Holidays for groups, coach tour to Valkenburg
Valkenburg’s Magical Caves and 3 Countries 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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Christmas Markets in Caves Valkenburg
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Monschau
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Aachen City Hall illuminated in the evening ©GNTB, Photographer Francesco Carovillano
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Liege, Belgium - Palais des P-E
During the Festive season, the residents of Valkenburg transform the extraordinary caves under the town into spectacular Christmas Markets. Valkenburg is Holland’s oldest tourist destination and boasts many other attractions including the famous castle and museums. It also boasts a great selection of shops, street cafes and restaurants which will be decorated for the festivities.
On this tour you can also experience the magic of the Christmas markets in nearby towns such as nearby medieval Maastricht, Aachen and/or Monschau (Germany) and Liege (Belgium) – the choice is yours.
Dates
22 November, 01 & 04 December 2025
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 4 nights. If time allows before dinner, start exploring the town which is within walking distance of the hotel.
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. Both the Municipal Caves (Geementegrot) and the Velvet Caves (Fluweelengrot) become transformed into an endless maze of lights, christmas trees, charming decorations and market stalls selling hand blown glass ornaments, traditional crafts and clothing and much, much more. Whilst in the caves. which are very easy to navigate, you can also see the historical charcoal drawings carved into the marlstone walls. There is even a whole chapel carved into the stone. Entrance is included to both caves as well as a guided tour on a tourist train of the Municipal Cave.
What’s more, in addition to the caves, there are the castle ruins and museums to explore. Also on offer are a great collection of shops, street cafés and restaurants.
During your stay in Valkenburg, a magical parade passes through the old town (twice weekly, dates to be confirmed). The historic centre forms a fantastic backdrop against the illuminated procession of abundantly decorated floats and groups of dancers in glamorous costumes.
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!
Day 4
Option 1 – Aachen and Monschau Christmas Markets
Every year in the weeks prior to Christmas, the squares and alleys around Aachen’s town hall and cathedral are transformed into a festive Christmas Market. Enjoy free time visiting the many stalls whilst sipping a warming cup of mulled wine and sampling the delicious potato fritters. Be sure to also try ‘Spekulatius’ or traditional Christmas spice cookies.
Monschau, the ‘Gem of the Eifel Region’ is a classically pretty town. It has one of the most popular Christmas markets in the area and takes place every year during Advent. The market is surrounded by half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and the impressive Monschau Castle and the whole place is lit up with Christmas lights and decorations, and the atmosphere is magical.
Option 2 – Liège Christmas Market
Imagine an ice rink, a toboggan run, a ferris wheel, live entertainment, and delicious local delicacies. The Christmas markets in Liège are a mixture of Belgian, German, and French Christmas traditions. The Christmas Village (Le Village de Noël) is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Belgium and where you can admire the beautifully illuminated monuments around St. Paul’s Cathedral. Do not forget to sample local delicacies such as Liège waffles, Galler chocolate, and piquet, the Belgian version of gin.
Day 5
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and drive to Calais for the ferry crossing over to the UK.
Featured hotels
Hotel Walram, Valkenburg ***
Located only two minutes walk to the town centre, on the banks of the River Geul this highly recommended hotel has coach parking close by. The hotel has a lift, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sauna and solarium. Rooms have en-suite facilities, TV, hairdryer and telephone. Hotel inspected by Greatdays staff in 2023.
Hotel Riche, Valkenburg ****
Hotel Riche is located 200 metres from the city centre and has an on site restaurant. Guest rooms at the property offer a private bathroom and a TV. There is a lounge bar for drinks. The Thermae 2000 wellness resort is just a 10-minute walk away.
Christmas Markets 2025 dates:
Valkenburg – 14 November 2025 to 05 January 2026 (daily)
Maastricht – 29 November 2025 to 30 December 2025 (daily)
Aachen – 22 November 2025 to 23 December 2025 (daily)
Monschau – dates to be confirmed but only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Liège – dates to be confirmed
Hotel Walram, Valkenburg ***
| Departure date | 5 days / 4 nights HALF BOARD* | Single Supplement |
| 01 December 2025 | From £365.00 per person | From £99.00 per person |
*Half Board includes dinner, bed and breakfast
Hotel Riche, Valkenburg ****
| Departure date | 5 days / 4 nights ALL INCLUSIVE** | Single Supplement |
| 22 November 2025 | From £485.00 per person | From £345.00 per person |
| 04 December 2025 | From £485.00 per person | From £345.00 per person |
**All Inclusive includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, coffee and tea all day for free, wine/beer and soda is available from 17:00 till 00:00, Live entertainment, walking tour of Valkenburg
