Valkenburg Christmas Market

Friday 20th – Monday 23th November 2026

Also featuring the Christmas Markets in Aachen & Bruges

Star-billing is shared by the excellent Grandhotel Monopole and Valkenburg’s unique Christmas Markets, which are held in two sets of extensive caves under the town centre that date back to Roman times and the mediaeval period.

Predictably the markets attract lots of visitors, but don’t worry, the caves provide plenty of head room and visitor numbers are strictly controlled. An entrance ticket for the Municipal Caves for Sunday is included in the tour price, and after booking you will be given the opportunity to add tickets for the Velvet Caves at a supplement.

The holiday also includes an outing to the Christmas Market in nearby Aachen while, on the way home, there is a comfort break in Bruges which will be hosting its own celebrated Christmas Market.

The 3* GrandHotel Monopole

The first thing to say about the Grandhotel Monopole is that it has been excellently managed for over 35 years by its owners – Rudy and Marlene Curvers, who have more recently been joined by their twin daughters who both graduated from a prestigious ‘Hotel School’ in Switzerland.

Located in the town centre, the hotel also offers a welcoming and comfortable lounge bar, absolutely ideal for relaxing in with a partner or friends for the whole evening, or just for an aperitif or night-cap.

The Grandhotel Monopole also offers its own restaurant serving first class evening meals. If you would like to pre-book evening meals, you have the choice of booking for all three nights, or just for the night of arrival. The cost is £44 per person per night, but the standards are high. Please note the nightly menu features meat, fish and vegetarian options, but it does not cater for vegans.

The Itinerary

Friday: After leaving Dorking at 07.00 and crossing the channel via Eurotunnel, the group can expect to arrive in Valkenburg by late afternoon, allowing for a comfort stop en route. After checking-in at your town centre hotel, the remainder of the evening is free.

Saturday: Today, the morning is free while the afternoon features a trip to the Aachen Christmas Market just across the German border.

Sunday: Aside from using your Valkenburg Christmas Market ticket, the day is completely free, and this is when your hotel’s great central location will really pay dividends.

Monday: Departing the hotel after breakfast the coach starts the journey home, stopping for a lunch break in the historic city of Bruges. The anticipated time of arrival back at the departure point is 21.00.

EXACTLY WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Luxury coach travel
• Return Channel crossing
• 3-nights 3* hotel accommodation
• Continental style buffet breakfasts
• Entrance ticket for Valkenburg Christmas Market
• Visit to Aachen Christmas Market
• Homeward journey via Bruges Christmas Market

Optional supplements:

• single room £135
• dinner in the hotel – £44 per person per night