The MPS Da Vinci is one of Shearings’ finest river cruise ships, and my cruise allowed me to enjoy a relaxing break with amazing views over the Danube and surrounding landscape, as well as discovering some of Europe’s best destinations.

Setting Sail

My holiday began with a comfortable coach journey from the UK to Belgium, where we stayed at a hotel for the night. In the morning, we travelled on to Linz, and I enjoyed time getting to know my fellow passengers. By the time we joined the ship in Linz, I’d already made friends with lots of the other people travelling with me! We were welcomed on-board by the ship’s crew, who were waiting to greet us, and we were treated to a welcome drink, which really made me feel as though my holiday had started in earnest. Afterwards, we were able to relax in our cabins for a short while before sitting down to a relaxing evening meal. I loved the entertainment we had that evening, and took part in a few games with the other passengers before retiring to my cabin for a good night’s sleep.

In the morning, we set sail along the Danube. Our leisurely cruise gave me plenty of time to admire the stunning scenery, as we travelled through the iconic Austrian countryside on our way to Vienna. Throughout the day, I made the most of the chance to sit back and relax, as well as visiting the ship’s library to spend some time reading a good book.

Visiting Vibrant Vienna

I awoke to the sights of Vienna, the ‘City of Waltzes’, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast while admiring the amazing scenery. We docked in Vienna by evening and had two optional excursions to choose from – a Mozart and Strauss concert and a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna. I chose the concert, and had a wonderful time. We made our way to the concert hall to take in the mesmerising waltzes, polkas, arias and duets, all the while being entertained by the superb opera singers and ballet dancers who accompanied the music. Afterwards, we returned to the MPS Da Vinci and I was thrilled to find that a member of the crew was waiting for us, with a welcome drink for each of us in hand. I enjoyed a wonderfully relaxed evening, and was thoroughly looking forward to the next day’s activities.

The next day, after breakfast, we had another exciting optional excursion to take in – a trip into Vienna and to Schonbrunn Palace. I was so excited to explore Vienna, and the excursion definitely didn’t disappoint. We took a coach tour, driving along the Ringstrasse around the city centre to see the sights. These included the State Opera House and Johann Strauss House, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Natural History Museum, the Parliament building, the City Hall, the Votiv Church and much more.

Our tour wasn’t finished though, as we continued on to the magical Schonbrunn Palace, which used to be the summer residence for Habsburgs. We toured the state rooms and took in the incredible Great Gallery, Round and Oval Chinese Rooms, and the brilliant decor at the palace.

After our exciting day out today, I was ready to relax on-board, and was happy to sit back and admire the views as we left Vienna and started our journey to Budapest.

Brilliant Budapest

There is nothing quite like sailing into Budapest, the ‘Queen of the Danube’, aboard the beautiful MPS Da Vinci, with its friendly crew and intimate, inviting style. You really do feel as though you’re stepping into an exclusive floating private members’ club, just for the use of Shearings’ guests, and you’re always made to feel welcome.

That morning, as we sailed along the river, the Hungarian parliament came into view for the first time. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, as I was wowed by the breath-taking beauty of the iconic buildings along the riverbank.

I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to learn more about this fantastic city, so I took the optional Imperial Budapest tour, which saw us exploring both the Buda and Pest sides of the city. Budapest sits across the Danube River, and our tour with incredibly interesting, allowing us to see more the city’s sights.

I have to say, I fell in love with Budapest, with its stunning architecture and beautiful landmarks. There’s the Hungarian National Parliament Building, the 18th-century City Park, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue, as well as many other incredible sights.

Because I wanted to see as much of the city as possible, I also took the Illuminated Budapest optional excursion, so I could take in the city’s incredible landmarks at night. We drove around the city, admiring the illuminated buildings and bridges, and enjoying an organ concert at a local church.

We started our journey to Esztergom while we slept that night, and I couldn’t wait to explore this pretty little town in the morning.

Elegant Esztergom

With so much to see and do in picturesque Esztergom, I took the Danube Bend and Putsza Horses optional excursion to make sure I didn’t miss anything!

We started with a drive along the beautiful Danube Bend, making our way to the Bodor Major Horse farm to enjoy a traditional Hungarian welcome. After sampling some tasty local foods, such as homemade bread and wine, we took in an entertaining horse parade and I was amazed by the horse riders’ skills! We then took a leisurely carriage ride to make the most of our time at the farm.

Breath-taking Bratislava

During the night, we made our way to Bratislava, and I was thrilled to wake in this incredible location. By the time we arrived, feeling relaxed and refreshed, everyone was ready to explore this fascinating capital city. We moored in a central location, so we were able to make our way around the town and see the castle during an easy 30-minute walk along the riverside. There was also a new shopping area within reach, so we spent some time exploring the numerous shops and boutiques.

The Hidden Bratislava optional excursion was very interesting, as we explored one of Europe’s smallest capital cities. We began with a ride on a local tourist train, passing the Slovak Philharmonic Hall, the Slovak National Theatre, and travelling around the Old Historical Town to the Archbishop’s Summer Residence.

We then made our way to the dramatic Castle Hill to admire the majestic views out over the Old Town. We continued on foot to see some of Bratislava’s finest sights, including Archbishop Place, St Martin Cathedral and the Main Square.

