Christmas

Christmas markets in Europe form the perfect setting to get into the holiday spirit, with the sweet aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon spice and the echo of Christmas jingles in the air, and market stalls full of festive fare.  

Home to the some of the world’s most beautiful cities, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the preamble to the festive season in Europe. As the nights draw in, we highlight the best European Christmas markets to explore this year.

Here are my favourite Christmas markets in Europe

Manchester Christmas Markets, Manchester, UK

It started with a cluster of wooden stalls but now, 18 years later, Manchester’s Christmas market has snowballed into an award-winning festive fantasia attracting seven million visitors yearly. Follow the 300 chalet-lined market trail across the city centre for all kinds of bespoke gifts, from fine jewellery to bonsai trees, while stopping for cocktails at the new pop-up-style Christmas Vintage Lounge on Exchange Square. The real highlight is the street food on Albert Square.

Prague Christmas Markets, Prague, Czech Republic

Prague's distinctively medieval backdrop of church domes, towers and magnificent ninth-century castle, provides the ultimate festive skyline. Stroll through cobbled streets, past hidden courtyards and over pretty bridges to Staromestské Námestie (the Old Town Square), or Wenceslas Square, for the largest –and most magical– markets. They are filled with atmospheric choirs, giant Christmas trees and fairy light-festooned stalls selling locally made gifts including luxe ceramics and scented candles.

Tivoli Christmas Market, Copenhagen, Denmark

When you've got the chief designer from Tiffany & Co. planning the design concept, you can bank on an exquisite spectacle. In 1997, John Loring set the cobbled streets sparkling and transformed the city’s famous Tivoli Gardens into a twinkling winter wonderland with more than 500,000 fairy lights. Now, this Scandi-chic market, along with welcoming scents of gløgg (mulled wine), exhilarating rides and brightly coloured stalls, selling the type of sweaters made famous by Sofie Gråbøl in The Killing, attracts more than a million visitors a year.

Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria

With a market practically on every corner, where better to don your finest faux-fur than Vienna? Schoenbrunn Palace Christmas Market is best for stylish shopping, while the largest and gaudiest – Christkindlmarkt (christmas market) – dates back to 1294 and is bursting with atmosphere. Set in the Rathausplatz in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall, locals come to check out the festive window scenes painted by local artists, and stay for the glühwein (mulled wine). Take a stroll through Rathauspark for old-fashion carousel rides and a ‘Post Office in the Clouds’, where you can post your Christmas cards. Remember those?

Mulhouse Christmas Market, Alsace, France

The Christmas market takes place on the most important square of the city - Place de la Réunion. Known as being one of the most colourful Christmas markets in the world, the site is the perfect opportunity for the town to celebrate it's textile heritage with Christmas fabric created each year hung on the facades of around 100 typical festive huts.

Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany

The Germans know a thing or two about Christmas markets. Over 2,500 are dotted around the country but Nuremberg’s 400-year-old Christkindlmarkt is arguably the most famous. Shining in the Bavarian city's old town, this festive gem has it all: twinkling lights, super-strong glühwein and delicious Bratwurst. Each of the 180 stalls sell genuine tat-free treasures, from handmade candles to enameled music boxes, and special wardens ensure all products are locally made. It all adds to the authentic flavour and the buzzing Bierkeller next to the ice-rink is a guaranteed Christmas spirit booster.

Edinburgh Christmas Markets, Edinburgh, UK

Bringing traditional German flavour to the Scottish capital, stallholders at The European Market are from Frankfurt, while The Scottish Market serves up local delights. Treat your pooch to canine cookies from The Grassmarket on Saturdays, lose yourself in the fir tree maze and ride the Edinburgh wheel for fantastic city views. Once Christmas is wrapped up, it all kicks off again for Hogmanay: a legendary New Year’s party where 80,000 revelers come for music, fireworks and lashings of whisky.

Holiday in Thailand

From the temples and street food to the pristine beaches and luxury hotels, you’ve got every excuse for a holiday to Thailand.

The land of smiles

Thailand is known as the land of smiles, thanks to the welcoming nature of the Thai people. But there’s so much more to the country than friendly faces. In fact, it’s impossible to sum up Thailand in a nutshell, because every part is different.

Bangkok

Mixed in with the religious landmarks is one of the world’s most hectic capitals. Bangkok is a strobe-like city, where motorways have 12 lanes, markets have upward of 15,000 stalls, and restaurants are so concentrated, you’ll never be more than 50 metres away from one.

