Gift ideas for Xmas

Santa is almost upon us (yes  still 28 days to go but those days go so quick in December) and If any of you are like me then I know many of you still have presents to buy.

Buying someone a holiday is way out of reach for many people but what about a break, a 2 night mini-cruise?

For 2014 mini breaks here are a list of options you may want to consider.

3rd April P&O Azura 3 nights Brussels/ Bruges Outside cabin from £329pp

18th April P&O Oriana 2 nights Brussels/ Bruges Inside cabin from £229pp

3rd May P&O Oceana 2 nights Guernsey Outside cabin from £279pp

13 June P&O Aurora 2 nights Guernsey Inside cabin from £229pp

22nd July P&O Arcadia 3 nights Guernsey Inside cabin from £339pp

7th Oct P&O Oriana 2 nights Brussels/ Bruges Inside cabin from £199pp

Here is a little insight to the above destinations

Zeebrugge is an important port city in Flanders, connecting Belgium’s intricate railway and canal transportation systems. It is the gateway to medieval Bruges, one of northern Europe’s most picturesque old cities and Brussels with its tree-shaded boulevards, splendid parks, imposing monuments, and beautiful buildings. Cruise ships dock at the commercial port and shuttle buses are provided to Bruges or more likely to Blankenberg where there are hourly (half hourly in Summer) trains into Bruges.

Bruges

Bruges in northwestern Belgium is one of northern Europe’s most picturesque old cities. Admire its ancient churches including the Chapel of the Holy Blood (14th-16th century), Cathedral of St. Salvator (12th-16th century), the Church of Notre Dame and the Church of Jerusalem (1428). Start with its main squares – The Market is dominated by the 260ft 14th century Belfry (climb for panoramic views) and gabled merchants’ houses while The Burg is surrounded by the Gothic Town Hall (1376-1420), ornate 13th century guild halls, cobbled streets and peaceful canals. Shop for Bruges lace and Belgian chocolates – and check out the many tempting restaurants and cafes. If you prefer museums see the collections of Flemish art and history in the Memling Museum in the 12th-century Hospital of St. John, the Groeninge Museum or the 15th-century Gruuthuse Mansion.

The ancient prosperity of Bruges was founded on the cloth trade and the city prospered until the 15th century. The Zwin River, that connected Bruges with the North Sea, slowly began to narrow as sand built up clogging the waterway and prevented ships from passing. This marked the end of the city’s great trade period, but over the centuries the city’s medieval architecture has remained remarkably well-preserved

Brussels

Brussels is the capital and largest city of the Belgium and the headquarters of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It has tree-shaded boulevards, splendid parks, imposing monuments, and beautiful buildings including the 13th century church of Saints Michael and Gudule, Nôtre Dame de Finistère and St Jacques sur Coudenberg, the 15th century Hôtel de Ville, the royal palace, the 18th-century Palais de la Nation, the 19th-century Palais de Justice and the Bourse.

Brussels had become capital of the Netherlands in 1530 when it was part of the Duchy of Burgundy under the Austrian Hapsburgs. The growth of Protestantism led to suppression by the Spanish and later it fell under French control until 1815. By the terms of the Congress of Vienna Brussels became one of the capitals of the kingdom of the Netherlands. However, following the revolution for Belgian independence, it was made the capital of the newly established kingdom of Belgium in 1831.

Guernsey

The Channel Islands’ oldest settlement is a ‘capital’ of neat lines of Regency and Victorian buildings and narrow cobbled streets, steep stairways and alleyways weaving their way down between houses to a picturesque harbour – and has a special charm thanks to its unique Anglo-French pedigree. Points of interest include the medieval Castle Cornet (built by King John), Hauteville House (Victor Hugo’s home during exile, where Les Miserables was penned) and delightful Candie Gardens – while a tour of the rocky coastline will reveal no less than 17 beautiful bays.

Guernsey is a lush garden of flowers and vegetables, with about 300 miles of roads and lanes. The island has retained its natural beauty an the coastline has remained unspoilt. Dotted around the island you will see occasional crumbling ruins, and herds of the golden Guernsey cows.

I have been to Bruges on 3 occasions now and love it, perhaps next time I will go to Brussels as it looks a beautiful destination and definitely a visit to Guernsey in the near future too.

Have you done these destinations before?

What do you think to them and would you recommend?

I think these make an ideal present for Xmas/ Valentine or even a birthday.