Marvellous Melk

We departed Bratislava overnight and, the next morning, enjoyed a hot and cold breakfast buffet as we sailed in to Melk. This wonderful town is known for Melk Abbey, which I visited during the optional excursion, and was incredible impressed. The Abbey is stunning, with its baroque architecture and 208-foot-high dome. We learnt all about the Abbey’s history during our tour, and saw some of the beautifully resorted rooms, including the Imperial Rooms, Marble Hall and the balcony that was most likely used by Napoleon during his campaign against Austria.

After some time exploring the Abbey’s park at leisure, we returned to the ship and sat down to an incredible five-course Captain’s dinner. Everyone had an amazing time, especially since I felt that I’d made some true friends during the cruise, and got to enjoy a great meal with them! We then all retired to bed in our comfortable cabins and woke to find ourselves in Passau, ready to make our return journey home.

My Amazing Experience

I feel privileged to have experienced the magic of river cruising, especially as I was able to travel on-board a truly unique vessel with fellow Shearings customers! From the beauty of Vienna and the opulence of Schonbrunn Palace, not forgetting the amazing Mozart and Strauss concert; there are so many memories to take away from this cruise.

For me personally, my time spent just sailing along the Danube itself was one of the most fantastic and fascinating experiences. From learning how the locks work and admiring a myriad of stunning scenery; to simply enjoying the tranquillity of cruising along in the sunshine and being treated to added extras such as high tea during our afternoon sailings – I enjoyed an amazing holiday!

To book, visit http://www.shearings.com/europe/austria/holidays/three-cities-of-the-danube-by-coach.

1)      Buy a real Christmas tree

If you’re yet to put your Christmas tree up, now’s the perfect time to head out and buy a real one. Whether you buy one every year, or you’ve used a fake tree for the last few Christmases, there’s definitely nothing quite like a real Christmas tree.

Decorating Christmas trees is an ancient tradition, although it’s thought that the first person to ever bring a Christmas tree into their home in the way we do today was Martin Luther – the 16^th century German preacher.

2)      Go Christmas Carolling

Another of our Christmas traditions, Christmas carolling is a fantastic way to celebrate the season. Why not go carolling in aid of a charity, or simply get together with your friends and family to sing some famous Christmas carols to get yourselves feeling festive.

3)      Visit a Christmas market

Christmas markets are always filled with good cheer, amazing food and fantastic items that would make ideal gifts. You can find Christmas markets all over the world – so you could stay closer to home by visiting one of the many UK Christmas markets, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not visit some European Christmas markets on a short break?

Some of the best Christmas markets in the UK include the Christmas markets in Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as Plymouth Christmas Market, the Bournemouth Christmas Festival, Llandudno Christmas Fayre, and the Salisbury Christmas Market.

4)      Watch Christmas films

There are some truly superb classic Christmas films out there, such as ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Miracle on 34^th Street’, although titles like ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Home Alone’ are just as fun to watch! Get the family together and enjoy some fantastic films this Christmas.

5)      Take your grandchildren to see Santa

If your grandchildren are still quite young, seeing Santa Claus is bound to be cause for much excitement. There’s nothing as charming as seeing your grandkids as excited as they’re guaranteed to be around Christmastime and you’ll most definitely become their favourite person after a trip to see Santa!

6)      Enjoy a Turkey & Tinsel break

Do you want to make the most of the Christmas season? Why not celebrate Christmas a little early with a festive Turkey and Tinsel break – or you could even enjoy two Christmases in one month!

Our Turkey and Tinsel breaks are ideal for those who want to treat themselves to a fantastic festive break ahead of the big day, and with return coach travel, comfortable accommodation at our Bay Hotels, sightseeing excursions, mulled wine, delicious breakfasts and evening meals, plus a traditional Christmas dinner with a free glass of wine, you’re sure to have a fantastic time! On our midweek breaks, there’s even a visit from Santa!

7)      Give to charity

Christmas is all about giving, and so now is the best time of year to donate to a charity. Whether it’s unwanted clothes, books, or other items, or – if you can afford it – a small monetary donation, it’ll make all the difference to someone who needs it most.

One fantastic way to give back this year is to buy Christmas gifts from charity shops – not only will you be able to save money by purchasing nearly-new gifts at great prices, but you’ll also be donating money to a great cause.

8)      Bake (or buy!) some mince pies

What could possibly be more festive than a delicious mince pie? If you don’t have time (or you don’t know how!) to make your own mince pies this year, shop-bought ones will taste just as delicious. Enjoy warm with a dollop of cream for the ultimate Christmas treat!

9)      Dress up at Santa Claus

Surprise your grandchildren with a visit from Santa this year! You can buy low-cost Santa Claus outfits that will thrill your grandchildren, and it’s sure to cause lots of amusement for friends and family as well!

10)   Tuck in to a delicious Christmas dinner

And, of course, Christmas simply wouldn’t be complete without a scrumptious Christmas dinner. No matter how you enjoy yours – whether it’s at a restaurant, home-cooked by yourself, or prepared by your children, Christmas dinner is the highlight of this special season.

What are you doing this Christmas? Let us know in the comments below, or get involved on Facebook or Twitter!

Here are seven of the most incredible:

Gaudi’s Architecture, Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that’s constantly bustling with life, and Antoni Gaudi’s famous architecture helps to set Barcelona alight with unique sights. Gaudi is well-known for his use of neo-gothic and modernist architecture, and there are a number of buildings designed by him throughout the city.

