner city is lit up in spectacular fashion. See the chandeliers at Plein 1992 and on the Markt square and follow the special light path across the river Meuse via Sint Servaas Bridge and the Hoge Brug. Be sure to stop to admire the light animation of the 200 mistletoes in the trees as the beautiful lighting joins all of the squares and streets, together with the Christmas atmosphere at the centre of everything.

Tournai – A stop will be made here en route back to Calais. Said to be one of Belgium’s best-kept secrets, this city is famed for its beautiful architecture and unknown to many, is the only town in Belgium that was once under British rule – King Henry VIII. Located along the River Escault this is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame built in the 12th Century, is a highlight. Lunch can be purchased in one of the many cafes in the pretty town square, not forgetting of course to try some of the famous locally brewed Belgian beer.

* The cruise ship offered will be based on availability and dates of travel.* 

Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor changes to this offer due to circumstances beyond our control.