Beaches and islands

Then there’s the coast. In the Krabi province alone, there are 150 kilometres’ worth of beaches, many of which are backed by photogenic rock formations. In the Khao Lak area, the sands get swallowed up by national parks a few hundred metres from the shoreline. In Phuket, meanwhile, there’s a real mix. While the crowdless beaches in Mai Khao let you live incognito for a while, the ones in Patong invite you to a permanent party.

Multi-Centre holidays to Thailand

Settling on just one spot is no easy feat in this kaleidoscopic country. That’s why we’ve hand picked a selection of choices, which let you tick off two or more places in one trip. They pair up Bangkok with beach resorts, like Phuket and Khao Lak. Our Multi-Centre tours, meanwhile, cover off even more, from traditional Chiang Mai in the north to the picturesque Phi Phi Islands in the south.

Our favourite Christmas markets in Europe

Christmas markets in Europe form the perfect setting to get into the holiday spirit, with the sweet aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon spice and the echo of Christmas jingles in the air, and market stalls full of festive fare.  

Home to the some of the world’s most beautiful cities, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the preamble to the festive season in Europe. As the nights draw in, we highlight the best European Christmas markets to explore this year or next.

Here are my favourite Christmas markets in Europe

Manchester Christmas Markets, Manchester, UK

It started with a cluster of wooden stalls but now, 20 years later, Manchester’'s Christmas market has snowballed into an award-winning festive fantasia attracting seven million visitors yearly. Follow the 300 chalet-lined market trail across the city centre for all kinds of bespoke gifts, from fine jewellery to bonsai trees, while stopping for cocktails at the new pop-up-style Christmas Vintage Lounge on Exchange Square. The real highlight is the street food on Albert Square.

Prague Christmas Markets, Prague, Czech Republic

Prague's distinctively medieval backdrop of church domes, towers and magnificent ninth-century castle, provides the ultimate festive skyline. Stroll through cobbled streets, past hidden courtyards and over pretty bridges to Staromestské Námestie (the Old Town Square), or Wenceslas Square, for the largest –and most magical– markets. They are filled with atmospheric choirs, giant Christmas trees and fairy light-festooned stalls selling locally made gifts including luxe ceramics and scented candles.

Tivoli Christmas Market, Copenhagen, Denmark

When you've got the chief designer from Tiffany & Co. planning the design concept, you can bank on an exquisite spectacle. In 1997, John Loring set the cobbled streets sparkling and transformed the city’s famous Tivoli Gardens into a twinkling winter wonderland with more than 500,000 fairy lights. Now, this Scandi-chic market, along with welcoming scents of gløgg (mulled wine), exhilarating rides and brightly coloured stalls, selling the type of sweaters made famous by Sofie Gråbøl in The Killing, attracts more than a million visitors a year.

Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria

With a market practically on every corner, where better to don your finest faux-fur than Vienna? Schoenbrunn Palace Christmas Market is best for stylish shopping, while the largest and gaudiest – Christkindlmarkt (christmas market) – dates back to 1294 and is bursting with atmosphere. Set in the Rathausplatz in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall, locals come to check out the festive window scenes painted by local artists, and stay for the glühwein (mulled wine). Take a stroll through Rathauspark for old-fashion carousel rides and a ‘Post Office in the Clouds’, where you can post your Christmas cards. Remember those?

Mulhouse Christmas Market, Alsace, France

The Christmas market takes place on the most important square of the city - Place de la Réunion. Known as being one of the most colourful Christmas markets in the world, the site is the perfect opportunity for the town to celebrate it's textile heritage with Christmas fabric created each year hung on the facades of around 100 typical festive huts.

Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany

The Germans know a thing or two about Christmas markets. Over 2,500 are dotted around the country but Nuremberg’s 400-year-old Christkindlmarkt is arguably the most famous. Shining in the Bavarian city's old town, this festive gem has it all: twinkling lights, super-strong glühwein and delicious Bratwurst. Each of the 180 stalls sell genuine tat-free treasures, from handmade candles to enameled music boxes, and special wardens ensure all products are locally made. It all adds to the authentic flavour and the buzzing Bierkeller next to the ice-rink is a guaranteed Christmas spirit booster.

Edinburgh Christmas Markets, Edinburgh, UK

Bringing traditional German flavour to the Scottish capital, stallholders at The European Market are from Frankfurt, while The Scottish Market serves up local delights. Treat your pooch to canine cookies from The Grassmarket on Saturdays, lose yourself in the fir tree maze and ride the Edinburgh wheel for fantastic city views. Once Christmas is wrapped up, it all kicks off again for Hogmanay: a legendary New Year’s party where 80,000 revelers come for music, fireworks and lashings of whisky.