These include Park Guell, Casa Batllo, Casa Calvert, Casa Mila, and the astonishing Sagrada Familia.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is a landscape like no other. Carved from the soft volcanic rock itself, the vast majority of houses found here are part of the natural landscape, making them wholly unique. Everything from houses to boutique hotels can be found here, making it even more extraordinary.

Colmar Old Town, France

Colmar’s picturesque Old Town is known by many for its colourful buildings and historic sights. Perfectly preserved, the Old Town has survived numerous wars, including the French Revolution, the Franco-Prussian War, the First World War and the Second World War. It includes German gothic, German renaissance, German baroque, French classic, French neoclassic, and French and German neo-baroque architecture.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Located in Slovenia, Lake Bled is the winter wonderland of your dreams. With snow-capped mountains, a glacial lake, and a castle rising in the distance, Lake Bled is a mesmerising location. The castle is located on a cliff top, as per all fairy tales, while the lake is also home to Bled Island. On this island, you’ll find many buildings, including a pilgrimage church.

The Dolomites, Italian Alps

The mighty Dolomites consist of 18 peaks in total, as well as some of the world’s most amazing mountain landscapes. With such stunning natural beauty to behold, it’s easy to see why so many people visit this mountain range each year.

La Grand-Place, Brussels

When visiting Brussels, one of the best things to do is to visit La Grand-Place, or, the Grand Place, which dates from the 17^th century. This square is surrounded by magnificent guildhalls, featuring opulent baroque architecture. During the winter months, a fantastic Christmas market is located at the Grand Place.

Schonbrunn Palace, Austria

Found in Vienna, Schonbrunn Palace was once an imperial residence, with building beginning on the site in 1548. Due to the number of monarchs that have lived or stayed in the palace, it’s be adapted many times over the years, and now has over 1,400 rooms and expansive gardens, including a sculpture garden and a famous Gloriette building.

Have you visited any other unbelievable places that you think should be included on this list? Let us know by commenting below, or get involved on Facebook.

If you’re curious about the type of occasions you could explore with Shearings during the calendar year, we have picked some of our favourite events and celebrations taking place across the UK and Europe in 2015 to inspire you for your next holiday:

UK Festivals & Events Breaks

If you are looking for a holiday close to home with a little bit extra, we have a selection of special breaks around the country that might interest you.

The Grand National
Betting slips at the ready for Aintree’s most anticipated race meet of the calendar, The Grand National. Over 40 horses will race in a bid to win one of the most coveted titles in racing – but will you pick the winner?

The Grand National

See the action live from Aintree with coach trips to the Grand National and enjoy all of the entertainment the day has to offer on our Blackpool & The Grand National break.

Chelsea Flower Show
From the 19^th – 23^rd May next year, the famous annual Chelsea Flower Show will host the best in horticulture. With the finest flower displays in the country on show, and a range of experts on hand, this is the ideal event for gardening gurus and beginners alike. Visitors will also be able to as explore the stunning RHS Wisley Gardens on this fantastic 5-day break.

Chelsea Flower Show

Explore the fabulous floral fun on our Chelsea Flower Show break available from £399 per person. Price includes four nights’ half-board accommodation at the St Giles Hotel, two excursions and return coach travel.

European Festivals and Special Events

Every year some of Europe’s finest cities host magnificent events and festivals with glittering costumes, classic entertainment and open air-festivals. From the spectacular Nice Carnival, to the sensational Verona Opera Festival, there’s an outstanding selection of beautiful occasions for you to explore.

Nice Carnival
Dating back to 1294, Nice Carnival is one of the world’s most famous carnival events, attracting over one million visitors every year and offering an unforgettable programme of entertainment. It spans a two-week period with the final day on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).  The carnival parades, comprising 18 floats, work their way up to an upsurge of gigantic decorations on the Place Masséna. These giant, colourful processions take place day and night, with entertainment provided by more than 1,000 musicians and dancers from across the world. One of the most exciting celebrations during the festival is the elegant ‘flower battles’. On floats decorated with the most stunning floral compositions, extravagantly dressed characters throw out mimosas, gerberas, and lilies into the public – a stunning, fairy-tale event, you won’t want to miss.

The Carnival also provides the perfect opportunity to discover the beauty of Nice in winter: The warm weather, the glow of the glorious French skies and the beauty of the French Riviera will further enhance a programme that is already rich in confetti and excitement!

Nice Carnival

Take in this fantastic spectacle on our Nice Carnival break available from £729 per person for a 9-day holiday.

Verona Opera Festival
Attending an opera in Verona is a truly unique experience. With the impressive Roman amphitheatre as its backdrop, the dazlling Verona Opera Festival gives you the chance to take in some of the world’s finest opera pieces of world-class opera. The beautiful ambiance in the open-air Verona Arena combined with the electrifying performances from renowned world musicians during the Opera season; create an extraordinary atmosphere like nowhere else.  The Verona festival combines a quite unique setting with productions and performances of a consistently high standard.

Verona Opera Festival

You can experience the Verona Opera on our optional excursion programme with our Lake Garda, Venice and Verona break for the chance to take in one of these spectacular operas.

Venice Carnival
Soak up the atmosphere of the fascinating Venice Carnival, as Italians and tourists dress up in traditional Venetian masks and colourful costumes for parades across the city, while musicians play throughout the city’s many squares. The carnival takes place between 31 January and 17 February and you can visit it from a range of holidays.

