Christmas Holiday Special

Christmas Holiday Package

At Worldwide Specialty Travel, we offer a fantastic selection of Christmas holidays to allow you to escape at Christmas. If you're looking to vacation over the Christmas holidays, check out our travel and accommodation options to exciting destinations world-wide.

How would you like to spend the Christmas holidays in a fairytale chateau in the rolling hillsides of France? Or maybe a ski chalet in the French Alps? Or you could celebrate a white Christmas amongst the Alpine scenery in Switzerland, or escape the stress and relax in the wonderful winter sun and glorious backdrop of the Caribbean, the Canary Islands or South East Asia.

Take advantage of our cheap holidays to London and listen to the carol singers in Trafalgar Square, admire the Christmas lights and window displays at Harrods and take in the magic of this wondrous city.

Or spend an invigorating Christmas holiday at one of the many popular ski resorts in Canada or North America. We also offer packages to New York, enjoy the Christmas spirit at the Rockefeller Center, take in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular which stars the world famous Radio City Rockettes or stroll through Central Park and take to the ice on Wollman Rink.

With our Christmas holiday packages, your Christmas holidays will be unforgettable.

This stunning Victorian manor house hotel is surrounded by the spectacular Cheshire countryside to the south of Manchester. Enjoy superb cuisine and fine wines in the elegant Oakridge Restaurant, unwind in the Bodysense Health & Leisure Club, which offers a swimming pool, fitness suite, sauna and steam room. The 18-hole championship golf course will be open for the duration of your stay. Guest rooms are comfortably furnished and all have TV and telephone. Car parking at the hotel is free.

Included excursions

Barcelo Shrigley Hall Hotel, Golf and Country Club (4-star) 4 nights half board.

This stunning Victorian manor house hotel is located on the edge of the Peak District. Enjoy superb cuisine and fine wines in the elegant Oakridge Restaurant, unwind in the Bodysense Health & Leisure Club, which offers a swimming pool, fitness suite, sauna and steam room. The 18-hole championship golf course will be open for the duration of your stay. Guest rooms are comfortably furnished and all have TV and telephone. Car parking at the hotel is free.

Day 1 : Cheshire
Make your own way to your hotel on the edge of the Peak District and enjoy festive cream tea on arrival. A delicious dinner will be served in the restaurant with light entertainment.

Day 2 : Christmas Eve
After breakfast, we pay a visit to the historic Roman town of Chester, one of the oldest walled towns in Britain. Here you can visit the Norman cathedral or take a stroll around the famous halftimbered buildings of The Rows.
This evening enjoy a delicious threecourse meal and accompanying entertainment. If you choose you can attend Midnight Mass (transport not included) at the local church.

Day 3 : Christmas Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking a stroll in the park, unwinding in the Country Club, or practising your swing on the golf course.
A traditional four-course Christmas lunch will be served, complete with a visit from Father Christmas and followed by the Queen’s speech. Then spend an afternoon of relaxation in the Courtyard Bar, or stroll around the estate. This evening we return to the restaurant for a delicious hot and cold buffet-style dinner.

Day 4 : Boxing Day This morning step out on an invigorating five-mile country walk in the company of an expert guide to discover the outstanding beauty of the Peak District National Park. Spend time this afternoon exploring the hotel and its expansive grounds or relax in the health club. This evening we enjoy a festive dinner and live musical entertainment.

Day 5 : Cheshire After breakfast, it's time to make your own way home

Step aboard MV Serenade I for a magical Christmas cruise along the Rhine. Sail through stunning scenery as you journey from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf.

Included excursions

Built to the highest standards of safety and design, the MV Serenade I has something for everyone. Whether it’s a quiet drink in the panoramic bar watching the sunset, a stroll on deck or a delicious afternoon tea, you’ll feel wonderfully pampered and right at home.

Day 1 : UK/Amsterdam
Join the MV Serenade I in Amsterdam, where you will be greeted with a complimentary cocktail. You can either fly to Amsterdam, or choose the Eurostar from St. Pancras to Brussels, with onward coach transfer.

Day 2 : Amsterdam
Explore the charming canals, gabled houses and pretty bridges of this vibrant city at your leisure, or join a city tour, the ideal way to make the most of your time. The tour also includes a fascinating visit to a diamond factory. The ship departs for Cologne in the early afternoon.
This evening enjoy a delicious threecourse meal and accompanying entertainment. If you choose you can attend Midnight Mass (transport not included) at the local church.