Travel to Sicily with All World Journeys - Bespoke Travel Agency

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is just off the "toe" of Italy's "boot." Its rich history is reflected in sites like the Valley of the Temples, the well-preserved ruins of 7 monumental, Doric-style Greek temples, and in the Byzantine mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, a former royal chapel in capital city Palermo. On Sicily’s eastern edge is Mount Etna, one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes.

Taormina is a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. It sits near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the summit. The town is known for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-­Roman theatre still used today. Near the theatre, cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches. A narrow stretch of sand connects to Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve.

Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, between the cities of Messina and Catania. It lies above the convergent plate margin between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

To book or for any advise do contact us at discover@allworldjourneys.com

Day trips from Naples

In Southern Italy, along its western coast, is the city of Naples. Founded by the Greeks more than 2,6000 years ago, this is a city with a staggering amount of history. Although Naples is one of the biggest cities in Italy, it has a more authentic, less touristy vibe than other places like Rome or Florence. Naples is packed with attractions to keep you busy, but it is also worth exploring beyond the city. These day trips from Naples are all wonderful options for exploring the best of Southern Italy.

Map of day trips from Naples

9. Paestum

To reach Paestum, drive about 90 minutes along the Italian coast. This ancient Greek settlement is a history lover’s dream destination, and it is where you can find the largest collection of Greek Doric temples in the entire world. Not all of Paestum has been excavated, but several ruins have been unearthed and are now open to the public. The Temple of Athena is the most popular temple to tour, but don’t leave without also visiting the Paestum Museum. The collection is small, but every exhibit and artifact is impressive. Be sure to see the Grace Chamber and its gorgeous frescoes on your visit.

Getting to Paestum

·      As direct trains run from Naples Central Station to Paestum Station, it is very easy to visit the spectacular ruins, and it only takes an hour and a half in total to get there. While the cheapest tickets only cost seven euros one way, trains don’t run very frequently, so it is a good idea to check the schedule in advance. Once you arrive, you’ll see signs pointing you to all the main sights.

·      Driving is just as simple and means you could then drive back to Naples via the breathtakingly beautiful Amalfi Coast. From the city center, head southeast on the A3 and keep on it until Salerno. Here, you want to transfer on to the SP175, which will take you all the way to Paestum. With glorious views of the Mediterranean to your right, it is a lovely drive that takes around an hour and a half.

8. Sorrento

An hour’s drive south of Naples will take you to Sorrento, a beautiful town with a scenic port, popular beaches and fantastic eateries. Work up an appetite at the Marina Piccola, the busiest and most sandy of the local beaches. Then, learn a little more about Sorrento with a stroll through the Museo Correale di Terranova, which is packed with an extensive art collection, or tour the local Duomo, or cathedral. Don’t leave without indulging in the filling baked pasta dish called Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. For dessert, a scoop of gelato is refreshing on a hot day, and the local specialty features fresh pieces of citrus fruits.

Getting to Sorrento

·      From Napoli Garibaldi, it takes roughly an hour to get to Sorrento by Circumvesuviana train. The views of the Gulf of Naples as you go are astounding. Once you arrive, it is just a short walk to the center. After having seen Sorrento, you could visit the picturesque Positano, which is a 40-minute bus ride away.

·      While it is only 50 kilometers to Sorrento from Naples, it still takes around an hour to an hour and a half by car, depending on traffic. Head southeast out of the city center and take the A3 until Pompeii, where you turn off and follow the SS145 all the way to Sorrento. The coastal roads boast breathtaking views, and going by car means you can continue on to visit the Amalfi Coast, which is home to lovely towns such as Positano and Amalfi.

·      To make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Italy, you may want to consider taking a guided tour that takes you to see some of the best places along the Amalfi Coast. As you can tailor the tour, you can choose to visit Sorrento, alongside picturesque towns such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello – each of which has its own delightful look and unique charm. Well worth the cost, it is one of the best ways to see as much of the wonderful Amalfi Coast as possible in one day.

7. Ischia

Off the coast of Italy, in the Bay of Naples, is the island of Ischia. This makes for a wonderful day trip from Naples that takes you away from the city and to a getaway destination. While it feels like a world away, it is actually just a short boat journey between Naples and Ischia. Once you arrive, you’ll want to see Castello Aragonese, a 15th century castle you can reach via a scenic stone bridge. The thermal springs of Ischia are known around the world, and you can tour some of these ancient springs or enjoy spa treatments featuring the mineral rich mud from the area.