Venice Carnival

With Shearings’ themed ‘Venice Carnival’ breaks you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Venetian culture and witness the romantic Italian city come to life in spectacular fashion.

You can take in this mesmerising celebration on our Lake Como & The Venice Carnival break

For those of you who aren’t already clued up on the benefits of escorted tours, we wanted to run through the top five reasons to choose escorted for your next break.

From the chance to take in multiple destinations, to having an expert guide on hand, escorted tours are perfect for those wanting a hassle-free holiday!

1)     Expert guides and well-planned itineraries

Our tour guides are on hand with an incredible amount of local knowledge. Exploring a destination with an expert guide will mean you discover gems of information you wouldn’t find in a guidebook. On our Battlefield Tours you’ll benefit from the knowledge of our guides and learn about the battles that shaped history. At Shearings, we have over one hundred years’ experience in escorted touring – our team goes to great lengths to make sure you get the most out of your break, visiting the best places and seeing the most impressive sights in each region.

2)     Great value for money

Escorted tours often provide better value for money than booking everything separately, as the cost of transport, along with some of the meals and excursions, are included in the price. What’s more, activities and excursions tend to be discounted when booking as a group. To get even more for your money, take a look at our special offers.

3)     Stress-free getaways

Another benefit of escorted travel is the ability to experience a destination without worrying about the details, such as transport and accommodation. On a Shearings escorted tour, there is no need to stress about getting from one place to the next. Forget confusing maps and language barriers, our breaks give you the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.

4)     Seeing the world

Many of our escorted tours take in several countries and regions in one trip, which is ideal if you’re  looking to visit a range of different places. The chance to soak up a number of must-see cities and famous tourist attractions is the main reason many of our customers choose escorted. Take a look at our Scandinavia & Land of the Midnight Sun tour for the chance to journey across Northern Europe.

5)     Getting to meet new people

Escorted tours are a great way to enjoy your holiday with people who share similar interests and are particularly good for people travelling on their own. We’ve recently introduced a range of ‘Your Time’ breaks aimed exclusively at singles.

If you’ve travelled on one of our escorted tours, tell us what you’ve most enjoyed by commenting below, or by joining in the conversation on our Facebook page.

Whether you’ve travelled with us numerous times in the past, or you’re considering booking your first holiday with us now, here’s some of the best advice our customers could possibly give you:

Before you book your break, make sure you check through everything that you’ll need to know – decide how you’d like to join your tour, figure out where your pick-up points are and choose any special requests you’d like to make. If you want to find out more about your holiday, you can always email us or call our helpful Reservations team on 0844 824 6351.

When travelling by coach with Shearings, you can trust that we’ll stop for comfort breaks along the way and there will be opportunities to get some refreshments during these breaks. However, you’re more than welcome to bring some snacks on-board our coaches to ensure you don’t get hungry. You can also bring travel pillows or blankets with you to stay warm and cosy during your journey.

Although you’ll get to explore the local area with our included and optional excursions, there’s nothing stopping you from embarking on an exciting adventure on your own while we’re away as well. Doing some research beforehand can mean you’re able to plan ahead, so you can figure out what you want do see well in advance, as well as enjoying our excursions.

We have an incredibly varied range of holidays, so there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone. You can find our full selection of holidays here.

There’s nothing better than reminiscing about past holidays by taking a look at your old holiday photos, which is why we always recommend that you bring a camera along on your break! Whether you’re going abroad or staying within the UK, there will always be some excellent photo opportunities to be had.

We’ll do all the hard work for you when you come away with us on a Shearings holiday. Not only will we make all of your travel arrangements and, if you’re travelling by coach, will do all of the driving for you, we’ll also plan all of your included and optional excursions, so you can visit a multitude of fantastic attractions with us.

Use your time on-board our coaches to read a book, listen to music or an audio book, play a travel game with your fellow passengers, or take forty winks!

You’re welcome to bring your iPad or laptop with you when travelling with Shearings. You could even bring some DVDs with you to watch on your laptop, so you can be entertained during your journey.

We ensure our coaches are wonderfully comfortable, but it’s well-worth bringing your favourite pillow and a fleece with you to ensure you stay as cosy as possible.

Our holidays are designed to be fun and relaxing, and you’re guaranteed to make lots of new friends while travelling.

Bring along your favourite book and a scrumptious snack to keep you feeling great throughout your journey.

We have joining points around the country, so you can travel to your local interchange by coach. You can find out more about our joining options here.

If you don’t want to have to pay too much for your refreshments, bring along some snacks to keep you from feeling peckish.

If you don’t want to travel by coach to one of our interchanges, you can opt to travel there independently. This means you can leave your car at the interchange and hop onto a coach; when you return, you can simply drive home.

Shearings has been providing great value holidays since 1903, and we’re proud to have so many returning customers.

Do you have anything else you would say to someone travelling with Shearings for the first time? Let us know by commenting below, and be sure to visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/shearings

If you’re feeling intrigued by the prospect of a Christmas holiday, here’s everything you need to know about our Christmas getaways:

What’s a turkey and tinsel break?

You may not have heard about our turkey and tinsel breaks before and, if so, you’re in for a treat! The whole point of a turkey and tinsel break is that you’ll get to relax and unwind on a fantastic holiday that’s dedicated to celebrating the season – before Christmas!

