Czech Republic Archives - Indigo Car Hire

Market Magic: Find The Best Christmas Markets In Europe This Festive Season

December 4, 2019 Cherie Carter Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, News, Poland, UK Comments Off

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

With the year slowly drawing to a close and the festive season creeping up on us, cities across the world are decking their halls and trimming their trees in preparation for one of the best-loved Christmas traditions there is – the Christmas market.

With so many stunning locations across the globe offering their take on the traditional Christmas market, it can be hard to choose where to head for a festive break and a chance to grab those extra special gifts. Some of the most popular locations are in central Europe, including the site of the first ever Christmas market – this means not only are they a great way to fit in a city break before the holidays, they’re also relatively cheap and cheerful for travel, stays and shopping. We also offer our car rental services in every single one of these locations, giving us the ability to help make your travel even simpler. To make the hustle and bustle of travelling through the holidays just that little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the top Christmas markets in Europe to help you decide where to visit next – all that’s left for you to do is work on that Christmas list!

Vienna, Austria

Home of the first ever Christmas market held all the way back in 1289, Christmas in Vienna is the product of centuries of tradition – but that doesn’t mean it’s old fashioned. During the holiday season, Vienna is home to more than 20 different stalls offering everything from traditional homemade gifts and Christmas decorations, to fresh local foods and hot mulled wine to keep you cosy while you shop.

The Viennese Dream Christmas market is definitely the main attraction of the festive season – set against the backdrop of the beautiful City Hall and offering ‘creative workshops’ for children to make their own special gifts and post their wish lists, it’s the perfect Christmas getaway for the family.

With flights from the UK starting at £80 and hotels in the area from £80 for a long weekend (based on two sharing) it is slightly on the higher end in terms of budget, but if you’re looking to lose yourself in festive tradition then Vienna is definitely the spot for you.

The Viennese Dream Christmas market is open 10am-10pm, 15-26 December
Admission cost – FREE

Prague, Czech Republic

With nativity, choirs and angels galore, Prague’s Christmas market in the Old Town district is the cornerstone of everything advent – if you’re after winter wonderland, then look no further. Surrounded by a backdrop of Prague’s beautiful gothic architecture, the rustic wooden huts of the Old Town Square market are the perfect place to pick up one of a kind gifts and experience some cosy Christmas magic at the same time. You’ll be able to find traditional wooden toys, handmade jewellery and delicate Christmas decorations to name just a few, so you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone. Mostly known for its twinkling lights and delicious food and drink, Prague’s Old Town market also has a petting zoo for younger children, and daily tree-lighting ceremonies that are held every hour from 16:30.

Return flights from the UK to Prague in December start at around £60, with hostels near to the markets starting as low as £30 for a long weekend (based on 2 guests) or a cosier, quieter hotel room setting you back just £50 for the weekend, Prague is definitely a good location if you’re looking for a classic Christmas trip with more money saved for the presents!

Prague’s Christmas markets are open every day from 30 November – 06 January, with the lights switched on in Old Town Square every hour from 16:30 – 21:30
Admission cost – 25 CZK (approx. 0.85 GBP)

Berlin, Germany

German Christmas markets, or chriskindlmarkt, are the ones that we in the UK most associate with the festive season, as these magical markets are where ours take most of their inspiration from. Although they’re not the origin of the Christmas market they are arguably the most famous, so it’s a no brainer that they’re one of the most popular locations for a festive break.

There are over 70 markets to choose from in Berlin alone, the largest of which is the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt. Not only is it the perfect place to pick up creative gifts such as blown glass and origami; there is also an array of theatrical and dance performers to enjoy. Popular for its varied entertainment, beautiful backdrop and delicious food, this is the perfect place to visit if you want your experience to be something a little out of the ordinary.

At this time of the year Berlin is fairly middle range in terms of cost – a return flight from the UK to Berlin will set you back around £75. however the accommodation is a little on the pricier side, with hostels from around £50 and hotels from £90 for 3 nights.

The WeihnachtsZauber Christmas Market is open 11am – 10pm daily, 25 November – 31 December (closed at 6pm on Christmas Eve, and 1am on New Year’s Eve)
Admission cost – 1 EUR

Gdasnk, Poland

If you’re looking for some Christmas market magic on a tighter budget, then Gdansk’s picturesque market in Old Town is the perfect festive getaway that doesn’t break the bank.

This traditional attraction has everything you could want in a Christmas market, from cosy handmade woollen scarves and gloves to sledding competitions and a Christmas lights ceremony from Santa himself. The market also features their traditional Christmas fair, which boasts new attractions every year – this year visitors can enjoy a 2-level carousel and food court with traditional mulled wine, hot cider and delicious Polish food.

