TRAVEL
My husband and I would
like to go on a short
break in December,
where would you suggest
and what can we do
while we are away?
There are numerous options for
short-haul travel in December,
in addition to the more well
known European cities of Rome,
Venice and Madrid. It is great
to visit at this time of the year
when the crowds are less and the
temperature more conducive to
sight-seeing. There are also many
interesting historical centres to visit
serviced with direct regional flights
through the winter months.
One to put on your list is Prague,
capital city of the Czech Republic,
a history book of architecture
and a beautiful medieval town,
complete with the world’s oldest
castle. Prague is a well connected
city with an excellent Metro or
you can hop on the local trams.
Take the cable car to the top of
Petrin Hill and you will see the ‘City
of a Hundred Spires’ for yourself,
a beautiful panoramic view. See
Prague by night with a boat trip
on the Vitava, or visit the bars in
the Old Town Square. Wenceslas
Square is lined with jazz clubs and
classic Czech pubs.
From late November to early
January Prague is also home to
several Christmas markets. Absorb
the festive atmosphere in the Old
Town Square and St. Wenceslas
Square, with decorated wooden
huts selling traditional crafts, toys
48
and gifts. Smaller markets are
also dotted around the city on
Republic Square and Havel’s
Market, and by St Georges
Basilica at Prague Castle.
Sample some of the traditional
barbecued klobasa sausages,
or cakes and pastries like the
Trdelnik, a hot sugar coated
pastry. You can also try the
traditional Czech beers, Pilsner,
Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar
or a cup of hot mulled wine or
svarak.
In the Old Town square you can
also see a nativity scene with
stable and live animals as well
as Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus
and the three kings, and the
impressive Christmas Tree from
Ceska Lip a in the North. The
Astronomical Clock in the Old
Square chimes on the hour with a
procession of the twelve apostles.
A festive atmosphere not to be
missed!
If you have children, or
grandchildren to entertain
you can also consider a trip to
Lapland to visit Father Christmas,
or just enjoy the peace quiet
and tranquility of the wilderness
and wide open spaces of Finnish
Lapland.
As well as the Santa experience
there are Snowmobile
adventures, Husky Safaris and
Reindeer Farms to visit and
an abundance of wild life like
moose, Arctic foxes, snowy owls,
hares and willow grouse to see,
all set against a scenic snowy
backdrop. The temperatures at
the time of the year can be
very cold so it is not advisable
to take infants under the
age of two years. Many tour
operators will also provide outer
garments whether you are
going for the day or a longer
duration, but you will also need
layers of warm clothing as the
temperatures can drop to 40
degrees in the winter months.
While you are in Lapland you
can also take the opportunity
to search for the Northern
Lights. This beautiful natural
phenomena, lighting the night
sky with a glow of green, yellow
and pink, can be seen due to
the remote northern locations
and lack of light pollution.
Unfortunately there are never
any guarantees but you can
see the Aurora Borealis for over
200 nights of the year in some
areas, and the clear starfilled skies are spectacular in
themselves.
Once you have decided how
long you want to stay, either
for a day-trip, 3 to 4 days or
a whole week your Travel
Agent will be able to advise
on the best activities for your
party, and pre-book to avoid
disappointment. Many Tour
operators include the most
popular activities in their holiday
package price.
Accommodation is varied fro