Day 3 : Christmas Eve - Cologne You have the afternoon at leisure to explore Cologne’s elegant pedestrianised streets and picturesque Old Town. Perhaps visit the magnificent cathedral or charming Old Town Hall. The MV Serenade I is moored overnight in Cologne, offering the opportunity to step ashore to experience the city’s lively nightlife. Alternatively, why not take the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass in the magnificent cathedral

Day 4 : Christmas Day - Rhine Gorge & Boppard The fabled Rhine Gorge, with its picturesque villages nestling beside the river, is beautiful at any time of the year. In the winter the scenery is even more magical, hopefully covered in a dusting of snow. Take in the ever-changing views as you enjoy a delicious Christmas lunch, accompanied by wine. You’ll arrive in pretty Boppard later today, just in time for a gentle stroll around the medieval streets of beautiful buildings. The day ends with a festive buffet.

Day 5 : Boxing Day - Lorelei & Andernach Look out for the Lorelei Rock as your cruise continues through the soaring scenery of the Rhine. Today’s port of call is ancient Andernach, where you’ll have time to see the imposing castle, ancient city walls and historic Round Tower and Rhine Gate.

Day 6 : Dusseldorf Relax on board as the ship cruises to Dusseldorf, calling briefly at Bonn. Your cruise is rounded off with a farewell dinner.

Day 7 : Dusseldorf/UK Bid your fellow travellers farewell as you return to the airport, or to Brussels for the homeward Eurostar service back to the UK.

Visit the magical Christmas markets in Mainz, Koblenz and Cologne. With traditional settings in spectacular towns and cities along the Rhine, your senses will be assailed by the pretty lights and impressive decorations, and the enticing scents of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts and spiced gingerbread.

Reverse Itinerary: Departs December 5 2011.

We also offer the reverse itinerary, departing Mainz on Monday, December 5 visiting Boppard instead of Rüdesheim.

Day 1 : UK/Cologne
Your journey to the charming Christmas markets begins with the flight to Dusseldorf and onward transfer to the waiting MV Serenade I. You’ll remain moored in Cologne this evening with plenty of time to experience the colourful, festive market.

Day 2 : Bonn/Koblenz
Depart Cologne for lively Bonn, the former West German capital. The enchanting illuminated façades on Münsterplatz and the main streets of the city make a charming and festive backdrop for Bonn’s Christmas market. Admire the old town hall’s transformation to a larger than life Advent calendar with an additional window illuminated every day to mark the countdown to Christmas.

Arrive in Koblenz, sitting at the point where the Rhine meets the Moselle, in the evening, to enjoy the traditional Christmas market in the picturesque old town. Expect a festive musical accompaniment to your shopping in the Koblenz old quarter.
This evening enjoy a delicious threecourse meal and accompanying entertainment. If you choose you can attend Midnight Mass (transport not included) at the local church.

Day 3 : Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim & Mainz Abundant vineyards, imposing castles and the Lorelei Rock make this one of Europe’s most picturesque riverscapes. You will step ashore, by day, at the pretty town of Rüdesheim, home to a wonderful Christmas market with stalls representing customs and traditions from a variety of European countries. Pause for a while to admire the Nativity scene, which the town is famed for. In the evening you will continue to Mainz and enjoy the dazzling spectacle of lights, gastronomic delights and exciting shopping at this famous Christmas market. Absorb the Christmas spirit as you stroll through the square and enjoy the festive aromas of the gingerbread, hot chestnuts and mulled wine.

Day 4 : Frankfurt/UK You will disembark after breakfast and transfer to Frankfurt for your return flight to the UK.

You are sure to be charmed by the picturesque towns surrounded by stunning scenery on this lovely Christmas break. Majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls and shimmering glaciers, set near crystal-clear lakes and among Alpine villages, will take your breath away.

Included excursions

Hotel Interlaken (4- Star)

Over 600 years old, the wonderfully restored Hotel Interlaken has its own park and Japanese garden. The hotel features stylish facilities and the service here is excellent. You will find a restaurant and bar and each of the elegant rooms has a private bathroom, hairdryer, telephone and cable TV. There is also free internet available in all rooms.