As well as visits from Santa and his elves for younger visitors, you can also expect light shows and carol performances to entertain you while you take in the sights, along with an ice skating rink within the market itself – what better way to enjoy the twinkling lights and festive spirit?

This is definitely the cheapest option for those looking to travel on a budget – flights from the UK are just £35, with hostels as cheap as £35 for 3 nights and hotels from just £50 GBP.

The Christmas Market and Fair are open 11am-7pm daily, 01 – 23rd December
Admission cost – FREE

Copenhagen, Denmark

Home of hygge and famous for its dedication to all things calming and comfy, Denmark is the perfect place to visit for a cozy Christmas break. Copenhagen certainly seems like the city with everything to offer over the holiday season – from a festive theme park at Tivoli Garden’s Christmas market, to a twinkling kayak parade, you’ll never be short of new experiences in this city that really does take Christmas to the next level.

Copenhagen was also home to storyteller Hans Christian Anderson – and of course, there is a Christmas market dedicated entirely to bringing his fairy tales to life. With a unique theme to each stall named after a classic fairytale, this old fashioned market is a magical experience that’s not to be missed.
If you’d prefer a more traditional market with a cosy Copenhagen backdrop, head over to Nyhavn’s Christmas market; situated right by the harbour it’s the perfect place to lose yourself in the city, with its cobbled streets and some of the oldest architecture in Copenhagen.

It’s no surprise that with its wealth of tradition and extensive list of must-see experiences, Copenhagen is one of the most expensive places to visit at this time of year. Flights start from around £55, however accomodation is on the pricier side, with hostels upwards of £100 and hotels from £160 for a long weekend – however if you’re looking for rich tradition and the cosiest of Christmases, Copenhagen is definitely the city for you.

Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market is open now – 05 January, from 11:00-23:00 Sun-Thurs, and 11:00-midnight Fri-Sat
Admission cost – 110 DKK (approx. 12.60 GBP)

Manchester, UK

Looking for something a little closer to home? Here in the UK we have a long list of great Christmas markets, but none quite as impressive as Manchester.

Voted the best in the UK, Manchester’s award-winning Christmas markets are spread across the city with over 300 stalls to tempt you into the festive spirit. The market is host to a range of suppliers, both local businesses and those from across Europe, so there’s certainly no shortage of stocking fillers to be found. Manchester’s Christmas markets are also famous for their food – with everything from a traditional Bratwurst to more exotic dishes like fresh paella and chorizo rolls from Little Spain and a range of vegetarian options, it’s festive street food at its best.

Albert Square is always the main attraction, with stalls in other various locations across the city. Cathedral Gardens is home to a family-friendly activities hub – this features an ice rink, and the stunning Ice Village with ice sculptures and an ice slide for children – but Santa’s grotto is guaranteed to be the main attraction. This year, Manchester’s markets will also be home to a Tiki Ice Bar serving delicious cocktails –perfect for those who aren’t too keen on the traditional mulled wine, but still fancy a festive tipple.

If you’re based in the UK, Manchester is easy to reach from almost anywhere, and transport is relatively cheap. Hotels in the centre start from £85 for 3 nights, so you can stay close to the festivities without breaking the bank.

Manchester Christmas Markets are open now – 21/22 December, 10:00 – 21:00
Admission cost – FREE

So if you’re looking a quick festive getaway this year, there’s no shortage of stunning Christmas markets across Europe to get you into the yuletide spirit – whether it’s picking up last minute gifts or losing yourself in the hustle and bustle of a sparkling city, our top holiday markets are guaranteed to be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re heading away and looking to make your trip that little bit easier in the hectic run up to Christmas, why not treat yourself to a hire car to make exploring a new city simpler? Here are Indigo we offer rental services in all of these locations and many more – get in touch with our team to find out more about Christmas car hire.

Car Hire With Free GPS

November 20, 2019 Robert Gillespie Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France Offers, Germany, Holland, Netherlands, Switzerland Comments Off

Car Hire With A Free GPS

One of the questions we are asked most here at Indigo is whether our rental cars include a GPS. While travelling in a new country is exciting, it’s important to know where you’re going to be able to make the most of your trip – which is likely why this is one of our most requested extras.

With most rental companies, a GPS is charged as an additional extra – and with most suppliers charging per day, the cost can soon add up. However, we have managed to secure a deal with our suppliers to offer FREE GPS in some European locations, meaning that customers travelling in the following locations can find their way around, without the fuss and without the fee:

This option guarantees you will receive a vehicle with a built in GPS, rather than an additional device which can be often be tricky to use. There are other alternatives when renting, such as using a mobile phone – however a vehicle with an inbuilt GPS means you get to avoid any extra roaming charges and still enjoy exploring a new city with ease, at no extra cost.

Car hire with a free GPS is only available in certain locations through us directly (not available online) and supply will be limited. If you’re travelling in any of these locations and a free GPS is an absolute must-have for your rental, contact our reservations team – they will be happy to do all the legwork to find you the best possible rental deal and help your trip go smoothly.

Car Hire In Czech Republic With Winter Tyres

October 13, 2019 Robert Gillespie Czech Republic, Winter, winter car rental Comments Off

About Czech Republic

Czech Republic has become increasingly popular with tourists and now attracts 20 million tourists every year. The capital city, Prague is the most popular place among tourists which accommodates a preserved medieval old town, 9th century castle and countless other historic point of interest. In Czech Republic, you can also take to the slopes and visit one of the many resorts that offer ski holidays.

If you are going skiing or visiting in the Winter for any other reason, you need to make sure you are aware of the laws that are in place. We have researched and managed to fit all the information you need into one blog. Beneath is all the information you will need to know about winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks.

Are Winter Tyres A Legal Requirement In Czech Republic?

Yes, between 1st November and 1st April, it is a legal requirement that your car is equipped with winter tyres. As it is a legal requirement, when you hire a car, winter tyres will be fit as standard and the price will automatically reflect this.

Do I Need Snow Chains In Czech Republic?

Yes, where it is instructed you are required to use snow chains. It might be possible to divert and travel a different way to avoid any roads that require snow chains. If you are not sure if you will need them, sometimes it is better to take them as you might regret it later. Snow chains can be added to your rental for 25 EUR for the duration of your rental.

What Else Should I Consider?

If you are planning to take your skis with you, you will need a way to transport your skis. The easiest way to do this is to hire a ski rack when you book your car. A ski rack can be added to your rental from 25 EUR for the rental period. This price is subject to availability and if the supplier who offer this price is not available, we will place you with the next cheapest option. Please keep in mind that the ski racks can only hold 2 sets of skis. Should you need to take more than 2 sets of skis it might be worth considering hiring a larger car to accommodate your skis. If you have any questions of concerns in regards to ski car hire, please get in contact with us.

If you make use of our cross border car hire offer, it is important to know the laws of any country you will be visiting. It is your responsibility to make sure you comply with any laws, failure to do so may result in complications with the local law enforcement and could also make your insurance void. If you need to add anything extra, you must to this when booking your car.

We always recommend calling us if you wish to book a car, especially if you have exact requirements. Our team is always happy to help with any questions or concerns to make sure you have the smoothest car hire experience. Get in touch with us today!

6 Road Trip Destinations to Satisfy Your Wanderlust

September 13, 2018 Robert Gillespie Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Iceland, New Zealand, Spain, Travel Advice, USA Comments Off

Road trips offer the ultimate dose of freedom for your holiday, and luckily, there are plenty of roads in the world that are a little more interesting than the M6 on a drizzly January afternoon – with stunning coastal vistas, dramatic mountain scenery, and picture-perfect towns and villages waiting to be explored.

1. The indomitable, irreplaceable, Route 66

The obvious starting point is the world’s most iconic road, Route 66 – still drivable despite the era of the soulless ten-lane-wide freeway dawning in the 1950s. Spanning 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, the route takes in seven states, mountains, lakes and everything in between.

It would be a mammoth commitment to drive the whole thing – so we suggest a few short sections, such as the drive through the desert across the Arizona-California border, evoking the famous journey undertaken by the dust bowl migrants of the 1930s – immortalised in John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath.

At the other end of the route, a drive into Chicago from St Louis takes in the Cahokia, the remains of an ancient Native American city on the banks of the Mississippi and ending at the steps of the beautiful Art Institute of Chicago in the famous city’s centre. Whatever section you choose, you’ll be driving a culturally iconic route immortalised in songs and literature.

2. The Elbe Valley: Germany to Czechia

This beautiful, meandering river valley is somewhat of an underrated road trip. Driving from the historic German city of Dresden, you’ll follow the river as it slowly coils round beautiful forested hills and picturesque riverside towns such as Bad Schandau, right on the border with Czechia – where you might see rock climbers scaling the riverside cliffs. There’s a certain thrill in crossing an international border in a car, and once you’re in the Czech side of the valley, take a trip to the historic town of Děčín, overlooked by the imperious and unmissable Děčín Castle.

