Luxembourg & Metz Christmas Markets 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels. Our journey continues by train to Luxembourg, where we spend four nights at the Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa, centrally situated across from the railway station in the shopping district. We enjoy dinner together in the hotel. (D)

After a leisurely start we meet up in the Old Town for a guided walking tour of this lovely compact city, a UNESCO World Heritage site seated on top of a rocky promontory. The rest of the day is free to sightsee or wander around the St Nicholas Market at Place de Paris, which is beautifully illuminated at this time of year. You could also enjoy a warming cup of mulled wine at the small Christmas Market in Place d'Armes, with its wooden chalets. (B)

Our panoramic coach tour heads first through the delightfully scenic Mullerthal region, also known as 'Little Switzerland'. On the way we stop in the charming town of Echternach on the banks of the River Sûre. The narrow streets retain a medieval atmosphere and the town boasts a fine Romanesque basilica. Continuing into the Ardennes, we visit picturesque Vianden and its magnificent castle, which was built between the 11th and 14th centuries. Our day concludes with a visit to the Moselle Valley, where we taste local wines at one of its wineries. (B)

Today we head south into France by train to visit Metz, the capital of Lorraine, and one of France's greenest cities. The cathedral of Saint Etienne is renowned for its stained glass, which covers a surface of 21,312 square feet (6,496 sq m). The diverse architecture, from its ancient Gallo-Roman remains to the futuristic Pompidou-Metz Centre, makes Metz a splendid and extremely interesting city. The Christmas Market in the impressive Place Saint Louis is charming and well worth a visit. (B,D)

We leave Luxembourg today by train for Brussels. Here we join the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Where shown, meals are included in the price of your holiday