A Festive European Adventure - Rachel's Review

We recently caught up with Rachel, a valued member of our Product team and a familiar face to many of you! Rachel accompanied one of our European tours as the Tour Manager for the Belgian Christmas Markets, and what an adventure it turned out to be. From marvelling at the gorgeous sights to sampling festive local delicacies and soaking up the charm of winter in Europe, it was a trip to remember.

As Tour Host, she played a key role in ensuring everything ran seamlessly: supporting Driver Hal, assisting guests, and making sure everyone felt well cared for throughout the journey.

Not only was Rachel there to guide the group, but she also had the chance to experience this spectacular tour first-hand… so of course, we had to ask: how was it?

We sat down with Rachel to hear all about her trip!

To start, could you give us an overview of the tour?
This fabulous festive tour took us to sample the delights of Belgium. Staying in Ghent we spent a day in historic Bruges famed for its medieval charm, canals and chocolate followed by a full day at leisure in Ghent with its historic buildings and cobbled streets. Both of which were full of Christmas cheer, markets and twinkling lights!

What was your favourite moment from the tour? Was there a particular place or moment that really stood out to you?
I love going on tour and being with the passengers, I like to hear where they have been and where they are going next, they also have great ideas for future trips!  
I am always mesmerised by cathedrals and Saint Bavo’s cathedral in Ghent and St Salvator’s cathedral in Bruges are both very special and worth a visit.

What would be your top tip for people travelling with us on a European adventure?
My top tip is always to take snacks onboard and a neck pillow helps make the journey more comfortable and for when you get to your destination comfy shoes are a must!

What was the best thing you ate/ drank at the Christmas markets?
It had to be a waffle – freshly made in front of me with chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries – absolutely delicious!

Do you have any funny or memorable moments form the trip to share with us?
Having dinner in a restaurant called Mr Spaghetti (there are quite a lot of Italian eateries in Ghent) where it was LOL Friday – basically funny Friday where they played tricks and told jokes ensuring everyone had a fun time.  Totally unexpected and slightly strange but very entertaining and the spaghetti was delicious!

If someone else was to go on this trip, what would your first recommendation be?
There are lots of bars, restaurants and cafes with pavement seating – a great place to sit and watch the world go by (even in December) and to look at a map and get your bearings to make sure you make the most of your trip.

Finally, what’s next on your travel bucket list - whether it’s with Roberts or you’re travelling solo?
Top of my bucket list is a trip to Japan, a bit too far for a coach trip. However, I would really like to go on our Roberts tour – Scenic Switzerland in March 2026.



Feeling inspired by Rachel’s adventure? You're in the right place! Discover your perfect European escape and explore our handpicked trips here!