After driving’s done for the day, make sure you indulge in a few local Czech beers overlooking the river – the perfect way to round off your border-crossing, culture-swapping, beautiful road trip.

3. Australia’s Great Ocean Road

By Australian standards, a 150 mile drive is easy – there are cattle stations in the Outback that are three times that size – but luckily for you, the Great Ocean Road packs a whole country worth of jaw-dropping scenery into the winding coastal road between the towns of Torquay and Warrnambool. The undisputed highlights of the drive are the stunning, otherworldly limestone structures in the Port Campbell National Park, known as the Twelve Apostles. It’s such a great route, and it isn’t too far from Melbourne for a little slice of city life after your drive along the rural coast.

4. Get lost in Lanzarote

The advantages of exploring an island with a hire car are numerous. There’s less traffic, nothing is too far away and you’re only minutes from the beach at any given time. You can really find your niche in Lanzarote, especially in the less crowded side of the island. The attractive town of Yaiza is a great place to stop for lunch, before driving over to the bewitching, treeless moonscape of the Timanfaya National Park, where the island’s volcanic heritage comes into its own. With home-from-home private villas scattered across the island, you can set up a basecamp and hit the road in search of adventure or tranquility – whatever appeals most!

5. Iceland: Reykjavik – The Golden Circle

From one volcanic island to another, driving is just about the only way to get around the jaw-dropping, rugged countryside of Iceland. We recommend taking in the pint-sized urban chic of Reykjavik before heading to what is known as The Golden Circle – the combination of the Pingvellir National Park, the Haukadalur geysers and the two hundred metre tall waterfall at Gullfoss. The ancient scenery streams past your window as you drive the simple two-lane roads between these places. Iceland is truly a country that looks great from any angle, so fuel up the car and prepare to be amazed.

6. New Zealand: The Alpine Highway

This route across New Zealand’s South Island starts in Christchurch, a vibrant, buzzing city undergoing the remarkable process of rebuilding itself following a catastrophic earthquake in 2011. Once you’ve exhausted the city, wind your way up to the Southern Alps, where your route will take in lakes, ski resorts and the jewel in the crown, the Arthur’s Pass National Park. Spend a night high in the mountains before driving yet more beautiful roads such as the Otira Viaduct, where the scenery could have been taken straight out of a car advert. Just about anywhere in New Zealand is beautiful, so you’re best off booking a car for a few days and satisfying your wanderlust by, well… wandering.

With these 6 stunning routes just waiting to be discovered, the only real difficulty will be choosing where to start!

Brno Airport Debit Card Car Hire

October 23, 2014 Robert Gillespie Czech Republic, Newsflash Comments Off

News Flash Brno Airport Debit Card Car Hire

Indigo Car Hire is pleased to announce that starting from this month we offer: Brno Airport Debit Card Car Hire. Czech Republic, is a major tourist hub, so offering debit card car hire was a must for Indigo.

You probably know that debit card car hire a a very difficult task,and not many companies are able to offer this service. Our Car Hire Experts managed to close a very good deal with a prestigious supplier, and made Brno Airport Debit Card Car Hire possible for you.

Brno Airport officialy Brno–Turany Airport, is the second busiest airport in Czech Republic. It is located in the city of Brno, which is among the most visited cities in the area after Prague.

With more than 500 000 passenger every year, Brno Airport connects the Czech Republic with many European cities like: London, Eindhoven, Moscow, Almeria, Thessaloniki or Palma de Majorca.

Brno Airport Debit Card Car Hire Conditions

Our car hire experts made, Brno Airport Debit Card Car Hire Conditions very easy to be met. As usual the conditions refers to the types of the debit cards and the car hire deposit. To check if your card meets the requirements of the supplier, please contact our team via call or email.

The second condition which comes with Brno Airport Debit Card Car Hire, is the deposit you must pay for your car hire.
In this case for an economy car the deposit is 250 euros, which is about 200 sterling pounds. The deposit will be held on your card.

The third conditions on Brno Airport Debit Card Car Hire, is that the rental must be pre-paid. That means you’ll need to pay the total amount your car rental in the moment of booking.

INDIGO CAR HIRE OFFERS IN Brno Airport Also Include

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe as is bordered by Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland. It among the most visited countries in Europe.
Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and a gateway to Moravia’s best vineyards, historical places, museums and beautiful landscapes.

For more information about Brno Airport Debit Card Car Hire, or in any location in Czech Republic, please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk