Holidays for groups, coach tour to Valkenburg
Valkenburg Magical Caves and Maastricht Christmas Markets
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Gemeente Grot Valkenburg
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Santas Village tree Valkenburg
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View of Maastricht and the Saint Servaasbrug footbridge across the river Meuse ©Maastricht Marketing License Agreement, Photographer Eighty8things
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Maastricht Town Hall
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Christmas Markets in Caves Valkenburg
Experience a Christmas Market in a huge cave! During the Christmas season, the residents of Valkenburg transform the extraordinary caves under the city into spectacular Christmas Markets. Valkenburg is Holland’s oldest tourist destination and boasts many attractions including the famous castle, museums, marlstone caves, a chairlift and a great selection of shops, street cafes and restaurants.
Maastricht is a medieval old town with cobbled streets, parks and monuments such as the historical Town Hall located on the Markt and the Basilica of Our Lady. There is also a wide selection of local delicatessens, wine specialty shops, bakeries, and regional product stores.
Dates
end November - December 2025 (subject to confirmation)
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Valkenburg
Travel to Dover and take the ferry to Calais. Continue through France, into Belgium and on to Valkenburg in Holland for the next 3 nights. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Valkenburg and the Christmas Market Caves
During the Christmas season, the extraordinary caves under the ruined castle of Valkenburg are transformed into a winter wonderland. The caves ‘darkest corners’ are lit up by bright lights and feature Christmas trees, charming decorations and a collection of over 50 magical Christmas market stalls selling hand blown glass ornaments, traditional crafts and clothing and much, much more. Whilst in the caves you can see the historical charcoal drawings carved into the marlstone walls.
Enjoy a full day exploring Valkenburg and the town’s magnificent Christmas Markets which are held in two caves deep under the city – the Municipal Caves and the Velvet Cave (Fluweelengrot). It is unlike any Christmas Market you will ever see.
What’s more, in addition to the caves, there are the castle ruins, museums as well as a chair lift offering great views. Also on offer is the South Limburg Steam Train (subject to seasonal operation) and a collection of shops, street cafés and restaurants.
(The cave markets are generally open 11.00-19.00 hrs (Mon-Fri) and 10.00-19.00 hrs (Fri & Sat) – dates and opening times subject to confirmation for 2025)
Day 3
Magical Maastricht Christmas Market
Only a short drive away from Valkenburg is Maastricht, the southernmost city in Holland and the Christmas market takes place on The Vrijthof square from the end of November until the end of December. Here you can experience the traditional winter chalets filled with delightful treats, charming decorations and heartwarming beverages, a towering Ferris Wheel with covered glass gondolas, a covered ice rink and a grand Christmas tree with sparkling lights.
Walk through the sparkling tunnel of lights, which leads to the Basilica of St. Servatius or take a ride on a traditional carousel and don’t forget to sample some traditional ‘oliebollen’ (deep-fried dough balls) or waffles!
(The market is generally open from 10.00-22.00 hrs daily (extended on Fri & Sat) – dates and opening times subject to confirmation for 2025)
Day 4
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and drive to Calais for the ferry crossing over to the UK.
Optional extra day
Christmas Market Selection
If you want to extend your stay or visit an alternative market to Maastricht, there are several other popular Christmas Markets within travelling distance from Valkenburg, these include Liege (Belgium); Aachen, Monschau and Cologne (Germany)
| Departure date | 4 days/3 nights | Single Supplement |
| November – December 2025 | Price on request | Price on request |
Please note that although the Christmas Market Caves in Valkenburg generally open from mid-November, other markets do not start until nearer the end of November (subject to confirmation)
