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Steven McGovern 11/27/23 Steven McGovern 11/27/23

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.

lETS TALK

Steven McGovern 11/28/22 Steven McGovern 11/28/22

Our favourite Christmas markets in Europe

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

Tivoli Christmas Market, Copenhagen, Denmark

Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria

Mulhouse Christmas Market, Alsace, France

Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany

Edinburgh Christmas Markets, Edinburgh, UK

LETS talk

Steven McGovern 6/10/20 Steven McGovern 6/10/20

Flying Safety Updates

As the skies prepare to open to fly business and leisure passengers around the world, airlines have started to implement Covid 19 safety measures to keep you and their staff safe during this transitional period.

Take a look below at our preferred airlines responses to keep passengers safe in the sky.

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Steven McGovern 5/27/19 Steven McGovern 5/27/19

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.

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Steven McGovern 10/28/18 Steven McGovern 10/28/18