Short Breaks Around Europe

The Festive Break is slowly but surely becoming an increasingly popular option for many UK residents over the Fextive period.

Most popular destinations include:

    * Amsterdam
    * Bruges - Beer fan?
    * Brussels - Xmas Market
    * Hamelin
    * Paris
    * Olso
    * Copenhagen
    * Cologne
    * Berlin
    * Rome
    * Milan
    * Rotterdam

The impressive architecture, vibrant nightlife, Christmas markets and great shopping areas that all of these cities offer all contribute to an atmsophere that is completely different from that which prevails in the UK. It is easy to see why festive breaks are an attractive option.

There are cheap european ferry bookings for these breaks are available from DFDS Seaways.

We all know what its like - sometimes our lives are so hectic that we can’t get the time to stop and cherish some quality time with our loved ones. Well, fans of ferry cruises can now combine both by going on a specially designated Romantic Cruise to Europe. These trips will specifically include all the requirements of a romantic getaway including Champagne, Candle-lit Dinners, Breakfast in Bed and of course, wonderful and evocative destinations. Our choices of locales would include Amsterdam, Holland (cruise from Newcastle), Brittany in France (perhaps travel down to Paris!) and Belgian Bruges.

You don’t have to take our word for it, check out this excellent article from The Times for some more Romantic Break options.

Thanks to a few of our eagle eyed readers out there we have been told of a great competition from ferry operator DFDS Seaways. Take part in an online quiz and be in with a chance of winning one of 80 free mini cruises for 4 people to Amsterdam! Has to be worth a try!

Take the quiz here - good luck!

 Statues on Esbjerg beach

Denmark is a destination that we feel has been underrated over the years. Its proximity to the UK should ensure that it is one of the most prominent short break destinations from the UK, however sometimes it can be quite hard to find someone who has actually been there. An areas of Denmark that comes up quite regularly as being an outstanding tourist destination is that of Esbjerg in the South West of Denmark. We thought that it would be useful to compile our top five reasons to visit this area.

1. Esbjerg is different - Understandably, may ferry operators focus their efforts on the major population bases, after all - Europe does cover a rether wide are. Therefore, travelling to somewhere like Esbjerg is a little different thatn going to France or Holland - were pretty sure that none of your friends will have been there. Its good to be different sometimes.
2. See the real Denmark - The fifth biggest Danish city, Esbjerg has a population of approximately 83,000 people. The city is home to Danish offshore oil and gas industry, and provides an authntic view of Denmark, unmarked by vast tourist numbers.
3. Outstanding Natural environment - Esbjerg has an exceptional geography, its natural environment is composed of vast, wide beaches, stunning coastal scenery and and an abundance of wildlife. The farmland in and around Esbjerg is also a very beautiful contrast to the sea and beaches.
4. Food and Drink - Esbjerg enjoys a wide range of impressive restaurants, coffee shops, bars and night clubs. There is literally something for everyone in the city - all served up in a relaxed and informal manner.
5. Cultural experience - Those looking for a cultural experience will not be short of options in Esbjerg. For example, the Musikhuset musical centre, which was designed by the architect Jorn Urtzon (designer the world famous Sydney opera house) has events all year round. On the periphery of the city you will find the international class Fisheries and Maritime Museum.

Thats just five short reasons to visit the city of Esbjerg. There is alot more that we could write, the best course of action would be to try and visit the city yourself. Ferry crossings to esbjerg are available from Harwich in the UK. If there is anyone out there who has been to Esbjerg, don’t hesitate to let us know how you got on!…….

Amsterdam is the ideal location for a Mini Cruise from the UK. It is only a short distance away, yet it offers a completely different atmosphere than any city than any the UK has to offer. The ferry comapny DFDS Seaways operates a number of Mini Cruise breaks to Amsterdam. Here are a few of the best things that you can do when you arrive in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a culturally diverse city, which offers a unique travel experience. In fact, there is so much to do that it can be a little overwhelming for tourists, especially if time is of the essence on your mini-cruise break. These are a few examples of what we feel are the essential things to do in Amsterdam.

Take a walk around the city!

Walking around Amsterdam is a very pleasant experience and a great option for the budget-concious out there. Just grab a map at one of the Amsterdam Tourist Offices and sart exploring. The best areas to walk around include, stylish and trendy Jordaan, the Central Canal Ring; The historiuc Oude Zijde; and the the Eastern Canal Ring and its mansion houses. You could also hire a bike and join the locals!

Visit Van Gogh Museum

There are many superb museums in Amsterdam. However, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the best. The largest collection of Van Gogh’s work, the museum itself has undergone a refurbishment and this has improved the visitor experience immensley. There is also an option for an English language self guided tour.

The Netherlands largest national museum, the Rijksmuseum offers the finest collection of 17th-century Dutch works of art in just one wing of its massive Neo-Gothic structure (architecturally worth seeing itself). “The Masterpieces” exhibition is a must see, featuring works by Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Travelling along the canals is the only way to get a truly experience the uniqueness of Amsterdam. Infact, if you only have a short period of time in the city, we would recommend a canal cruise above all else. You can jump into an open-top canal boat or do-it-yourself on a canal bike. You can cruise doen the canals and soak in the atmosphere, viewing 17th-century mansions, tree-lined neighborhoods and stunning architecture, both ancient and modern. A night or sunset cruise is probabaly the best time to take a cruise.

Visit The Anne Frank House

In a profound and moving experience, where Anne Frank penned her world-reknowned diaries during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in World War 2. Visiting this museum is a profound experience. Avoid the queues by visiting early or late in the day, or by purchasing tickets in advance. The museum is situated in Westermark, central Amsterdam.

Sample the cafe culture

Of course, no trip to Amsterdam would be complete without taking in the unique and laid back atmosphere of the many cafes that pepper the city.

These are just a few suggestions that we would have for your Amsterdam mini-cruise visit. If anyone has any other suggestions, dont hesitate to let us know!