Day 1: Early hours of the morning departure from North Wales and travel south to Dover for the morning crossing to Dunkirk. Upon arrival we continue through North-East France and into Belgium and on to Valkenburg for a 4-night stay at the Hotel Walram.
Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival plus a small box of chocolates in your room as a welcome gift. Sit down to a 3-course set dinner this evening.
Day 2: ‘Christmas Eve’
A free day in Valkenburg, sometimes called ‘Marlstone Town’ because of the lime found in the soil and the soft yellow marlstone which has, since Roman times, been quarried as building material.
Its charming old town centre is filled with terraces, shops, and historic buildings, making it a vibrant hub for visitors. Surrounded by the rolling hills of Limburg, Valkenburg offers a unique landscape compared to the flat terrain typical of the Netherlands.
This evening, enjoy a complimentary drink before your 3-course dinner. There will be a visit from Santa with a small gift followed by complimentary tea/coffee and cake.
Day 3: ‘Christmas Day’
Today, we visit Cologne with its historic old town and many shops, cafes and restaurants. Do not miss the spectacular Gothic cathedral which dominates the cityscape – both the exterior and interior of this striking building are breathtakingly beautiful. You may also enjoy a stroll along the riverside promenade, or for shopping, visit the pedestrianised Schildergasse. Cologne also has several museums, from art to perfume and chocolate, there is sure to be something of interest.
To celebrate ‘Christmas’ sit down to a 4-course turkey dinner with a complimentary drink followed by a night of music.
Day 4: ‘New Year’s Day’
Enjoy an excursion to the three countries ‘meeting point’, where Belgium, Holland and Germany come together. We continue over the border into Germany and the historic city of Aachen, where you have time to explore the stunning old town and its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Moving on, we drive through the stunning scenery of the Eiffel Mountains on our way to the picturesque small town of Monschau. Spend some free time exploring this town, famous for its quaint, medieval charm and scenic beauty. Monschau is often described as a fairy-tale destination thanks to its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and romantic lanes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The town lies along the River Rur, with a striking hilltop castle overlooking the valley.
This evening enjoy a 4-course ‘New Year’s’ Gala dinner with a complimentary drink plus champagne and local pastry followed by live entertainment.
Day 5: After breakfast we depart our hotel and head back to Dunkirk for our return ferry crossing to Dover. Upon arrival we complete our journey to North Wales.