So, it’s the height of summer, the time of year when a coach operator’s thoughts turn to the depths of winter.
This season can be challenging and rewarding at the same time; it can throw up unexpected disruptions and closures and yet it is probably the period which beckons the highest repeat business. Therefore, ICT reveal some of its festive favourites and new initiatives.
Couple mulled wine and mince pies with a wonderful weekend winter cruise of Poole Harbour, passing by Brownsea Island and the Sandbanks Peninsula lined with the luxurious houses of the Golden Mile. Available on weekends throughout November, early December and on selected dates in January, February and March, this is the perfect pre or post-Christmas day-cruise for those looking for an exceptional value experience. ICT is offering this tour as a Sunday night B&B in 2018 for just £45 per person and a 3 night weekend break in 2019 on mixed board for £139 per person – coinciding with the wonderful Bournemouth Alpine Christmas Markets.
For those looking for something on the luxurious side, then why not consider the Canterbury Carols service on the Belmond British Pullman. With a minimum number of only twelve people to constitute a group, the luxury vintage train sets out from London Victoria taking in the beautiful Kent countryside over a Champagne brunch and stopping in Canterbury for an afternoon Christmas carol performance at the Cathedral. All that remains is for your group to wine and dine their way through a four-course Christmas lunch on the return leg – a truly luxurious and leisurely day. Choose either 4th Dec or 14th Dec 2018 service, from £365 per person.
Those looking for more-affordable luxury for their pre or post-Christmas trip are in for a treat in Ireland’s Killarney National Park with a scrumptious four-night festive break at its premier historic hotel, The Great Southern, centered in town. The half-board hotel package includes the additional extras of a mulled wine and mince pie reception, a turndown gift for guests each night, a four-course festive dinner one evening, a Christmas carol performance and a whiskey or wine tasting session. And that’s not all, the package continues with a stately home visit to a festive Muckross House and a pony sleigh ride through Killarney National Park. To experience the beauty of a national park in wintertime is something very special with so few people around, crisp winter air and untouched landscapes. ICT cannot align the stars, but they sure have tried, selecting dates in 2018 and 2019 which coincide with a new moon lunar phase to make the most of the night sky in this gold-tier dark sky reserve. Full package only £485 per person.
Christmas Markets must get a mention somewhere and ICT are offering a last chance getaway to one of the UK’s finest – Bath Christmas Market, with a group stay at the Best Western Angel on 29th November 2018 for two nights B&B from £179 per person. On the continent the lovely Lille Christmas Market is seeing a comeback, so the advice is to get your 2019 requests in now.
And a recommendation from the top, Managing Director, Peter Stratton suggests “The Thursford Spectacular. Always one of our best sellers for this period, I think it has now become a national treasure. I don’t know anywhere in the world which pulls a Christmas show off so spectacularly … and it’s here in the UK, Norfolk – amazing”.
There is so much choice available to fill your winter touring progrmme, between festive events and shows, markets and fairs, turkey and tinsel or even Twixmas hotel breaks, visit attractions brimming with the Christmas theme or outlets for retail therapy – whatever combination works for your local market, ICT can tailor each tour to suit all your needs.
For further information on any of the above please speak to ICT sales team on 01708 802355 or email info@ictgrouptravel.com
More inspiration can be found at www.ictgrouptravel.com/categories/festive/
