Enjoy markets, music & Advent ambience on a festive short break with Jules Verne

Despite the distraction of an un-seasonally warm start to autumn, anyone planning a pre-Christmas escape to stock up on festive goodies and Advent ambience knows that now is the time to get your skates on! Specialist tour operator Jules Verne (www.vjv.com) offers three delightful short-haul options:

Markets & Mountains – Basel

Tick the festive markets of no less than three countries off your Christmas list on this short break. From four-star accommodation (the Hotel Gaia) in the historic Swiss riverside city of Basel, travel by train to Freiburg in Germany’s Black Forest, and to the charming Alsace town of Colmar in eastern France, with ample time in each to browse the beautifully decorated stalls selling traditional hand-crafted gifts and local delicacies.

Departing 23 & 30 November, and 7 & 14 December, the price is from £495 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick), transfers and excursions by public transport, three nights’ B&B and one dinner.

Markets & Mountains – Lucerne & Mount Pilatus

Nestling among snow-capped mountains and with a stunning lakeside setting, Lucerne is your base for the first two nights of this festive escape, staying at the four-star Hotel des Balances in the old town. Explore this fascinating city, potter and pick up unique gifts at its Christmas markets before travelling on – by bus and cable car – up to Mount Pilatus, for an unforgettable overnight stay at the top, in the three-star Hotel Pilatus Kulm.

Departing 26 November and 3, 10 & 17 December, the price is from £645 pp (two sharing), including flights (Heathrow), transfers and excursions by public transport, three nights’ B&B and one dinner.

Christmas Markets & Music on the Danube

Kick start the festive season with this four-night river cruise to Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, discovering the musical heritage of each city and exploring their traditional Christmas markets. Enjoy guided walking tours, Strauss & Mozart concerts, a guided tour and ‘arias’ at the Hungarian State Opera House, a visit to the homes of Strauss and Beethoven, and more.

Departing 2 December, the price is from £1,295 pp (two sharing), including flights (Heathrow), transfers, four-night cruise, full board and drinks with meals on the cruise vessel, excursions, and the services of local expert guides and representatives.

This festive cruise is also available as a five-night cruise over Christmas. Departing 22 December, the price is from £1,845 pp with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Fully ABTA and ATOL bonded, and winner of many travel awards, including Which? ‘Recommended Provider Status 2017’, Jules Verne’s team of travel experts organises every detail, ensuring that clients can book in complete confidence. This commitment is further reinforced by Jules Verne’s 100% Price Guarantee; the holiday price is fixed when clients book and will remain so, even if Jules Verne’s costs increase subsequently.

For more information on Jules Verne – or to enquire about a commissioned press trip – please contact Karen Carpenter at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk.