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Take a thoroughly festive break on board Saga Sapphire and visit some of Europe’s best Christmas markets where the air is filled with the smell of freshly baked gingerbread and hot Glühwein.

The Christmas Markets mini-cruise sails on December 15, 2016 to make the most of the seasonal atmosphere in Bremen, Amsterdam and Bruges.

Saga Sapphire sails from Southampton for five nights and guests can enjoy a day at sea, socialising and tucking into scrumptious cuisine before sailing into Bremerhaven, for Bremen, in Germany.

Bremen is one of Germany's finest Christmas markets, enjoying a picturesque setting by the town hall, where lovingly adorned stalls and twinkling Christmas lights create a magical scene. Carol singers and street entertainers add to the atmosphere while craftsmen show off their skills in making traditional toys and gifts.

The next port of call is Ijmuiden, the gateway for Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Amsterdam has a large central shopping area, as well as many independent shops alongside the pretty canals where visitors can stroll into past old brick gabled buildings while seeking out special Christmas presents.

Zeebrugge, for Bruges, is next on the itinerary. This pretty Belgian town completes the fairytale Christmas break, where guests enjoy the intoxicating scent of warm, fresh waffles and decadent Belgian hot chocolate.

Pretty wooden chalets fill the Grote Markt and there’s a glittering ice rink and fairground carousel which add to the fun. Along the side streets are many individual shops and there is a smaller market in the tree-lined Simon Stevinplein, with no shortage of fine chocolatiers and cosy cafés – perfect for a pit-stop during the serious business of shopping.

Ends

For details visit saga.co.uk/cruises or call 0800 50 50 30

Five nights from £679 per person departing from Southampton on December 15, 2016. Price includes UK travel package, all meals, all inclusive on selected drinks and entertainment, choice of table wines at lunch and dinner, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, unlimited tea and coffee in selected venues, free Wi-Fi, all on-board gratuities, porterage, free shuttle bus to nearest town centre (whenever possible and when the ship is berthed more than 500 yards away), optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

Price based on two people sharing the lowest available Inside cabin, and includes any relevant booking discount. Fares were correct at the time of sending are subject to availability and change. Further terms and conditions apply. Please call for details.

'All Inclusive includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks.'