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Last week 10 agents returned from a festive fam trip to Germany and Austria. Here they fill Abigail Healy in on the highlights
It was Christmas markets galore for agents on Collette’s latest fam trip. The festive fun was spread between Germany and Austria with plenty of cream-topped hot chocolates and gluhwein to fuel them along the way.
Beginning in the German town of Wurzburg, renowned for its wine and historic sites, agents went on a walking tour before moving on to medieval Rothenburg for the first Christmas market of the trip.
They then boarded their ship, Amadeus Elegant, in Nuremberg for a six-night Danube cruise. Here they explored the city’s 900-year-old ramparts and visited the Christmas market with its handcrafted nutcrackers and spiced Lebkuchen (gingerbread).
Next stop Regensburg offered 1,400 historic buildings and the first bridge built over the Danube, while in Passau agents visited St Stephen’s Cathedral. A scenic cruise through Austria’s Wachau Valley saw agents visit the charming towns of Emmersdorf and Durnstein as well as 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey.
Finally, they came to their final stop, Vienna, where they enjoyed the city’s most famous Christmas market, in front of the Rathaus or City Hall, and its baroque architecture. Their trip came to a close with a Christmas concert performed by the ship’s onboard orchestra.
The overall highlight of the trip for agents was Vienna. Travel Counsellor Collette Howse says: “It’s a really majestic place. The buildings are imposing and give you a sense of the history.” Maxine Garrick-Maidment, Travelworld Exmouth, adds: “I would like to go back. I loved the buildings, statues and fountains, plus it felt safe to walk around.”
Others were won over by the festive atmosphere. Jennifer Bidewell, Independence Travel, says: “Vienna is a beautiful city both day and night – I would recommend it as a city break – and the atmosphere at the Christmas market in the evening was magical.” Lynne Joshua, Wetherby Travel, adds: “One hour wasn’t enough, clients should stay at least two!”
Agents still found time for a few festive purchases, however. Maureen Mackenzie, Travel Direct, says: “I bought some nativity figures and wooden games – there were some very different things to what you’d find in the UK.”
Feeling festive
Exploring the Christmas markets on a river cruise was novel for some of the agents and they highlight the convenience it offers. Garrick-Maidment says: “Only unpacking once has to be a bonus and docking in the centre of towns makes you feel safe, plus it’s easy to find your way around.” Bidewell adds, “You get to see more than in a land-based trip. You also get the opportunity to visit smaller towns, which you might not get to visit otherwise.”
They also consider why winter makes a good time for a river cruise. Howse says: “The crisp cold mornings are lovely and with the Christmas feel, it’s magical.” Garrick-Maidment adds, “The Christmas lights and candles are lovely and you get that special cosy feeling of wrapping up in cold weather. Also the towns aren’t crowded.”
Market crawl
Beyond Vienna, agents note other highlights including Regensburg, which Howse says “felt less touristy”, and Rothenburg, which Bidewell describes as “quaint and picturesque with a lovely Christmas market”.
Germany’s Passau was also a popular stop with the agents, who were particularly impressed by their tour guide. “He was so passionate and knowledgeable about his home town,” says Tina Sweeney of Independent Travel Experts.
One thing that surprised the group about the trip was how action-packed it was. “I was expecting cruising to be more relaxed,” Bidewell says.
When considering who the itinerary is best suited to, agents suggest that while it’s best for those aged 50-plus, they do need to be reasonably active. Bidewell says: “You need to be fit and active to keep up with the itinerary.”
They also highlight the convenience of river cruising. “I would recommend it to clients wanting an easy holiday, who want everything arranged for them. For those wanting to learn about the culture and history and enjoy the whole Christmas experience without the stress of organising it all,” says Garrick-Maidment.
