Topdeck Travel Blog

Topdeck's latest Aussie arrival, Liana Szwajlyk, shares her Christmas experience in the City of Lights

Paris. Je t'aime. One of the most famous and romantic cities in the world, it's easy to fall in love with Paris. With an overwhelming number of beautiful landmarks, sights and attractions, Paris has its own very particular charm and a history beyond compare! The allure of the city's grand avenues and twinkling lights have bought millions of travellers to Paris, all looking to share in the city's "joie de vivre".

During the Christmas Season the French capital becomes even more alluring - no words can describe this Parisian experience! In December the metropolis sparkles - figuratively and literally, making this month an ideal time to visit. Trees up and down the boulevards are strung with garlands of shimmering lights and many other places around town are decorated in the same festive spirit. Christmas markets spring up all around the city, selling enchanting decorations and gifts and who can forget the gourmet treats? It's something a traveller, especially anyone who appreciates true art and beauty, should definitely experience.

I began my French escapade on Christmas Eve. It was cool and cloudy and the sun never showed which for an Aussie girl like me, the idea of having winter at Christmas (instead of one with scorching heat) was quite odd! The city was cheerful and bright though, everywhere people seemed to be having fun and enjoying themselves. Parisians are so exuberant, romantic, and full of life that you can't help but feel the same way!

Paris features attractions for all, so in an attempt to tick off a number of touristy things, I started my adventure with a grand walk along the Seine River. Passing a myriad of amazing bridges, I followed my way down the city's most famous promenade -the Champs Elysees - exploring the multitude Christmas stalls along the way! I quickly learned the operative word here was vin chaud, vin chaud, vin chaud! Red or white, hot French wine, sold everywhere in large two-euro plastic cups, or as I saw it: the perfect excuse to keep warm! Continuing on my journey, I came to the Place Charles de Gaulle where lays the beautiful Arc de Triomphe, a classic symbol of the French nation. Paris is an old city filled with culture, and there are so many museums to visit. Among the most notable of these museums is the Louvre - home of the famous Mona Lisa, my next stop, followed by a visit to the breathtaking grandeur of Notre Dame (highly recommended). And of course my visit to Paris would not be complete without taking a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower!

In just a few short days I found it difficult to soak in all that Paris can offer - but no matter what you choose to do there, you can't go wrong! Paris simply has a certain "je ne sais quoi" - that special something that you can't quite put your finger on, but whatever it is, it makes you want to linger in Paris for as long as possible. And so, I spent the festive break strolling along the glittering boulevards, feasting on local delicacies (Be warned: Foie Gras is only for the adventurous!) and gazing out at the City of Lights. This is definitely not the sunny Christmas I was accustomed to, but it certainly made for an exciting and memorable way to spend the holidays.

Experience Paris on Topdeck's 4 Day Christmas in Paris, currently £279 www.topdeck.travel

Topdeck Travel’s Amelia Lawrence experiences her first white Christmas in the Baltics

Christmas, to most of us Australians, means a few things. Hot weather. Cold swimming pools. Delicious seafood lunches. And yet we still listen to Bing Crosby dreaming of a white Christmas, which Santa dashes through the snow and Frosty the snowman comes to life one day. So what is a white Christmas really all about?

We started our white Christmas adventure in Riga, a city famous for its UNESCO World Heritage listing and with an architectural style unrivalled in Europe. Our local guide showed us the Art Nouveau architecture the city is famous for, as well as where to sample some local dishes. We eventually settled on a tiny hidden gem of a restaurant, tucked away in the narrow, winding cobblestone streets in the Old Town, where we indulged in cold beetroot borscht, delicious local sausages and some pickled mushrooms – apparently a Latvian delicacy!

Hot chocolate break!

One of the great joys of Christmas in Europe is the chance to visit the Christmas markets, and during the Christmas season Riga hosts a small Christmas market, where we warmed ourselves with mulled wine whilst deciding which festive Latvian decorations we couldn’t live without!

Church of the Saviour of Spilt Blood, St. Petersburg

From Riga it was on to Russia’s St Petersburg! This amazing city becomes a winter wonderland during December, which was great news for us as it meant very few tourists and almost no lines at the major attractions! It wasn’t until we embarked on a guided tour of the city that we understood what white Christmases are all about – the city’s sites are even more picturesque when covered with layers of fluffy white snow! Sure, it’s cold, but considering that at The Hermitage Museum we seemed to be the only tourists, what’s not to love? After a day of snow and ice we indulge in a sumptuous hot Christmas dinner, and we’re finally starting to get the white Christmas spirit!

After our first white Christmas, we journeyed across the plains to Tallinn, Estonia’s gothic capital. This spectacular city is a panorama of medieval history, culture and charm. We spend our time exploring within the ancient city walls, where the local sites are held within a maze of narrow cobbled streets and looming spires. It’s then finally time to try some delicious Estonian meals, warming ourselves up on hearty soups, delicious meat dishes and even some delicious Estonian rhubarb pastries!

After eight days in the Baltics, we’ve come to realise that while a white Christmas may not be what we’re used to – but it certainly makes for a new and exciting way to spend our holidays!

Interested? Check out this year's Baltic Explorer

For more information about Topdeck’s range of Christmas and New Year trips, including the 8 day Baltic Explorer Christmas trip, visit http://www.topdeck.travel/christmas-and-new-year.