Getting to Ischia

·      To get to Ischia from Naples by ferry takes an hour to an hour and a half, depending on if you take a fast or slow ferry; the former departs from Molo Beverello and the latter from Calata Porta di Massa. Ferries leave very regularly, though it is a good idea to check the schedule in advance, as times vary depending on the weather, season, and tides. From the port in Ischia, you can take small buses or taxis if you want to visit some of the other small towns that dot the island.

6. Procida

Procida is another of the popular islands in the Bay of Naples. Although it is the smallest island in the bay, it still offers a lot to those who enjoy archaeology and ancient history. While Procida is part of Italy, it has a distinctly Greek feel, particularly when it comes to local architecture. In Terra Murata, you can see historic buildings, few of which have been restored or renovated. The port of Corricella is another popular spot, because it is still an authentic fishing port. Procida’s many seafood restaurants are filled with the catch brought in each day by local anglers.

Getting to Procida

·      Ferries run very frequently to the charming island of Procida from both of Naples’ ports. High-speed ferries leave from Molo Beverello, taking around 40 minutes to arrive in Procida, while slower and cheaper ones depart from Calata Porta di Massa. Once you arrive, you can either take a bus or taxi to explore the rest of the island.

5. Herculaneum

A mere 11 km (7 miles) south of Naples is Herculaneum, archeological site with incredible significance. Nearly 2,000 years ago, when Mt. Vesuvius famously erupted and destroyed Pompeii, Herculaneum was also destroyed. While it doesn’t have the same name recognition as Pompeii, it is just as fascinating to tour. Many structures are still unbelievably preserved, including ancient baths, the House of Neptune and Amphitrite and the College of the Augustales. Of particular note are the gorgeous, colorful mosaics in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite that would look at home in a modern museum, despite being nearly two millennia old.

Getting to Herculaneum

·      It is very fast and easy to visit Herculaneum from Naples by public transport; you could arrive in as little as 15 minutes. From Napoli Garibaldi, embark on a ten-minute train ride and alight at Ercolano Scavi. From here, you’ll see signs pointing you to the fantastic archaeological site which is just a five-minute walk away. As Pompeii is only 20 minutes further along the same train line, you could visit both historical sites in just one day.

·      If you’re looking to learn more about the history of both Herculaneum and Pompeii, you may want to consider joining a guided tour that takes you around both archaeological sites. An expert guide will tell you all about Mount Vesuvius’ 79AD eruption and explain the ruins, monuments, and fossils you come across in this fact-filled and enjoyable day trip.

4. Mount Vesuvius

It is not hard to spot Mt. Vesuvius from Naples. The volcano is easily visible from most places in the city, creating a dramatic backdrop to the Bay of Naples. Although visiting sites like Pompeii can be wonderful, don’t forget to actually check out the volcano itself. At Mt. Vesuvius, you can actually see the crater of Vesuvius, from which fumes and steam still rise. The summit is also one of the best places to photograph the Bay of Naples. On your way back down, try the local wine known as Lacryma Christi, which is made from grapes grown from the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius.

Getting to Mount Vesuvius

·      The easiest way to visit Mount Vesuvius by public transport from Naples is to take a Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi, then take the EAV bus which takes you up the volcano. All in all, it should take you about an hour to an hour and a half to get there, depending on the train and bus connection. On the way up Vesuvius, the bus stops for a photo opportunity. You’ll be dropped off at the coach park, which is nearer to the summit than the car park.

·      Another option is to drive to Mount Vesuvius yourself; this should take you around 40 minutes. Head southeast out of Naples on the A3 and take exit Ercolano, before following Via Vesuvio up the mountainside. You’ll have to pay for parking at the car park, and can then either walk to the summit or take a shuttle bus up to the ticket office. If going by car, you could combine your visit to Vesuvius with a trip to Herculaneum or Pompeii.

·      Many visitors decide to take a guided tour, which takes them to see both the incredible ruins of Pompeii and the summit of Mount Vesuvius. With a knowledgeable guide accompanying you, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the fascinating historical sight and peer into the crater at the top of the volcano.

3. Capri

Three miles from the city of Naples is Capri, a stunning island in the Bay of Naples. As far back as Roman times, Capri has been lauded as the ultimate getaway destination. Its Grotta Azzurra, or Blue Grotto, is arguably the most popular attraction on the island, and it is truly a magnificent cave where the luminous turquoise waters appear out of this world. If you’re hoping to escape the crowds, hike some of the paths that wind along the coast, stopping at landmarks like the arch called Arco Naturale as well as several ancient abandoned forts.

