Thursday, April 11, 2024

Theme River Cruises: Christmas Markets

river cruise christmas markets

The seven-night cruise sails between Budapest and Giurgiu along the Danube River. There are also Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine itineraries that don't include the land-based post-cruise days if you want a shorter trip. Fares include shore excursions in every port; free Wi-Fi; all meals; beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; port taxes and fees; and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In select ports, passengers can sign up for optional excursions that are an added cost. These could be worth the upcharge, depending on the type of experience you want to have. The next two days make Strasbourg, France the home port from which you can choose to visit Europa Park in Rust, Germany, or head to Colmar, France, which is famous for its Christmas Markets and Cheese Museum.

Why are River Cruises So Expensive? (Or are They the Best Cruise Value Out There?)

This is the perfect spot to raise a glass and toast Christmas as it is the "capital" of the Champagne wine-growing region and home to one of France's largest Christmas markets. You'll sail on one of Viking's state-of-the-art Longships which moor in the heart of towns so you're close to all the sights. Back onboard, the ships are beautifully decorated and the daily program will feature special events such as Christmas music performances, tree trimming and cookery demonstrations.

CRUISE FROM : Nuremberg to Budapest

The 8 best Christmas market river cruises for 2024 - The Points Guy

The 8 best Christmas market river cruises for 2024.

Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Drinking at Christmas markets around Europe normally means getting a hot glass of glühwein, which is mulled wine made with red wine, spices and fruit. The drink is normally served in cute mugs that you can keep as a fun and cheap souvenir. If you don't want to keep your mug, you can return it and get back a euro or two. On my Viking cruise, we were told that some markets are starting to sell mass-produced goods from China.

Christmas & New Year River Cruises

The seven-night cruise visits Belgium and the Netherlands, with port days in iconic cities like Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp. In Rüdesheim, you can choose to take part in a coffee and hot chocolate tasting, marvel at one of the largest mechanical music box collections in the world, enjoy a wine tasting or explore the city on your own. The evening is spent sailing through the Rhine Gorge as you pass 30 castles along the shore. Included with the cost of the cruise are all of your meals and most drinks, free Wi-Fi, all onboard activities and port fees.

Packing for a river cruise in the middle of winter was the most challenging part of the trip for me. Not only did I have to buy winter clothes since I live in Florida, but I needed to make sure I brought enough layers to keep me warm. Berlin hosts more than 60 festive markets and the biggest is in central Potsdamer Platz where there's an open-air skating rink.

Christmas Markets River Cruises: All You Need to Know

Step back in time at a Bavarian castle at Regensburg’s Romantic Christmas Market. Some craftsmen sell toys, such as dolls and marionettes, while others peddle their pottery and paintings at the Lucreziamarkt. While in Vienna, you’ll find a Christmas market seemingly around every corner. Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites. AmaWaterways' Gems of Southeast Europe departs on multiple dates between late November and late December in 2024 (2025 dates run mid-November to mid-December). In Vienna, Austria, the whole city comes alive with lights and a festive spirit.

Day 6

This 7-day All-inclusive River Cruise Stops at Iconic Christmas Markets in Germany — But You Have to Act Fast - Travel + Leisure

This 7-day All-inclusive River Cruise Stops at Iconic Christmas Markets in Germany — But You Have to Act Fast.

Posted: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Discover the magic of a Christmas markets cruise, and celebrate Yuletide as the Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians do. Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience. It's most important to choose a cruise based on which destinations you wish to visit and which travel dates and itinerary lengths work with your schedule. If your cruise starts in Amsterdam, you don't have to be on the ship until 4 p.m. So use the morning to walk around town or get tickets to tour the Anne Frank House.

Treasures Of The Main & Rhine

It's also a good idea to know the currency of each destination you're going to. For example, in Hungary, euros are not accepted anywhere, so I exchanged dollars for Hungarian forints to use at the Christmas market. For example, in Vienna, I spotted a gold beaded ornament that I loved, and I bought it for about 10 euros (about $10.86). I never saw any other beaded ornaments at the Christmas markets before or after Vienna, so I was glad I purchased it when I saw it. My favorite Christmas market was the one at City Hall in Vienna, which happens to be one of the most popular in Europe. It had everything from ice skating and photo-worthy backdrops to prepackaged sweets and plenty of Christmas decorations to try to fit into my already full suitcase.

With over 150 vendor stalls, Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt takes place in front of its 19th-century town hall. Join both locals and visitors as they prepare for the holidays during this late-season cruise along the Danube. Sail aboard a ship designed for viewing the enchanting riverside vistas, through panoramic windows, from the sun deck, or from the comfort of your private, river-view cabin. Onboard meals, prepared by European chefs, include a choice of regional specialties and traditional favorites.

river cruise christmas markets

But in terms of Christmas Market hours, since they don't open early in the morning anyway, this worked for us. If there's an old town in any given city, 10 out of 10 times, there are Christmas Markets there. Often, there is demand for more locations and more vendors in a city, like in big cities, including Vienna, Budapest, Frankfurt, or Munich. If this is the case, there are typically additional vendors and stalls lined up along pedestrian streets near the old city center.

Ships take travelers from port to port to experience the incredible Christmas markets where stalls are adorned with glittering lights, the smells of sausages and baked goods fill the air, and the sounds of carols can be heard. Our travel advisors will ensure that you receive every AmaWaterways river cruise offer that you qualify for, including complimentary shore excursions and beverages. Our travel advisors can also help you book hotel stays at ports on either side of your voyage. This website will provide you with information on the financial protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. At the time of booking, our Cruise Concierge will also confirm the financial protection applicable to your specific holiday.

It also stops in Passau, where a walking tour brings you to St. Stephen’s Square and its baroque cathedral in the heart of Old Town. At Passau Christkindlmarkt, you can find cute little Bavarian-style model houses, cookie cutters, and olive wood products from Assisi. Solo travelers should know that these cabins don't have a balcony and are the smallest on the riverboat at 150 square feet, but you likely won't be spending much time in your room on this sailing. The cruise fare includes all gratuities, private shore excursions, meals, unlimited drinks including premium spirits, and basic Wi-Fi, plus airport and train transfers.

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