Starting this October, our turkey and tinsel breaks come with a relaxing stay at one of our many Bay Hotels in the UK, where you’ll be treated to mulled wine on arrival, traditional full breakfasts, delicious three-course evening meals and a festive Christmas dinner with wine. We have both midweek and weekend turkey and tinsel breaks available.

Christmas Markets

One of our favourite things about Christmas is the many Christmas markets that pop up, and with some of the best of them located in France, Belgium, Germany, and beyond, what better reason than this to take a fun, festive break?

Christmas markets combine the relaxation of a great holiday with the excitement of a shopping trip, as you’ll be able to unwind and enjoy the scenery while also indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Whether you choose to pick up last minute gifts for friends and family, or treat yourself to something special, they’re always great fun!

Here are some of our favourite Christmas markets around the world:

UK Christmas Markets

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the festive atmosphere will be in full swing around the main shopping area of Princes Street.

Traditional and contemporary gifts, tasty treats and warming drinks can be found on a Turkey & Tinsel – Melrose & Edinburgh Christmas Market break.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester’s festive markets are some of the best in the UK. Located throughout the city, including the magnificent town hall, there’s a selection of crafts, jewellery, food and drink on offer.

See the pretty wooden stalls on a Manchester Markets & Liverpool holiday.

Llandudno Christmas Fayre

Llandudno Christmas Fayre takes places between 20^th and 23^rd November with over 100 stalls selling a variety of Welsh produce and seasonal specialities.

Browse a selection of food and crafts in the heart of the Victorian town on the Party Weekend – Llandudno Christmas Market break.

Bournemouth Christmas Festival

The festive extravaganza takes place in the popular seaside resort from 15^th November to 3^rd January.

The Town Square and surrounding streets are decorated with lights, snow scenes and animated figures.

The traditional carousel, carol singing and Christmas karaoke can be enjoyed on the Coast & Country – Bournemouth Christmas Markets holiday.

European Christmas Markets

Rudesheim Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Rudesheim is set in the town’s old quarter, bringing a festive feel to its popular Drosselgasse lane.

There are 120 stalls, representing 12 countries with Christmas customs and traditions from around the world.

The Rudesheim Coffee, exclusively made with locally distilled Asbach Uralt Brandy, whipped cream and traditionally served in an authentic Rudesheim coffee set, can be tasted on our Rudesheim & the Rhine Valley Christmas Market break.

Munich Christmas Market

The Christmas Market in Munich dates back to the 14^th century. Today’s market is held on the Marienplatz in the heart of the city centre and offers traditional Bavarian Christmas gifts.

Enjoy the daily alpine Christmas Market concert at the town hall on the Munich & Fairytale Castles Christmas Market holiday.

Brussels Winter Wonders

From 28^th November 2014 to 4^th January 2015, the centre of Brussels transforms into a Winter Wonderland.

Enjoy the Christmas markets, ice skating, fairground attractions and the spectacular light show on the Ostend & Three Christmas Markets break.

Bruges Christmas Market

The medieval architecture in Bruges lights up during the festive period.

Sample the foods and enjoy the atmosphere of the ice rink in the Market Square on the French & Belgian Christmas Market holiday.

Lille Christmas Market

The festive wooden chalets of Lille’s Christmas Market offers decorations, food, arts and crafts.

The main square is transformed into a winter wonderland with an 18-metre high Christmas tree. Enjoy the festivities on our French & Belgian Christmas Market holiday.

Paris Christmas Market

Plan your perfect Christmas in the Parisian Christmas markets. From the 160 stalls in the largest market on the Champs-Elysées to the village of Father Christmas along boulevard Saint Germain, there’s something for everyone on the Royal Palaces & Christmas Markets break.

Did you go on one of our Christmas Market breaks last year? If so, let us know what you thought of it by commenting below, or by sharing your photos with us on Facebook.

At Shearings, we have a number of Battlefields Tours available which can give you the chance to walk in the footsteps of those throughout history. Now is a fitting time to take a Battlefields Tour, as the official centenary of World War I is being held from 2014 to 2018, and in 2015 it will have been 71 years since the Invasion of Normandy started World War II.

Here, you can find out more about what these tours entail, and what you can expect from them:

What is a Battlefields Tour?

A Battlefields Tour serves to provide insight into the particular war the tour is dedicated to. The tours often journey to the main locations at which key events took place, such as Germany, Belgium, Italy and France. They are designed to provide people with more information about what happened at these locations. Battlefields Tours also give passengers a chance to visit the grave of a family member or friend who was lost during the fighting.

Where do Battlefields Tours go?

With so many important locations relating to World War I and World War II, it’s not surprising that you can journey to many destinations on a Battlefields Tour in order to walk in the footsteps of the courageous soldiers and civilians.

Some of the locations that Battlefields Tours travel to include:

Belgium

The Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery

Liege

The city of Liege in Belgium was invaded by German forces in both World War I and World War II, and so holds the scars of many battles.

There are numerous museums and many war memorials to take in Liege and its surrounding areas, such as the War Museum in Bastogne; the site of the Battle of Bure, a key part of the Battle of the Bulge; the Hotton War Cemetery; the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial; the Truschbaum Museum in Elsenborn; the site of the Malmedy massacre in Baugnez; and the December 44 Museum in La Gleize, which is devoted to the Battle of the Bulge.