Getting to Capri

·      To get to Capri from Naples, you’re going to have to take a ferry. The views from the deck are breathtaking; you’ll see the island and the Gulf of Naples before you, and Naples and Mount Vesuvius behind you. High-speed ferries depart from Molo Beverello in Naples. While they are more expensive, they only take 40 minutes. Cheaper and slower ferries depart from Calata Porta di Massa; these take 50 to 80 minutes. As the schedules change regularly, depending on the weather, season, and tides, it is a good idea to check in advance when ferries are leaving. Once you arrive in Capri, you can either take buses or taxis around the island.

·      A relaxing and fun-filled way to visit Capri is to take a guided tour to the enticing island. After arriving by jetfoil and enjoying the lovely views on the road, your guide will take you to see fabulous sights such as the Augustus Gardens and the beautiful Blue Grotto. With stops at handicraft stalls, a funicular ride to Marina Grande, and a walk around the town of Anacapri also included, you’ll head back to Naples tired but happy with all that you’ve seen and done.

2. Pompeii

You can get to Pompeii in under half an hour from Naples, making it a quick but scenic day trip. The ruins of this ancient Roman city are world famous due to an unusual form of preservation as a result of a Mt. Vesuvius eruption. Today, you can walk along the original cobblestones and see ancient landmarks like the amphitheater, which was built more than 2,000 years ago and could hold over 20,000 people at its peak. The oldest ruins at Pompeii are found at the Temple of Apollo, which still boasts many of its original 48 columns and is the most important religious site at Pompeii.

Getting to Pompeii

·      As Pompeii has three different entrances, you’re going to want to take a train to either Pompei Scavi, Villa dei Misteri station, or Pompei Santuario, depending on where you want to start. The Circumvesuviana train runs to both these stations and usually takes around half-an-hour to get there from either Naples Central Station or Via Ferraris Galileo.

·      Driving takes roughly the same amount of time. All you need to do is hop on the A3 heading southeast out of the city center. You’ll pass the looming Mount Vesuvius on your left and have the glittering Gulf of Naples on your right. Once you arrive, follow signs directing you to the archaeological site’s car parks. After taking in Pompeii’s impressive sights, you can then drive to visit Mount Vesuvius or nearby Herculaneum.

1. Amalfi Coast

Boasting Mediterranean fishing villages, spectacular beaches and access to the mountains, the Amalfi Coast is a clear choice for a day trip from Naples. Keep in mind that the Amalfi Coast is a region, so there are lots of small towns and villages worth visiting. There is a town actually called Amalfi, and it offers a gorgeous 10th century cathedral as well as a popular pebble beach. Nearby, in Positano, where the views are a major draw. From several spots, you can see along the coastline, with peaks creating a gorgeous contrast with the traditional architecture and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast

·      There are a couple of ways to visit the Amalfi Coast from Naples by public transport. It will take you approximately two to two and a half hours to get there. One option is to take a bus from Via Ferraris Galileo to Agerola in Bomerano. From here, you can hop on another bus that will take you along the coast to the town of Amalfi, or the beautiful Positano in the other direction.

·      You could also take a train from Naples Central Station to Salerno, then catch a bus along the Amalfi Coast, stopping off at picturesque towns as you go.

Another option for visiting the Amalfi Coast is to drive there yourself, stopping off at charming towns such as Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi as you go. To get to the latter from Naples takes about an hour and a half, although this does include toll roads. Simply head southeast on the A3 and follow it all the way to Vietri Sul Mare. You then take the winding SS163 along the coast. While it can be a lovely drive with beautiful sea views on offer, it is important to bear in mind that the road is very narrow and winding and it can get clogged with traffic, especially during the summer months. It can also be difficult trying to find a parking space as these are quite limited.

Contact us for any further information, or assistance.

discover@allworldjourneys.com

Thinking of visiting Italy?

Arguably Europe’s most enticing country, Italy charms visitors with irresistible food, awesome architecture, diverse scenery and unparalleled art. In fact, it's so packed with possibilities it can almost overwhelm.

If you’ve not visited before you could well wonder what to see? Where to go? How to travel? Here’s everything you need to know to get the absolute utmost out of your first-time Italy trip.

Short on time? Start with the big three: Rome, Florence and Venice. A week is (just) enough to enjoy the country’s headline acts.

The glories of Rome
A day: Rome wasn’t built in one, and you certainly can’t see it in one. Instead allow at least two, preferably three. That’s time to take in the spectacular Colosseum, the 2000-year-old Pantheon, the palace ruins of the Palatino, sacred St Peter's and the art-filled Vatican Museums. Trot up the Spanish Steps, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, shop in narrow lanes and indulge in prime people watching.

