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Taking place on the cobblestone Vorosmarty Square, this handcrafts-only market is a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts. With over 150 vendor stalls, Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt takes place in front of its 19th-century town hall. Most European Christmas markets are open from the last week of November through December 22.
Holiday traditions in the Rhineland
The cruise fare includes all gratuities, private shore excursions, meals, unlimited drinks including premium spirits, and basic Wi-Fi, plus airport and train transfers. The midpoint of the cruise will bring you to the decision to visit either Ghent, which is one of the oldest cities in Belgium, or Bruges, known for its medieval architecture and beautiful canals. The cruise also visits Antwerp, where you can explore the various Christmas markets that are spread throughout the city. Your trip ends in Brussels, with a whole day to explore the cute squares and charming markets and try local fare.
What we love about Christmas Markets in Hamburg and Bruges
Cruising Europe’s rivers is an increasingly popular way to explore quaint towns and historic cities in countries such as France and Germany, especially in summer. Already a classic river cruise destination, the Hungarian capital Budapest -- divided into Buda and Pest by the Danube River -- is particularly beautiful during the Christmas market season. The two largest Christmas markets take place on the Pest side, and both could double as a foodie tour of Hungary with the amount of local eats on offer.
Night Cruise With 3 Nights Prague Pre-Cruise
Without any exaggeration, Christmas markets are one of the main social events in Germany. Just imagine how a comfortable river cruise ship will take you from one Christmas Market to another. All you need to worry about is “What hot wine (Glühwein) or German sausage will I try next? Some cruisers are content just browsing through them and enjoying the merry atmosphere.
AARP's Guide to Europe’s Christmas Market Cruises
Most Rhine River cruise itineraries make a stop in Cologne no matter what time of year. You'll have your pick of river cruise lines, as nearly any that traverse the Rhine stop here. Nuremberg is a tour stop on many Danube River cruises and some itineraries that include the Rhine River. Instead, tours depart from the nearest port on the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal nearby. The city is famous for Schuco tin cars and Fleishmann train sets, and its holiday market is a great place to find nostalgic toys.
Three Rivers: Danube, Main & Rhine
As a sustainable travel enthusiast from Luxembourg, I am the happiest while doing outdoorsy stuff like hiking, cycling, or sailing. As European I have experienced the best Christmas markets in German-speaking countries. Another advantage of taking a Christmas cruise from Southampton, UK is that you are only a few nights away from warmer islands such as Madeira, Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
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You don't have to go Europe to take a Christmas market cruise - USA TODAY
You don't have to go Europe to take a Christmas market cruise.
Posted: Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
As we talk about people coming out of COVID wanting to have more family time and making up for lost time,” says Azure Blue Vacations’ Schreiner, who’s taking a group of 12 on a Danube cruise at Christmastime this year. “In Austria we went to a church [in Oberndorf] and listened to an organ concert and they did ‘Silent Night.’ I thought, ‘Oh my god, this is where Silent Night was written! ’ ” says Kathie Elowitt, 78, of Hidden Hills, California, of her Uniworld cruise on the Danube between Budapest and Passau, Germany. As the name suggests, this cruise takes you through Austria, Germany, and Hungary to some of the most iconic Christmas markets on the Danube.
Just Back From TUI Skyla: A Christmas Markets Cruise on the Rhine - Cruise Critic
Just Back From TUI Skyla: A Christmas Markets Cruise on the Rhine.
Posted: Fri, 29 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Vienna is easily the best Christmas market in Europe for anyone who loves classical music and Christmas carols given the full choral treatment. Austria's capital is famous as the former home of Strauss, Beethoven and Mozart and during the holiday season international choirs stage free performances at the Christmas market held beside Vienna City Hall. It's one of the largest markets in Europe and also features a large skating rink. This 14-night cruise takes travelers through five different countries, through medieval towns and to Europe's countryside. A resident tour director is on-hand to guide guests through a tour of Munich's old town and its Christmas market, the Christmas market in Austria's Domplatz, and a private linzer torte baking class in Linz.
Be sure to try a sugar-coated chimney cake, a traditional Hungarian pastry, or a warm honey cookie with a glass of mulled wine. On day one, take time to explore the city on your own after dropping your luggage off at the ship. Then on day two in the city, enjoy all the chocolate you can with a tour and chocolate tasting, plus a visit to the Christmas market. On day three, you'll need to decide whether to visit Ghent or Bruges, both of which have beautiful architecture and a Christmas market and offer opportunities to try local food. These river cruises only run seasonally while the markets are open, so they tend to book up quickly with passengers ranging from older adults to all types of families looking for a winter holiday filled with festive fun. This 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Amsterdam sets sail starting as early as September.
No matter which locations you visit, you can savor the aromas of hot chestnuts and mulled wine as you take in all that Salzburg has to offer. There are plenty of perks to visiting Europe during the holidays, from charming seasonal decorations to great skiing. But Christmas markets, found in small towns and large cities across the continent, are one of the best ways to soak up the festive atmosphere.
The American Queen Steamboat Company offers a Christmas-market itinerary with a nine-day cruise from Memphis to New Orleans. This eight-day river cruise through four different countries is geared towards travelers aged 18 to 35. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.
When it comes to river competitions, the Danube is probably the biggest “rival” of the Rhine when it comes to European Christmas market cruises. Often Rhine Christmas market cruises even start in Switzerland and make their way to Alsace, France, Germany, and finally, Amsterdam. This guide gives you an introduction to the best European Christmas market cruises for this season. But generally, prices on most lines run about $500 or $600 per person a night for an upper-deck cabin with a balcony. See the Christmas nativity at Volksgarten and explore the market stalls of the Main Square. Immerse in the fairytale atmosphere of Vienna’s markets and shop for unique gifts.
Then in Bratislava, Slovakia, the group will attend an organ concert and shopping at the Old Town Christmas market. What really makes Adventures by Disney stand out is the Adventure Guides, Disney-trained leaders who are experts in each destination. Each Adventure Guide travels with the group throughout the cruise so your family really gets to know them, and they get to know you. This allows them to make personalized recommendations about activities and meals. As you walk through each town they share the history, culture and legends of the destination.
On your second day in Amsterdam, visit the Rijksmuseum and take an evening canal cruise with the group. Foodies will love it when the cruise heads to Gouda to explore the history of the city plus get a tasting of stroopwafels, which are cookie sandwiches invented in the city. Included with the cost of the cruise are all of your meals and most drinks, free Wi-Fi, all onboard activities and port fees. Headsets are also included for excursions if you choose to go with the group for tours rather than venturing off on your own. If you're looking for a short sailing to tack onto the beginning or end of a trip, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers four-night Danube River sailings that start in Vienna, Austria, and end in Passau, Germany. The majority of the trip is spent in Austria, with port days in Vienna, Krems, Melk and Linz before a final day in Passau.
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