All of these locations, and many more, are covered in our Scenic Ardennes & Battle of the Bulge tour.

Ypres

The In Flanders Fields Museum

Many will have heard of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s moving poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, which depicts the huge sacrifice soldiers fighting in World War I made. McCrae wrote the poem following the Second Battle of Ypres, in which he lost a close friend and comrade.

Ypres saw the majority of battle during World War I, as it is strategically placed in West Belgium and was in the path of Germany’s route into France. In total, there were five Battles of Ypres, and these terrible clashes have been documented in the In Flanders Field Museum today.

The city still commemorates those who lost their lives there, with the Last Post Ceremony taking place at Menin Gate on a daily basis. Each evening at 8pm, the road under the memorial is closed and the Last Post bugle call is sounded.

Ypres can be visited with Shearings on the Bruges & Battlefields of Flanders tour, as well as on many others.

France

A sculpture at the Caen Memorial Peace Museum

Caen

Caen is known in relation to World War II for the Battle for Caen, which took place in 1944. Sadly, little of the original city remains, as it experienced focussed air raids and fighting during the war which destroying many of the earlier buildings.

When visiting Caen for a tour, the main sights often include the British, Canadian and American sectors where the majority of the fighting took place, as well as the Caen Memorial Peace Museum, where you can find out more how the world has dealt with various wars throughout history.

The museum includes information on the D-Day landings, how the Cold War began, the fall of the Berlin Wall, how and why the atomic bomb was developed, and more.

If you’d like to visit Caen, take a look at our Battlefields of World War I & II by Coach tour.

The Vimy Ridge Memorial

Arras

Arras was located just a short distance from the front line during the First World War and so was heavily involved in a lot of fighting. One of the most infamous battles held nearby was the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which was part of the larger Battle of Arras and included the Canadian Corps and the German Sixth Army.

The Canadians were successful in their endeavours and were lauded for their intensive training and planning, which made it possible for the British forces to capture Arras further down the line. Today, the Vimy Memorial is located at the highest point on the ridge and is dedicated to the Canadian men who lost their lives during the fierce battle.

The Arras Memorial is another very important memorial which is dedicated to the brave soldiers from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who fell in battle in Arras and who have no known graves.

Arras can also be visited during the Battlefields of World War I & II by Coach tour.

Delville Wood Cemetery in the Somme battlefield area

Somme

Many will think of the Battle of the Somme when the First World War is mentioned, as it caused the greatest loss of life to both sides of the battle. In the first day of battle alone, almost 20,000 British soldiers fell in battle, and some 40,000 were injured.

Today, there are literally hundreds of military cemeteries located on the Somme Battlefields, where those who fell in battle are buried. In addition to this, there are numerous monuments dedicated to the memory of those who fought in World War I.

A number of these can be visited during our World War I Battlefields tour.

Germany

Checkpoint Charlie

Berlin

After the Second World War, Berlin was split in half by the Berlin Wall, separated East and West Berlin. It restricted movement between the two halves of Berlin, with the western side of the city becoming much more prosperous under American, British and French rule, while East Berlin suffered under Soviet control.

The Berlin Wall stood from 13 August 1961 to 9 November 1989, with small parts of it still remaining today in order to commemorate this important part of Berlin’s history. In addition to this, the famous Checkpoint Charlie still exists – this was one of the most well-known checkpoints between the American and Soviet sectors of Berlin.

The Holocaust Memorial also stands in Berlin, and contains an underground information centre containing the names of all known Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Berlin is home to a number of museums dedicated to the events of World War I as well, such as the Topography of Terror. This museum looks into the crimes committed by the German government during the war, and uncovers how it was all possible.

The Remembering Berlin & Fall of the Wall tour visits many of these important locations in Berlin.

Holland

Reconstructed entrance to the Secret Annex at the Anne Frank House Museum

Amsterdam

In terms of the Second World War, Amsterdam is possibly best known for being the home of Anne Frank, author of the Diary of a Young Girl. Anne was just 12 years old when she went into hiding with the rest of her family – her sister Margot, father Otto and mother Edith. They hid in a secret annex in the building of her father’s company, and were soon joined by the van Pels family (Hermann, Auguste and Peter), and later by Albert Dussell. They successfully remained in hiding, aided by four of Otto Frank’s employees, and Anne kept a detailed account of her life in the secret annex through her diary.

In 1944, the members of the secret annex were arrested, after an unknown informant tipped off the German police. Otto Frank was the only surviving member of the annex, who later published his daughter’s diary.

The Anne Frank Museum is located in Amsterdam and contains the secret annex, which can be visited to find out more about Anne’s life and the situations in which she and many other Jews in hiding faced during the Second World War.

The museum, and the rest of Amsterdam, can be explored on our Amsterdam and Anne Frank’s House Battlefields Tour, as well as our Stories of WWII tour.

Entrance to the Fosse Ardeatine Caves

Italy

Italy was involved in both the First and the Second World Wars, coming into the First in 1915 on the side of the Allies, and aligning with Germany in the Second. The Italian forces were involved in many battles, fighting to the end of World War I but eventually surrendered to the Allies in World War Two in 1943.

The Italian Campaign was conducted by the Allies following Italy’s surrender in 1943, and eventually led to the surrender of German forces in the country in 1945. There are many notable monuments and war cemeteries located in the country, such as those in Salerno, Caserta and Monte Cassino.