Florence and Tuscany: art and wine
Two days in Florence sees you cherry-picking the incomparable art in the Uffizi gallery, delighting in the frescoes in the Duomo and pondering the anatomy of Michelangelo's David. It also allows for shopping on the ultra-chic Via de' Tornabuoni and an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) or two in locals' favourite Piazza della Signoria.

Check into one of the idyllic rural farmhouses in Chianti and spend time exploring a land where vine trellises snake along rolling hills with Romanesque churches sheltering in their folds. Wineries lie everywhere. At extraordinary Antinori, for example, the high quality of the wine is matched by high-tech architectural innovation. A day trip to gorgeously Gothic Siena sees you marvelling at the Italian ability to turn buildings into art.

Bewitching Venice
To enjoy unique, utterly exquisite Venice, allow a few days. Glide down the Grand Canal, by gondola or vaporetto (water bus), tour the grand Palazzo Ducale, gape at the treasure-filled Basilica di San Marco and run out of camera space snapping the extraordinary array of Venetian architecture. There'll also be time to join the locals shopping at Rialto Market, tuck into cicheti (Venetian tapas) and get a little lost amid the 400 bridges and 150 canals.

Best of the rest

Got time to prolong your Italian love affair? With a couple of weeks at your disposal you can add on a few of these other dolce vita delights.

Seductive Naples; extraordinary Pompeii
Gritty and not always pretty, Naples demands to be seen. Come here for an anarchic zest for life, a Unesco-recognised historic core, Greco-Roman artefacts in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Neapolitan Baroque Certosa e Museo di San Martino. Then day-trip it to Pompeii for ruined cityscapes, and to Mt Vesuvius to gaze into a live volcano and across a wide blue bay.

Style and beauty in Milan and the Lakes
For big-city style and legendary landscapes, head to Italy’s northwest. A day in Milan opens up a grand Gothic Duomo (cathedral), Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper and world-class opera at La Scala. A short train ride away, belle époque Lake Maggiore harbours the beguiling Borromean Islands, specks of rock crowned by ornate palaces and extravagant gardens. Or spend a few days at glamorous Lake Como revelling in lake-lapped cocktail bars, sumptuous villas, vintage speedboat trips and the snowy-mountains-meets-azure-water scenery.

Cinque Terre's harbours and hills
In Cinque Terre National Park terraced vineyards cling to sheer hills traversed by improbably steep hiking trails, and villages flow down to tiny harbours lined with restaurants and bars. Ferries and a rattling rural train link the five villages. Allow two to four days to hit the walking trails, swim in the sea, soak up the atmosphere and re-charge.

Eating and drinking

The diversity of regional cuisine alone is worth travelling to Italy for. Bistecca alla fiorentina (Florence's iconic T-bone steak); creamy Po plains risotto; olive oil and lemon-laced grilled fish on Elba; espresso and sweet treats in Naples' backstreets bars; fresh-from-the-wood-oven pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) in Rome. And as for sampling Brunello, Chianti, Prosecco, Montepulciano and Soave wines in historic cellars and in restaurants just yards from the vines – that’s an experience that lingers for life.

Where to stay

All World Journeys can assist you with all your needs, from luxury hotels, mountain huts, monasteries, hip hostels, family-run hotels, antiques-packed palazzos, secluded villas and remote farmhouses framed by vines and complete with pools.

10 markets you must visit in London

1. PORTOBELLO ROAD 

While perhaps best known for its famed antiques market, Portobello Road in Notting Hill is a true haven for fans of fashion from bygone eras. Whether it’s second-hand Chanel, pre-loved Burberry or kitschy cocktail jewels, you’re likely to spot something among the endless stalls of goodies that stretch the entire length of the road and beyond. While you’re in the area, it would be rude not to pop into vintage treasure trove.

2. BOROUGH MARKET

Food fans are guaranteed a good time at Borough Market, born in 1014. One of London’s largest food markets, it’s bursting at the seams with gourmet goodies from around the world to take home or devour on the spot, such as Ibérico ham from Brindisa, piping hot pastry from Pieminister or Bread Ahead’s legendary jam doughnuts. A friend in the market recommends heading by for around 3.30pm, when you’re more likely to pick up discounts and encounter jollier traders as things start to wind down for the day.

3. COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET

Part of the reason it takes so long to edge down Columbia Road on a Sunday morning is the fact that people regularly stop in their tracks to take photographs, causing rather a pile-up. You can’t blame them – the flower market is undeniably picturesque, not only for its rainbow of colourful flora but also its charming boutiques behind pretty 19th-century shop fronts. Head here to snag bunches of fresh peonies, Cornish daffodils and tulips, and gawp at people lugging giant pot plants home with them, often in rather ingenious ways.

