The season of loosening the belt buckle, the family gatherings over traditional festive dinner – we anticipate it eagerly and we lively cherish these moments when they arrive. We hope your 2016 Christmas holidays were a recollection of splendor and joy. And even though the post festive blues and merriments have still not withered, some of us are already looking forward to planning their next Christmas holidays.
A visit to the architectural marvels of Prague or a traditional celebration in the historical Bruges —the choice is hard but nevertheless all the options are tempting.
But let this year be a little bit different. Let’s track the footprints of Santa to the gems, hidden somewhere under the canopied fluffs of snow. Let’s get on board and travel to the lesser known places—although no less scenic and delightful—while you plan coach holidays over Christmas of 2017.
Hey hey hey, but before you hop on the coach, have you:
- Packed layers, layers and more layers inside your suitcase? Because you bet it, it’s going to be pretty cold out there.
- Slid in the copies of all important documents? You never know when you may need it during the course of your journey.
- Made sure that you have folded in an umbrella along with your travel luggage?
Done? Then let’s get started. Let the Christmas celebrations be your inspiration and our experience be your guide.
Planning Coach Holidays Over Christmas of 2017: Spending Christmas in European Canopies
Budapest – The Cheery Christmas on a Budget
The Capital of Hungary has many Christmas charms to offer which delight the locals and the travelling visitors. Here you have the Europe’s cheapest Christmas market, set in Vorosmarty Square, selling Hungarian crafts and baubles – elusive present ideas for even the ones who have something of everything. Marvel at the sight of beautifully decorated tram sleighs as they whizz pass by and feel enchanted by the illuminated panorama of the city. If you feel it’s too cold out there, plunge into the Christmas warmth which Széchenyi—the largest thermal bath of the city—has to offer.
Lodging suggestions in Budhapest during the Christmas season: Aria Hotel Budapest, Kempinsky Hotel and Animation City Hostel
Provence – Revel at the Christmas Province of France
It’s a festive feast of jaw dropping street decorations and native inspired santon fairs. Seasonal expansive culinary serve the visiting festive gourmets with seven lean meals – aligning with the concept of Mary’s seven sufferings. No matter in which city of Provence you are in, you will be served with charms across as they are plenty. And if you ever manage to take out some time from the Christmas celebrations—we doubt it—visit the town of Arles, Mount Venox and the rock nugget of Porquerolles.
Lodging suggestions in Provence during the Christmas season: Look no more beyond Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel.
Ljubljana – The Overlooked European Capital of Christmas Celebrations
The capital and largest city of Slovenia organizes a cheery procession of Christmas every December which is accented with vibrant street décor, nativity scene and the famous Dedek Mraz. Shop for Christmas presents for your loved ones at Ljubljana Christmas Market or attend the annual Fairy Tale Town held in Zvedza Park to have some fun and delicious festive food. If sleighing on the sledges of white is your ultimate Christmas adventure, then visit Krvavec which is one of Slovenia’s largest ski resorts. And since you are finally here, do not miss the annual Christmas Concert which is held every year at Ljubljana Town Hall.
Lodging suggestions in Ljubljana during the Christmas season: TiliaStay, House Trta and Hotel Florjanckov Hram
Coburg – Celebrating the true Spirit of Christmas
If you have never visited Coburg before, then mark it as a priority destination for your coach holidays over Christmas of 2017. No other place in Germany is a more authentic embodiment of traditional Christmas spirit, than this Bavarian town of Coburg. Whether it’s the Advent calendar, wooden nutcracker or the gingerbread house – Coburg manages to put up a festive extravaganza which is drenched in rich culture and centurial traditions. Veste Coburg, the ancient castle, royally stands at a corner watching the festive proceedings under its watchful majestic eyes. Ancient carriages board the visitors through colorful Christmas markets which are embellished with stalls selling natively handcrafted ceramics and wooden toys. The aromatic scent of bratwurst, the warming sips of gluehwein and the pancakes of roasted almond await the locals and tourists at the table of feast. If you are fond of history, there is also a museum to keep you interested during your coach tour in Coburg.
Lodging suggestions in Coburg during the Christmas season: Romantik Hotel Goldene Traube, Vi9enna House Easy Coburg and Hotel Hahnmuhle
Tallinn – A City Where Postcard Christmas Celebrations Come Alive
No coach holidays over Christmas of 2017 shall be considered complete if we fail to mention Tallinn, the medieval city of Estonia. Illustrating a medieval recollection in the modern of Christmas celebrations, it is the city where Europe’s first ever Christmas tree was erected back in 1441. Despite having such a historic significance, it is a pity—for those who have never visited Tallinn during the Christmas season. It is home to Europe’s one of the best Christmas markets, where plenty of local hand-made artifacts adorn the stalls. Locals dance and sing around the Christmas tree planted in Town Hall Square while the food patrons merrily watch the celebrations with flavorful Christmas platters and flights of mulled wine. If you get the opportunity to peak from the window of celebrations, do visit the Seaplane Harbor Museum – it is one of its kinds.
Lodging suggestions in Tallinn during the Christmas season: Savoy Boutique Hotel, Hotel Telegraaf and Von Stackleberg Hotel.
This completes our brief review of the places in Europe you must plan to visit on your coach holidays over Christmas of 2017. Call in your local travel agencies and switch on your GPS as you travel through these scenic settings of Christmas festivities.