There are also interesting museums located in Italy that are dedicated to the First and Second World Wars, such as the Anzio Beachhead Museum, which commemorates the Anzio Landings in World War II; the Monte Cassino War Museum, which features items and historic exhibits used by soldiers throughout both wars; the Fosse Ardeatine Caves, where 335 Italian prisoners were executed by German officials in 1944 and which is now a memorial site open to the public; and the End of the War Museum, which is tells the story of the capture of Benito Mussolini and the dissolution of the Italian Social Republic in 1945.

These cemeteries, museums and memorials can all be visited on our The Italian Campaign Battlefields Tour.

Both the First and the Second World Wars changed the face of the world, with the repercussions of war radiating into everyone’s lives. Whether you personally experienced the effects of war, or your relatives fought bravely during the wars, a Battlefields Tour can help you to commemorate those who gave their lives to protect our country.

Have you ever been on a Battlefields Tour? If so, let us know what you thought of it by commenting below, or by getting in touch with us over Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

Images credits:

Poppies image courtesy of wikipedia.org, Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery image courtesy of wikipedia.org, In Flanders Fields Museum images courtesy of en.wikipedia.org, Caen Memorial Peace Museum image courtesy of easchooltours.com, Vimy Ridge Memorial image courtesy of wikimedia.org, Delville Wood Cemetery image courtesy of wikipedia.org, Checkpoint Charlie image courtesy of wikipedia.org, Anne Frank House image courtesy of wikipedia.org, Fosse Ardeatine Caves image courtesy of wikipedia.org.

Battlefields of World War I & II by Coach

When planning your holiday, travel insurance is one of the many things you’ll need to think about, along with picking your destination, booking your tickets and getting ready for a relaxing break. Many people often forget to book travel insurance, which could end up being incredibly unwise.

Travel insurance is an essential aspect of going on holiday, as it can give you the protection you need should anything untoward happen. No one likes to think of what could go wrong, but it’s important to know that you’re prepared.

1)      What is travel insurance?

The term ‘travel insurance’ can sometimes be a little confusing, as there are so many different types of holiday insurance available. Many policies nowadays combine a few different aspects to ensure you’re able to get the best cover with just one contract.

The various policy types that you can find often include:

• Travel health insurance – This can provide you with all-important cover for medical bills should you be involved in an accident or be injured while holidaying abroad
• Medical evacuation insurance – If you need to be transported to a hospital that isn’t nearby, this will cover the costs
• Holiday cancellation insurance – Should you end up having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason, this insurance will help to avoid being left out of pocket as a result
• Baggage insurance – The last thing you want when on holiday is for your luggage to be damaged, but accidents can occasionally happen, and so this insurance is important

Our insurance policies at Shearings include immediate cover for all ages, with up to £5m in medical expenses covered (subject to terms and conditions), and we provide clear medical definitions to ensure you’re able to understand what’s covered. As well as this, we’re able to offer 24-hour English-speaking emergency assistance, and we include a 14-day cooling off period on all of our policies.

2)      Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a must-have when going on holiday because it’s always best to be prepared. Chances are, you won’t have to use your insurance, but if you do need to rely on it you’re sure to be incredibly thankful that you invested in it.

3)      When should I buy travel insurance?

It often makes the most sense to buy your travel insurance when you book your holiday. That way, if you need to cancel your holiday due to unforeseen circumstances, you won’t be charged any cancellation fees. However, you can also buy it after you’ve booked, should you have forgotten to buy it at the time or you wanted to check other policies before picking one.

4)      Can’t I just rely on an EHIC?

Many people assume that having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when travelling to Europe is enough to cover them for any hospital stays or other medical expenses. This is inaccurate though; an EHIC will only give you discounted or, in some cases, free medical care. What it doesn’t cover is repatriation to the UK should you be unable to continue your holiday, or cancellation of your holiday if you’re too ill to continue with it.

5)      Do I have to read the terms and conditions?

Reading terms and conditions is never a fun experience, but it really does pay to do so. It’s vital that you read the small print for your insurance, so you fully understand what it is your policy covers. You certainly don’t want to find out that that your insurance doesn’t cover you for something when you happen to need it most.

6)      Can I just choose the cheapest insurance quote?

This is one of the few times when saving a few pounds on the cost of your holiday isn’t for the best, as a cheaper insurance policy could mean you end up with one that won’t pay out following a claim. Be sure to check the limitations of your cover when taking it out.

7)      Do I have to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions?

Absolutely; if you have treatment abroad for a condition you already suffered from before buying your insurance, you may not be eligible to make a claim. It’s always best to be open and honest when dealing with insurance.

8)      What if I’m staying in the UK – do I still need travel insurance?

A large number of holidaymakers assume that if they’re staying within the UK for their break, they don’t need to take out holiday insurance. While you won’t have to worry about paying for medical costs, you will still need to obtain cover for holiday cancellations and baggage.

Without a doubt, investing in travel insurance for your holiday – whether it’s abroad or within the UK – is always a smart move. If you’d like to find out more about our travel insurance options, get in touch with us on 0844 824 6351 now.

What are your views on travel insurance? Have you ever had an experience where you wished you’d invested in it? Let us know by commenting below.

Many people find that they accidentally confuse river cruises with ocean cruises, but there are many differences to them.  River cruising is a much more intimate affair, with the river cruise ships being much smaller than the ocean liners you can board for sea cruises. They’re also ideal for traversing destinations that are further inland, such as Paris, Vienna, Dresden and many other locations.