4. BILLINGSGATE FISH MARKET

Trade customers and dedicated foodies brave an eye-wateringly early start to visit Billingsgate, the largest fish market in the UK, and once the largest in the world. Open from 4am-8am from Tuesday to Saturday and crammed to the gills with all manner of fresh seafood, it’s as much an experience as an opportunity to shop. Lap up the banter from the traders or spy exotic fish varieties from around the globe (150+ species are sold here). For an insider’s introduction to the market, the on-site Billingsgate Seafood School offers tours.

5. BROADWAY MARKET

A playground for the creative types who have settled in Hackney en masse over the past decade or so, Broadway Market is a lively place in which to spend a Saturday afternoon. It’s rammed with international food stalls, purveyors of vintage and vinyl, and opportunities to rub shoulders with the area’s style-conscious population as they sip flat whites and chat on the pavement, dogs in tow. We advise fuelling the perusing and people-watching with a strong coffee from Climpson & Sons, and popping in to the canalside Market Café for a spritz when you’re done.

6. CAMDEN MARKET

Camden Market – actually comprised of six different sites – has historically been a beacon for London’s nonconformists, from punks in the Seventies when the market first opened, to grunge devotees, rockers and hippies. Despite its present-day popularity, it still maintains a somewhat independent spirit, thanks to its banning of chain stores in Stables Market, which means that its large numbers of traders mainly sell handmade, Fairtrade crafts and vegan food. It also remains a hotspot for kinky club and fetish wear.

7. MALTBY STREET MARKET

For an opportunity to indulge with joyful abandon, you can’t beat Maltby Street. Lined up opposite a row of handsome railway arches, you’ll find street food stalls serving up shamelessly calorific delicacies, and crowds of cheery punters, beakers of G&T or vermouth in hand, waiting to get their fill. On our last visit, fare included oozing cheese toasties, fluffy naan breads piled with fresh toppings, and intensely chocolatey brownies. The permanent venues under the arches are always bustling, too, like the diminutive Bar Tozino, a fantastic spot for an aperitif.

8. SPITALFIELDS MARKET

Set under a striking steel and glass Victorian roof, Spitalfields Market draws crowds for its vibrant mix of independent traders selling an eclectic selection of wares. From hammam towels to antique maps, you’re sure to uncover an inspiring find. You’d be wise to pay a visit to Walconcept – a stall run by the always impeccably-dressed Waliou, whose selection of vintage scarves and ties can’t be beaten.

9. DOVER STREET MARKET

DSM is not your traditional market. In fact, the word ‘traditional’ has no place here at all. Inspired by the cult Kensington Market – a home for London subcultures that closed in the ’90s – this gender-fluid, multi-brand space by Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo pushes boundaries in all directions. Not least because it looks like one big art installation – featured designers are given the freedom to arrange their areas within the store as they see fit, resulting in endless strange and beautiful displays. With a gleeful mix of high and low price points, you’ll find established brands including Gucci and Balenciaga alongside pieces by rising stars such as Stefan Cooke and Marine Serre. In January and July DSM undergoes its seasonal changeover, where the entire place gets a new look. This is a prime time to visit, with exclusive products and treats from the top-floor Rose Bakery.

10. BRICK LANE MARKET

Brick Lane, the vibrant artery of Shoreditch, really comes into its own on market Sundays. Traders line the street with blankets spread with vintage china, decorative knick knacks and furniture, and alongside the odd inevitable bit of tat you’re likely to find a treasure. Head towards the imposing Old Truman Brewery for the Vintage Market, where you can browse homewares and memorabilia, clothing and accessories from the Twenties to the Nineties. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the Sunday Upmarket’s huge food hall.

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Amazing Thailand

From the temples and street food to the pristine beaches and luxury hotels, you’ve got every excuse for a holiday to Thailand.

The land of smiles

Thailand is known as the land of smiles, thanks to the welcoming nature of the Thai people. But there’s so much more to the country than friendly faces. In fact, it’s impossible to sum up Thailand in a nutshell, because every part is different.

Bangkok

Mixed in with the religious landmarks is one of the world’s most hectic capitals. Bangkok is a strobe-like city, where motorways have 12 lanes, markets have upward of 15,000 stalls, and restaurants are so concentrated, you’ll never be more than 50 metres away from one.

