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Itinerary
Christmastime with André Rieu – Live in Maastricht
We catch the ferry to Calais and travel on for check in at our hotel, where we stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Christmastime with André Rieu – Live in Maastricht
We set off for Maastricht, where we enjoy some time at leisure. Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, full of churches, city walls, merchant houses and atmospheric squares. There is also a variety of shops, from chic boutiques to larger shopping malls – so there is plenty to enjoy. Later, we head to the MECC Maastricht for the highlight of our break, the spectacular André Rieu concert. Before the curtain rises, there’s time to get into the festive spirit with a delightful Christmas Market, featuring a range of food and drink options, twinkly lights and even a small skating rink. We then take our seats for the show, where the violin maestro performs his most celebrated waltzes, along with other spellbinding classical music, Christmas carols plus a surprise or two. Sing along and dance in the aisles to what promises to be a musical extravaganza to remember, made even more special in the setting of André’s hometown. After the show, we rejoin the coach and return to the hotel.
Christmastime with André Rieu – Live in Maastricht
Today we visit an enchanting Christmas market or a festive European town. It’s the perfect chance to get in the festive spirit, meandering through traditional shops and stalls with a glass of mulled wine or warming hot chocolate in hand, enjoying tasty local treats and stocking up on Christmas presents. There’s time to choose a local restaurant for dinner at your leisure before returning to our hotel.
Christmastime with André Rieu – Live in Maastricht
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and head back to Calais for our return ferry home.
Excursion to a Traditional Christmas Market Town
On day 3, join an excursion to a traditional Christmas market in a nearby Belgian, German or Dutch town. Wander streets strung with garlands, sample gluhwein or hot chocolate, and browse stalls for handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers and regional treats such as speculaas and printen. Lanterns, choirs and the scent of cinnamon add a mellow festive glow.
Destinations vary by date, often including Aachen’s Cathedral quarter, Valkenburg’s cave markets in the Gemeentegrot, or Liège’s Village de Noël on Place Saint-Lambert. The Advent market tradition began in German-speaking lands in the 14th century, evolving into today’s convivial winter fairs. As dusk gathers and carols drift across the square, take a moment to pause for photos and reflection before choosing a cosy restaurant for dinner at leisure.
Cross-Channel Ferry to and from Calais
On day 1 and day 4, board the cross-Channel ferry for the short sea crossing to Calais. Step onto deck to watch the White Cliffs of Dover recede, breathe in the salt air and follow cormorants and ferries gliding across the busy strait. It’s a calm interlude between coach journeys and a scenic overture to your festive break.
This historic channel—once plied by Roman galleys and medieval fleets—frames a gentle start and finish to the tour. Inside, cafés and lounges offer a warm perch to relax en route, review plans, or simply soak in the seascape before we continue by coach to our hotel and, later, homeward.
André Rieu Ticket Upgrade (Premium Seating)
Enhance your evening at MECC with an upgrade your concert ticket to premium seating, placing you closer to the stage for an intimate view of André Rieu, the soloists and the orchestra’s playful details. Enjoy enhanced sightlines and acoustics that bring every waltz, carol and encore into clear, resonant focus.
This is an optional extra at additional cost, subject to availability. Upgrades can typically be requested in advance or with your Tour Manager and are bookable on tour. If you relish the nuance of bowing, the shimmer of costumes and the warmth of Rieu’s storytelling, this closer vantage subtly elevates the performance while preserving the convivial festive mood.
Maastricht Old Town Leisure Time
On day 2, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Maastricht’s old town, a city of cobbles, sandstone churches and café terraces. Stroll the Vrijthof between the Basilica of Saint Servatius and St. John’s red tower, and cross the St Servaas Bridge to the elegant Wyck district for boutiques and bakers selling fruity Limburgse vlaai.
Founded as Roman Mosae Trajectum, Maastricht grew behind medieval ramparts that still fringe quiet lanes and courtyards. Pause at the Basilica of Our Lady on Onze Lieve Vrouweplein to light a candle, then soak in the riverside atmosphere along the Meuse. This relaxed introduction sets the scene before the evening’s concert; your Tour Manager will confirm timings and the rendezvous to reach MECC together.
André Rieu Christmas Concert at MECC Maastricht
On day 2, head to MECC Maastricht for an evening devoted to music and winter sparkle. Arrive early to browse the Christmas market outside the venue, warming up with spiced treats beneath twinkling lights before you take your seats in Block 4 or 6. As the lights dim, violin maestro André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra fill the hall with sweeping waltzes, beloved carols and seasonal classics.
Performing in the hometown of Maastricht gives the concert a special intimacy; Rieu’s warm storytelling and festive staging invite you to sing along and even dance in the aisles. MECC’s modern acoustics cradle the lush Viennese sound while snow-kissed sets evoke European Advent traditions. Step back into the crisp night air still humming a melody, and soak in the seasonal atmosphere as we rejoin the coach for the return to the hotel.
