English Christmas Markets 2022
English Christmas Markets 2022
English Christmas Markets 2022
7 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEHEMLL-2
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
When it comes to wrapping up warm and enjoying the magical chill of Christmas, there's nowhere quite like England - and on this seasonal tour of the country's most festive attractions, we'll find ourselves getting into the spirit of things in true English style. From London to historic Bath and back again, we'll experience Choral Evensong services, delve into the traditions of bygone times - and of course, explore plenty of Christmas markets along the way. Â
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London
Accommodation: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Steeped rich history and time-honoured traditions, London is where we’ll meet for the start of our festive journey through England. After settling into our hand-picked hotel, we’ll come together to share a traditional English Christmas dinner with our fellow travel companions. Here’s to a week full of Christmas festivities!
Day 2: London
Accommodation: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After reconvening at breakfast this morning, we’ll take in London’s iconic landmarks on a Christmas-themed city tour with a local guide. Following that, there’s a spellbinding treat in store for us: a visit to Christmas at Kew. When we get there, we’ll follow the illuminated trail through the world-famous gardens, stopping to observe the magical art installations that pepper the trees, buildings and water. Tonight, we have the evening free to admire the capital’s glittering Christmas-light displays, explore the array of gastronomic options or put our feet up back at the hotel.
Day 3: London – Stratford-Upon-Avon
Accommodation: The Arden Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we’ll board the mini-coach and make tracks for Cirencester, where we’ll add to our collection of Christmas presents at the town’s charming Christmas market. Later this evening, an old-fashioned Christmas experience awaits us in Stratford-upon-Avon – where we’ll visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and learn more about the Christmas traditions of the 16th-century. With traditionally decorated houses, mulled wine and warm mince pies – not to mention a short theatre performance – it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Day 4: Stratford-Upon-Avon – Bath
Accommodation: Abbey Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll take in some quintessentially English country scenery and enchanting rural villages as we make our way through the picturesque Cotswolds region en route to Bath. This afternoon, we'll take to the 'Ten Tree Trail' in search of the ten charming Christmas trees strewn throughout the city. Of course, we’ll also take the time to soak up the atmosphere at the award-winning Christmas market before we retire to the hotel for the evening. What a day!
Day 5: Bath
Accommodation: Abbey Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We’ve a full day to spend in Bath today – and where better to begin than the famous Roman Baths? Here, we’ll receive a fascinating insight into what local life was like 2,000 years ago as we peruse the artefacts and architecture on a guided tour. Later this afternoon, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a Christmas cookery class – where we’ll enjoy our sumptuous creations for lunch and learn the secrets behind the perfect mince pie. After dark, we’ll take our seats in Bath Abbey for a spine-tingling Choral Evensong service.
Day 6: Bath – Winchester
Accommodation: Winchester Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Before we hit the road again, we’ll have enough time to visit the museum at No.1 Royal Crescent – a Georgian house that has been decorated and furnished just as it would have been in the 18th-century. Then: it’s onwards to Winchester, where we’ll pay a visit to the Cathedral’s Christmas market – which is regarded as one of the best in Europe. With over 100 chalets to explore, it’s the perfect place to pick up a gift or two for your loved ones back at home. You’ll be free to stroll the stalls at your leisure before we head inside to enjoy a tour of the magnificent Cathedral itself. Later on, we’ll reconvene to share a delicious group dinner and toast to the incredible time we’ve shared.
Day 7: Winchester – Hampton Court – London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before making our way back to London, we’ll set our sights on the final festive stop of our tour: the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, which will be bursting with Christmas decorations at this special time of year. Once we arrive in the capital, it’ll be time to say goodbye. Merry Christmas, one and all!
What's Included
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Entrance Fees
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
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Guide
Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver
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Transport
Premium mini-coach transportation
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
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Country Entry Visas
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Please see your local governments for rulings on destination Visa's
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
A Tour Leader and separate driver will take you on your journey
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes the Coach is air-conditioned
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What is the maximum group size?
18 is the maximum on any tour
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please request at time of booking
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes there is - 20kg and a max dimension of 158cm (W+D+L)
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on final documentation
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
A Small supplement, but dedicated allocation on every tour
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All Entrance fees listed are included
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Ample free time due to low drive days
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
From the Age of 13
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they are not.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Hand Picked and Boutique
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What is the tipping policy?
At the discretion of the guest
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Guests from all over the world could be joining you
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, All guides are English speaking
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews of this Operator
Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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