As December arrives and I prepare to head home to Iowa for some holiday warmth, I’m eagerly anticipating family gatherings, festive lights and the special magic of the season. That said, I can’t help but feel a bit of envy when I see fellow travelers at the airport headed for faraway destinations to celebrate the holidays.
For your clients seeking an unforgettable way to experience the holiday spirit, many destinations around the world offer festive markets that capture the essence of the season in spectacular settings. Picture your clients wandering through charming markets filled with handcrafted treasures, the sweet scent of mulled wine in the air and twinkling lights that that bring each destination’s charm to life.
USTOA’s tour operators have crafted itineraries that make it easy for you to bring the holiday magic to your clients, and now is the perfect time to start planning for 2025. From cozy villages to vibrant city squares, these holiday market tours are ideal for bringing the season’s magic to your clients.
Gate 1 Travel’s four-day Quebec Christmas Market tour offers a deep dive into the festive heart of historic Quebec City. Clients will explore this captivating market, full of artisanal crafts, local delicacies and holiday cheer that showcases French-Canadian traditions. Guided tours and free time to explore make it the perfect opportunity for clients to experience a North American winter wonderland. Starting at $759 per person.
Great Value Vacations’ nine-day self-guided tour through Central Europe lets clients explore the Christmas markets of Vienna, Prague, Dresden and Berlin. With two nights in each city, guests can browse handcrafted gifts, sip mulled wine and enjoy festive treats at iconic markets, from Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace to Berlin’s Charlottenburg Palace. Starting at $3,753 per person.
Avalon Waterways offers a six-day guided cruise that takes guests through Europe’s famed holiday markets from Budapest to Vienna. Travelers will enjoy festive sights, seasonal treats and guided tours through historic cities such as Bratislava and Melk. Highlights include visits to St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Benedictine Abbey, all set against the backdrop of the glowing Christmas markets. Starting at $3,171 per person.
Contiki’s four-day group tour in Paris is perfect for young travelers eager to experience the city’s charm as they ring in the New Year. Starting in London, this adventure covers iconic Parisian sights, including a Seine River cruise and a visit to the Eiffel Tower, with plenty of time to savor French cuisine, art and café culture. On New Year’s Eve, celebrate in style with a party in Pigalle, welcoming the new year in unforgettable Parisian fashion. Starting at $612 per person.
For more inspiration and ideas for holiday travel, visit www.ustoa.com and explore even more ways to celebrate the season.
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