Arras & Amiens Christmas Market

Itinerary:

Friday
Depart Leyland at 06.00hrs for our journey to Dover, with a suitable lunch stop en-route, board the afternoon ferry for the short crossing to Calais with access to the Club Lounge included, relax and help yourself to self-service food and drinks during the crossing. Disembark and re-join the coach to continue our journey to Arras. As we are bed and breakfast board basis on this tour, once your checked in, wrap up and perhaps make the short walk from the hotel into the medieval centre where you will be greeted by a wonderful array of cafes and restaurants to suit every palate and pocket. Explore the Christmas Market and enjoy the magical scene as Arras is illuminated in festive splendour against the winter nights sky. For those not wishing to venture out, the hotel does have a bar on site.

Saturday
Today spend a free day in our host city Arras. Explore the charming Grand'Place with stunning Flemish-Style architecture home to the magical Christmas market. Sample roasted chestnuts and spiced bread as you wander through 140+ festive chalets laden with French delicacies, festive gifts, and treats. Visit enticing pavement cafes or perhaps visit the cathedral, or the Boves network of historic warren-like tunnels or climb the UNESCO-listed 16th century belfry to enjoy views over the city. Head over to a part of town that's renowned for its creative vibe, the Quartier des Arts. As its name suggests, it boasts not only trendy boutiques and arty workshops but also the Fine Arts Museum. The day and evening are free time, so the choice is yours.

Sunday,
This morning following a leisurely breakfast and time to relax and explore Arras join the coach at 14.00hrs for our journey to Amiens in The Somme, the town is best known for suffering greatly in both world wars and the magnificent 13th century Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the largest Gothic style cathedral in France. Amiens is home to one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in Northern France, as we depart Amiens at 20.00hrs this will allow us time for an evening meal and to explore giving us a chance to see the light show that illuminates the cathedral in its traditional colours, wander the main shopping streets lined with the festive chalets of the Christmas market laden with festive goodies and locally produced crafts and festive treats.

Monday
Check out of our hotel following a leisurely breakfast as we return to Calais, before we do visit a cash and carry for any last-minute goodies and drinks you might need for the Christmas period. Continue our journey to Calais to board the afternoon ferry home to the UK with access to the Club Lounge included, relax and help yourself to self-service food and drink during the crossing. Disembark and re-join the coach in Dover to continue our journey home. With suitable comfort stops en-route.