Behind the Journeys

Dotted with ancient, candy coloured towns that seem to have sprung straight from the pages of a children’s story, Alsace was made for Christmas. Small wonder then that this northeastern region of France is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Our  Magical Alsatian Christmas Holiday 2024 takes to you four of them. 

Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like a glass bauble and there’s no place better to find them than Krakow

Nathalie Cassée is a block printer and cultural entrepreneur. She founded the block print studio De Katoendrukkerij in the Dutch city of Amersfoort. Based in a 17th century mill rooted in the city's textile past, the studio sets out to bring the history of block printing to life in contemporary form. We caught up with her to find out more. 

Sweet, spicy and shaped into everything from people to festive decorations, gingerbread is loved around the world. In this blog, we take a look at the history of a tasty treat that has become synonymous with Alsace. 

Loved for their flaxen manes and sure-footed instinct for life in the mountains, Haflinger horses have become a Tyrolean cultural treasure. 2024 marks 150 years since the first Haflinger foal was born.

Deep under the earth, 14km south of Krakow, the Wieliczka salt mine is one of the wonders of Poland. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this subterranean labyrinth of tunnels and chambers has morphed from an industrial plant at the heart of the Polish economy into a world-famous tourist attraction, event location and a health resort. Read on to discover 10 fascinating facts about this UNESCO World heritage site.