Of the Austrian christmas markets, Vienna is one of the most popular. Vienna's Christmas markets are an age-old tradition from as far back as the Middle Ages - 1298AD! Although the Christmas markets have changed a lot since the first Krippenmarkt, it still maintains much of the festive spirit. Vienna has many Christmas markets: Magic of Advent in the Rathauspark, Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz, Christmas Village Altes AKH, Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace, Christkindlmarkt Spittelberg, Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, Divina Art Christmas Market on Karlsplatz and Ice Palace at MQ. All selling a vast array of gifts and treats to sample and purchase, you will be sure to find something even for the most difficult person. Meander through all the different christmas markets and you will be sure to get into the festivities, from the winter games and activities offered at the Ice Palace to the household goods at Spittelberg to the blend of Mid European craftsmen and women's products at Karlsplatz. Use the search form to the left to find Vienna christmas markets or alternatively give us a call and our experienced advisers will help you find a suitable coach holiday.

(Please note the operating dates and times for each market differ, but are between the dates stated above.)

Graz holds numerous Christmas markets offering regional farm products, Styrian arts and crafts, mulled wine and hot punch to keep you warm. The oldest Christmas market in Graz is near the Franciscan church. Not too far is the gigantic Christmas tree and the old fashioned merry-go-round in the Christmas market in front of City Hall. There is also an enormous advent calendar on the face of City Hall counting down the days to Christmas. The christmas market at Eiserne Tor captures the true meaning of Christmas: the spirit of giving. This market is run by local charities, where the proceeds go towards charity projects. Be sure to purchase some gifts and know that you're contributing towards helping those in need. A truly wonderful winter sight in Graz is of the nativity ice sculpture in Landhaushof. It is made with approximately 50 tons of crystal clear ice and will hopefully be sculpted again this year. Each market has its own individual buzz. Be sure to visit them all and take away memories of a wonderful Advent in Austria. Use the search form to the left to find Graz christmas markets or alternatively give us a call and our experienced advisers will help you find a suitable coach holiday.

Innsbruck's Christmas markets are considered amongst some of the most beautiful and romantic within the Alpine region and are appealing to all ages. In front of the Golden Roof, in Innsbruck's old city centre is a traditional Christmas market surrounded by medieval architecture. You will find many trinkets, ornaments and handicrafts as well as traditional foods such as Kiachin and Glühwein. The main shopping street (Maria-Theresien Straße) in Innsbruck will be sure to dazzle as it is filled with stalls containing crystal, modern Christmas lighting designs and souvenirs. This modern offering compliments the traditional feel offered by the other markets. Marktplatz's Christmas market is for the whole family! There is plenty to do, such as carousel rides, visiting the petting zoo and of course admiring the range of possible gifts and tasting the mouth-watering delicacies. For breathtaking views of this wonderful city, visit the Panorama Christmas Market on Hungerburg Hill. Once you've reached the top by using the new Hungerburgbahn train, you will be greeted with overwhelming panoramic views of Innsbruck. Use the search form to the left to find Innsbruck christmas market coach tours or alternatively give us a call and our experienced advisers will help you find a suitable coach holiday.

Between late November and Christmas Schönbrunn Palace is transformed into an Advent village. The Christmas market at Schönbrunn is one of Vienna's most popular. You will find many Austrian gift items ranging from wooden decorations, felt, glass and even tin toys. You can even try alcoholic and non-alcoholic Austrian drinks, such as punches, teas and wines. The glittering lights and inviting atmosphere creates one of the best times to take part in a guided tour of Schönbrunn. The tour includes Christmas stories from the Habsburg era, as well the origins of the Christmas tree, Christ child, exchanging of gifts, tradition of gingerbread and even toys throughout the ages. As part of the christmas market entertainment, choirs, groups and brass bands from all over the world will be performing on the main stage during the Advent season in front of the Christmas tree. There will also be activities to keep young ones amused such as decorating sweets and biscuits, Christmas stories and maybe even 'Hunt the Christmas Parcel'.

The tradition and ambiance of Salzburg's Christmas market make an ideal setting to start off the Christmas season. Every year visitors are enchanted by the charm of Cathedral Square, the traditional booths, the strings of light and the quality of the diversified items on sale. Come and enjoy some of the magic this year: from traditional handicrafts, fine baked goods, aromatic tree ornaments and various objet d'art for the Christmas season. Salzburg's Christmas market is a feast for all the senses: the delicious scent of mulled wine wafts around booths adorned with precious, decorative, old and new items. Performances by traditional Salzburg choirs and children's school groups lure a crowd of visitors year after year. The market will be opened by the archbishop on the 1st Saturday in Advent right after the blessing of the Advent wreaths. Use the search form to the left to find Salzburg christmas market coach trips or alternatively give us a call and our experienced advisers will help you find a suitable coach holiday.

Christmas Markets	Austria Christmas Markets	German Christmas Markets
Belgium Christmas Markets	France Christmas Markets	Holland Christmas Markets
Luxembourg Christmas Markets	Prague Christmas Markets	Brussels Christmas Market
Cologne Christmas Markets	Berlin Christmas Markets	Munich Christmas Market
London Christmas Markets	Birmingham Christmas Market	Manchester Christmas Market

Stay safe overseas, know before you go

Whatever your reason for travelling abroad, you're sure to want a trouble free trip. Many of the things that often go wrong for travellers can be prevented or made less stressful by taking a few simple precautions. So it makes sense to spend a little time getting prepared before you travel, you could save yourself a lot of problems later on.

With this in mind, we are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to help British nationals stay safe abroad. The FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk/travel) offers straightforward travel advice, top tips and up to date country information to help you plan your holiday.

Tips include:

• Make sure you have valid travel insurance, even if you,re only planning a short trip.
• Visit your GP at least 6 weeks before you travel to get any vaccinations you might need.
• Read up on your destination, including local laws and customs.
• Make photocopies of your passport, visas and insurance details and leave a copy with a relative or friend at home.
• Register with the FCO,s LOCATE service to tell them where you're travelling to so the embassy and crisis staff can provide better assistance in an emergency such as a tsunami or terrorist attack.

You can also find handy checklists to use before you set off and whilst you're away. Plus it's worth reading up on what the local British Consulate can do to help you if you run into problems abroad and what they can't do.

For all this and more information, visit the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk/travel. Or if you prefer, call the 24 hour FCO travel advice line on 0845 850 2829