Beaches and islands

Then there’s the coast. In the Krabi province alone, there are 150 kilometres’ worth of beaches, many of which are backed by photogenic rock formations. In the Khao Lak area, the sands get swallowed up by national parks a few hundred metres from the shoreline. In Phuket, meanwhile, there’s a real mix. While the crowdless beaches in Mai Khao let you live incognito for a while, the ones in Patong invite you to a permanent party.

Multi-Centre holidays to Thailand

Settling on just one spot is no easy feat in this kaleidoscopic country. That’s why we’ve hand picked a selection of choices, which let you tick off two or more places in one trip. They pair up Bangkok with beach resorts, like Phuket and Khao Lak. Our Multi-Centre tours, meanwhile, cover off even more, from traditional Chiang Mai in the north to the picturesque Phi Phi Islands in the south.

Our favourite Christmas markets in Europe

Christmas markets in Europe form the perfect setting to get into the holiday spirit, with the sweet aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon spice and the echo of Christmas jingles in the air, and market stalls full of festive fare.  

Home to the some of the world’s most beautiful cities, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the preamble to the festive season in Europe. As the nights draw in, we highlight the best European Christmas markets to explore this year.

Here are my favourite Christmas markets in Europe

Manchester Christmas Markets, Manchester, UK

It started with a cluster of wooden stalls but now, 16 years later, Manchester’'s Christmas market has snowballed into an award-winning festive fantasia attracting seven million visitors yearly. Follow the 300 chalet-lined market trail across the city centre for all kinds of bespoke gifts, from fine jewellery to bonsai trees, while stopping for cocktails at the new pop-up-style Christmas Vintage Lounge on Exchange Square. The real highlight is the street food on Albert Square.

Prague Christmas Markets, Prague, Czech Republic

Prague's distinctively medieval backdrop of church domes, towers and magnificent ninth-century castle, provides the ultimate festive skyline. Stroll through cobbled streets, past hidden courtyards and over pretty bridges to Staromestské Námestie (the Old Town Square), or Wenceslas Square, for the largest –and most magical– markets. They are filled with atmospheric choirs, giant Christmas trees and fairy light-festooned stalls selling locally made gifts including luxe ceramics and scented candles.

Tivoli Christmas Market, Copenhagen, Denmark

When you've got the chief designer from Tiffany & Co. planning the design concept, you can bank on an exquisite spectacle. In 1997, John Loring set the cobbled streets sparkling and transformed the city’s famous Tivoli Gardens into a twinkling winter wonderland with more than 500,000 fairy lights. Now, this Scandi-chic market, along with welcoming scents of gløgg (mulled wine), exhilarating rides and brightly coloured stalls, selling the type of sweaters made famous by Sofie Gråbøl in The Killing, attracts more than a million visitors a year.

Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria

With a market practically on every corner, where better to don your finest faux-fur than Vienna? Schoenbrunn Palace Christmas Market is best for stylish shopping, while the largest and gaudiest – Christkindlmarkt (christmas market) – dates back to 1294 and is bursting with atmosphere. Set in the Rathausplatz in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall, locals come to check out the festive window scenes painted by local artists, and stay for the glühwein (mulled wine). Take a stroll through Rathauspark for old-fashion carousel rides and a ‘Post Office in the Clouds’, where you can post your Christmas cards. Remember those?

Mulhouse Christmas Market, Alsace, France

The Christmas market takes place on the most important square of the city - Place de la Réunion. Known as being one of the most colourful Christmas markets in the world, the site is the perfect opportunity for the town to celebrate it's textile heritage with Christmas fabric created each year hung on the facades of around 100 typical festive huts.

Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany

The Germans know a thing or two about Christmas markets. Over 2,500 are dotted around the country but Nuremberg’s 400-year-old Christkindlmarkt is arguably the most famous. Shining in the Bavarian city's old town, this festive gem has it all: twinkling lights, super-strong glühwein and delicious Bratwurst. Each of the 180 stalls sell genuine tat-free treasures, from handmade candles to enameled music boxes, and special wardens ensure all products are locally made. It all adds to the authentic flavour and the buzzing Bierkeller next to the ice-rink is a guaranteed Christmas spirit booster.

Edinburgh Christmas Markets, Edinburgh, UK

Bringing traditional German flavour to the Scottish capital, stallholders at The European Market are from Frankfurt, while The Scottish Market serves up local delights. Treat your pooch to canine cookies from The Grassmarket on Saturdays, lose yourself in the fir tree maze and ride the Edinburgh wheel for fantastic city views. Once Christmas is wrapped up, it all kicks off again for Hogmanay: a legendary New Year’s party where 80,000 revelers come for music, fireworks and lashings of whisky.

Dancing in the street Chinese style