Day 1 : London/Interlaken
Fly to Zurich and transfer to Interlaken and your hotel where you will stay for five nights

Day 2 : Christmas Eve
Join our optional excursion to the picture-postcard town of Lucerne, which is set on the lake of the same name. Lucerne is renowned for its delightful mediaeval quarter and the famous 14th-century Kappelbrucke, or Chapel Bridge, spanning the surging River Reuss, which leaves the lake on its way to join the mighty Rhine. Take a walk along this arcaded bridge, whose walls are painted with scenes from the town’s long history. Much of the original frescos were destroyed by fire in 1993, but the bridge has been lovingly restored. Partway along the bridge is the distinctive Water Tower, which in the past has served as prison and treasury. Along the banks of the Reuss are some very impressive sights, not least the Jesuit Church, with its baroque ornamentation. Take a stroll along the riverside walk, which is lined with bars and cafes, to the lake where you will enjoy some marvellous views. The city’s ramparts are worth a visit, and also offer a breathtaking panorama of the city. This is the perfect trip for those who enjoy visiting beautiful towns surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Day 3 : Christmas Day There is something undeniably special about the sight of majestic mountains at this time of the year, and today you will enjoy a trip through one of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe. The stunning scenery of the Bernese Oberland has to be seen to be believed; awesome mountains, cascading waterfalls, shimmering glaciers, crystal-clear lakes and pretty Alpine villages. As part of our tour we visit Grindelwald, known as the Glacier Village, which offers one of the very best vantage points for views of the Jungfrau. Our day is rounded off in truly festive fashion with a traditional turkey dinner.

Day 4 : Boxing Day This morning, you can look forward to an included visit to the pedestrian resorts of Gstaad and Saanen. A scenic drive through the beautiful Simmental Valley takes us to these charming villages full of restored weathered-wood chalet

Whilst Gstaad is known for its chic; in Saanen the region’s ancient crafts and trades are kept alive. Visit the museum or one of the local manufacturer’s workshops and learn all about the region’s wood carvings, paper cuttings and glass products – your tour guide will be able to give more details.

There will be plenty of free time for you to explore under your own steam. Wander around the shops and galleries and try Swiss fondue at one of the many restaurants. Before returning to our hotel for a delicious dinner to complete the evening, why not take the gondola up to Eggli Mountain, marvel at the spectacular views and have coffee on the sun terrace of the mountain restaurant at an altitude of 1150 metres.

Day 5 : Interlaken Interlaken is situated in the heart of the Bernese Oberland and offers unparalleled opportunities for sightseeing both locally and further afield. The town itself has been attracting visitors since the 19th century, drawn by the superb setting and unrivalled opportunities for enjoyment, both in winter and summer. Today you are free to get to know wonderful Interlaken at your own pace. Why not take a stroll along the main street, Hoheweg, which is lined with Victorian shops, charming hotels and good restaurants. The centrepiece of the street is the Hohematte, whose wide-open space offers great views of the mountains, and there is also a lovely Japanese Garden. There are plenty more fascinating sights to discover such as Interlaken’s castle and the former Augustine monastery. Dating back to the 12th century, and the current building is home to the town’s council. The impressive Kursaal, which was built in 1859, is the town’s cultural centre.

Day 6 : Interlaken/London Return to Zurich airport for your homeward flight.

Before your Christmas festivities begin in earnest, take in the sights of this beautiful region including the historic Castle Noarana, and make sure you try the terrific Chardonnay produced here.

Included excursions

Hotel Oasi (4-star)

The hotel is situated just 50 metres from the shores of Lake Garda, and only a ten-minute walk from the centre of Riva del Garda. Amenities include a bar, restaurant, lift, terrace, garden and indoor heated swimming pool. Rooms are furnished either in a classic or contemporary fashion, and feature satellite TV, hairdrier and safe. All bedrooms have a balcony.

Day 1 : London/Verona
Fly to Verona and transfer to the idyllic lakeside town of Riva del Garda and your hotel, the 4-star Hotel Oasi. The hotel boasts a stunning position, just a short stroll from the shores of Lake Garda and the centre of Riva del Garda.

Day 2 : Castles of the Trentino
Today we enjoy a tour full of contrasts that takes in castles, wine tasting and a traditional lunch at the historic Castle Noarana.

Day 3 : Christmas Eve Bolzano rests at the head of the Wine Road and is renowned for its fine vintages, including a terrific Chardonnay. As part of your stay you can visit the beautiful 15th-century Franciscan monastery and take the cable car and railway up into the mountains to Renon for superb views across the Dolomites. The end of our day is dedicated to celebrating Christmas Eve with a fine candle-lit dinner in the hotel.

Day 4 : Christmas Day Free to relax and enjoy the day, which includes Christmas lunch and a special festive dinner in the evening.

Day 5 : Boxing Day Immortalised as the location for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is our destination for a guided tour that takes us to all the key sights. These include the Piazza Erbe; the cathedral; Juliet’s house; and the tombs of the Scaligeri family, who used to rule Verona. We can also see the Roman Arena and the display of beautiful hand-carved Nativity scenes known as the presepi. The itinerary includes plenty of free time for you to soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating city.

Day 6 : Verona/London Transfer to Verona airport for the homeward flight.