Christmas Markets & Canary Islands Celebration

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.

Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the elegant company of Queen Victoria. Savour enticing calls to four Canary Islands and an overnight in Madeira to watch the astounding NYE firework display.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $1000 flight credit
• 7 day English Christmas Markets guided holiday with Backroads Touring, London return
• Includes hand-picked accommodation, 10 meals, premium mini-coach transportation, experienced Tour Leader & Driver plus more
• 15 night Canary Islands cruise onboard Queen Victoria, Southampton return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Private transfers throughout
• Port charges & fees

**Pricing is based on per person twin share for travel 17 December 2022 – 07 January 2023

**Single traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

English Christmas Markets

Tour Highlights:

• Experience the magic of winter in Bath and attend an atmospheric Choral Evensong service at the Abbey
• Visit charming villages and local Christmas markets in the heart of the English countryside
• Enjoy Christmas at Kew: a unique blend of mesmerising Christmas lights and garden trails

Itinerary:

Day 1 - London

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!

Accommodation: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - London

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.

Accommodation: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - London – Stratford-upon-Avon

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.

Accommodation: The Arden Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 - Stratford-upon-Avon – Bath

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!

Accommodation: Abbey Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Bath

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.

Accommodation: Abbey Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 - Bath – Winchester

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.

Accommodation: Winchester Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 - Winchester – Hampton Court – London

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!

Meals: Breakfast

Cruise Itinerary

Prices listed are per person in Australian Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 06 July 2021 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Flight credit can be used on your choice of airline and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.