If you’re as yet undecided on whether or not this type of holiday would suit you, allow us to give you an idea of what you could look forward to on a river cruise…

1)      New friends

One of the best things about going on a river cruise is the fact that you’ll be given the opportunity to meet lots of new friends. As with all of our holidays at Shearings, we like to ensure you’re able to enjoy the company of your fellow holidaymakers, so you can get to know one another while you’re away. You never know – you could end up meeting your next best friend!

2)      Casual attire

Unlike ocean cruises, passengers on river cruises are often allowed to wear casual clothing throughout the trip. There’s no need to remember your tuxedo or your evening gown – simply dress as comfortably as you want to.

3)      Shipshape ships

A defining feature of river cruise ships is that they’re characteristically smaller than their seafaring counterparts. This, of course, means that they’re able to travel inland, and so they can also dock in river ports which are often closer to your main destination than when on an ocean cruise. This allows you to get to where you want to go much faster, which is always a plus!

4)      Magnificent scenery

Our Shearings river cruises traverse some of the most famous rivers in the world, including the Rhine, the Danube, the Seine, the Rhone and many, many others. These rivers feature some truly stunning views along the way, as you get to travel through ancient river valleys with mountain scenery, rolling hills and quaint riverside towns and villages.

Yet more pass by hugely popular cities, such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin and more. So, whether you want to be able to delight in stunning countryside views or modern cityscapes, river cruises can provide you with a little bit of everything.

5)      Onboard entertainment

One of the many differences between ocean cruises and river cruises is the type of onboard entertainment that you can expect. Due to the difference in size when it comes to the ships, ocean cruise ships have space for casinos, ballrooms, theatres and other entertainment complexes.

However, river cruises are all about intimacy, and so you won’t find the same entertainment options as you would when travelling by sea. What you will find instead is entertainment that allows you to sit back and relax, while enjoying some excellent things to do while onboard.

For example, many of our river cruise ships come equipped with entertainment facilities, such as the small yet well-stocked libraries on our MC Alegria, MV Virginia and MPS Da Vinci ships. On the MS Princess you’ll find a comprehensive evening programme of entertainment, while the MPS Rotterdam and the MV Esmeralda both have dance floors passengers are welcome to make the most of while on holiday.

6)      Comfortable accommodation

You can most definitely look forward to comfortable accommodation on a river cruise, as we’ve recently renovated many of the cabins on our ships. While it can be nice to socialise with those also travelling in your group, it can be good to retreat to your cabin every once in a while to enjoy some ‘me time’, too.  With contemporary decor and all the facilities you could possibly require, relaxing is sure to be a breeze.

7)      No hanging around

Many who have experienced ocean cruises in the past will tell you how busy the decks can get due to the sheer number of people onboard. There’s no issue with this when on a river cruise though, as the ships are much smaller. The cosy interiors and the smaller number of people travelling with you mean you shouldn’t have to wait in long queues in order to get to the restaurant!

8)      Likeminded individuals

On a Shearings river cruise, you can look forward to holidaying with people of a similar disposition to yourself. With everyone on the same track, you can all enjoy one another’s company to the fullest extent. There’s no need to worry about lively children disrupting your relaxation, so make the most of your time away from home before returning feeling nicely rejuvenated.

9)      Delicious dining

All river cruise ships are different, but you can usually expect to enjoy scrumptious food while travelling. This can include a buffet breakfast, a light lunch and a hearty evening meal. Many of our river cruise ships also offer a Captain’s dinner, which provides the ultimate in fine dining!

10)   Excellent excursions

Who could forget about the amazing excursions you’ll be able to go on while travelling by river? With both included and optional excursions available, you’ll be able to visit some of Europe’s most fabulous attractions in locations such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Dubrovnik, Paris, Antwerp and countless others.

11)   Free Wi-Fi

Nowadays, you can often find that you can connect to the internet from the most surprising of places! Did you know that our ship the MPS Da Vinci offers free Wi-Fi onboard? With it, you’ll be able to keep in touch with everyone back at home, while also browsing online and keeping yourself entertained when you aren’t enjoying the many other things to do on our river cruises.

12)   A more relaxed environment

As mentioned, river cruises are designed to be a bit more informal than ocean cruises. You won’t have to worry about putting on any airs and graces while on holiday – relax and be yourself! River cruise ships also feature intimate lounge areas where you can get to know your fellow passengers, relax, and enjoy the splendid views.

13)   Smooth sailing

Rivers are much less turbulent than the open ocean, so you can expect a much smoother journey when on a river cruise. This means there’s a lower likelihood of you suffering from motion sickness, which means you’ll be able to spend your time savouring your holiday, rather than feeling ill!

14)   Helpful staff

When on a river cruise, you can always call on the helpful staff if you have any questions whatsoever, and you’ll also find that they’re incredibly friendly. This means they’re often more than happy to have a chat with you when not working, and they usually have many interesting insights concerning the local area.

River cruises are becoming more and more popular, and we offer a wide range of them at Shearings. They’re more intimate, they travel to many popular locations and they’re ideal if sea cruises don’t appeal to you but you’re looking for something a little different.

Have you been on one of our best river cruises recently? If so, what did you think of it? Be sure to let us know either by leaving a comment below, or by getting in touch with us on Facebook.