12 Holidays of Christmas

LONDON, December 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Forget the partridges - what everyone really wants their true love to send them this Christmas is a romantic getaway abroad. The travel experts at Thomas Cook have compiled the 12 holidays of Christmas, showcasing the best last-minute holiday deals available for this festive season:

1. A canary in a palm tree

One of the largest and most spectacular of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is the perfect holiday location to escape the festive season madness.

2. Two turtles swimming - Florida

In fact you'll see a lot more than just two turtles swimming in Florida, with sea turtles making up just a fraction of the incredible wildlife on show in this American paradise.

3. Three nights in France

Forget the hens and pop over to the continent to sample French cuisine on a fantastic mini-break.

4. A Med cruise calling at four ports (or 5 or 6 if you like)

With the outstanding winter deals you can cruise the Med for less this winter.

5. Five golden rings: Italy

Five golden rings of delicious pizza crust that is! Few other countries are as synonymous with food as Italy so when it comes to booking your next culinary tour you need look no further than Italy holidays 2013.

6. Six goose-down duvets

To stay warm anyway you like with a winter ski escape to Italy or France.

7. Seven spots for swimming: Portugal

That's what you'll get and more on a getaway in the Algarve. Discover winter holidays Portugal style, which are all about sunshine and clear skies.

8. Eight maids-a-milking: Swiss explorer

Forget the maids-a-milking and head to a country that knows how to put dairy to good use. Switzerland is famous for its delicious selection of cheeses and chocolates and looks especially magical during the winter.

9. Nine ladies dancing: Cancun

Cancun in Mexico joins the ranks of Ibiza and Las Vegas as a destination that truly knows how to party. Combine pristine beaches, world-class DJs and plenty of revellers looking to enjoy themselves and you have one potent New Year's Eve cocktail.

10. Ten Lords a-leaping: Royal Denmark

Step aside, Prince William; one European country that knows how to do royalty is Denmark. It's also the perfect location for a Christmas getaway, with stunning festive decorations and Christmas markets found throughout the city.

11. Eleven pipers piping: Prague

Discover the charm and beauty of the Christmas Markets in Prague, with traditional folk music, mulled wine and traditional pastries all on offer.

12. Twelve drummers drumming: Barcelona

Twelve drummers should give you plenty of rhythm to keep salsa dancing on a city break in Barcelona, so make sensational Spain one of your holiday choices this winter.