Luxembourg holiday packages

Flight and hotel Luxembourg

The lay of the land in Luxembourg

Europe's capital cities have a lot to offer the traveller, but few have a UNESCO-listed historic centre like Luxembourg's. Topping vaunting cliffs, Luxembourg is medieval dreamland.

Looking out on the emerald hills of the Moselle region, the city flows with award-winning wines. Like a fine wine itself, this centrally located European city imbues the many flavours of European history despite its tiny size. Roman ruins and Merovingian monarchs, rambling ramparts and secret subterranean streets await you on package holidays in Luxembourg.

Before booking your flight to and hotel in Luxembourg

Flights to and hotels in Luxembourg couldn't be easier to arrange. Flights from Dublin run regularly, as do flights from Cork. Luxembourg Airport (LUX) is six miles east of the city and well connected via public transport. Flight time from the UK is about one hour, and when you arrive, set your watch back an hour. Though Luxembourg uses euros, credit cards are accepted in most places.

When is the best time for package holidays to Luxembourg?

May, June and September are some of the most comfortable months for city breaks in Luxembourg. The temperate climate shared with the UK means it is rarely unpleasant to visit this pretty city. May and June are the driest months, while January is chilly. High season runs from mid-July until August's close, and smaller hotels shut down in the winter months. Christmas markets here are a fairytale.

What is there to do on city breaks in Luxembourg?

Weekends in Luxembourg are best spent exploring its warren of historic treasures. Here's what to do.

• Wander the city's 17th-century ramparts, considered 'Europe's most beautiful balcony'. The Chemin de la Corniche runs the course of the old city walls to Wenceslas Wall. Views extend over the river as you make your way towards the Dräi Tier (Triple Gate Tower).
• Wend your way through Bock Casemates, the rock passages that belie Montée de Clausen's once-mighty fortress. This subterranean labyrinth, carved out by the Spaniards in the 18th century, has undergone many incarnations, including bakery and bomb shelter during both world wars.
• Day trip to Château de Beaufort, a medieval ruin snuggled behind a village of the same name. The 12-century foundations were built on a former Roman encampment. You can also purchase some plum liqueur made in the village at the castle.

What is there to see during weekends in Luxembourg?

Pore over medieval manuscripts in the vaulted basement of the Abbaye d'Echternach, once a renowned scriptorium. Among the treasures are the Codex Aureus, Merovingian tombs and hundreds of hand-painted pages. Feast your eyes on some contemporary art at Mudam gallery. The remarkable building was designed by I.M. Pei. It houses interactive exhibitions inside its glass shell.

Visit the immaculately maintained US Military Cemetery, where some 5.000 World War II soldiers have their final resting place. General George Patton, who aided in Luxembourg's liberation in 1944, is among them. Musée d'Histoire de la Ville is housed in the former summer home of the Bishop of Orval. Views from the terrace are one of the city's top sights, while the museum is an ideal orientation to the area on city breaks in Luxembourg.

Eating and drinking in Luxembourg

The wine region of Moselle rolls out beyond Luxembourg City, interspersed with picturesque castle-centred villages. The oenophile origins of Luxembourg are Roman, and the Moselle remains a superb place to venerate Bacchus. The national dish is Judd mat Gaardebounen, or smoked pork collar with broad beans. Try F'rell am Reisleck, trout cooked in Riesling and cream. The country tips its hat to neighbouring Belgium through the profusion of menus featuring mussels. Gromperekichelcher, or potato latkes, are one of Luxembourg's favourite snacks. A sweet treat found throughout the city come autumn, Quetschentaart makes a feature of the ripe damsons harvested here. Though Belgium may get the glory for its chocolate, Luxembourg's chocolatiers come a close second. Stop in at Oberweis, Namur or Kaempff Kohler for some seriously sophisticated chocolates.

Luxury goods in Luxembourg

Remember your time in Luxembourg for generations by purchasing one of the world-class watches produced here. Schroeder has one shop in Luxembourg and another in Paris, while Bijouterie Hoffman is worth travelling to Grevenmacher for. Villeroy and Boch has supplied the porcelain adorning the tables of Luxembourg locals for nearly 300 years. Stock up on Rue du Fosse, where seasonal and traditional designs are so elegantly arranged the shop could be an artwork in itself. Pick yourself up a peckvillchen bird whistle at the Fish Market in the city centre. Though available year round, these ceramic, bird-shaped whistles are blown annually on Easter Monday.