Friday, March 22, 2024

Christmas Markets River Cruise 2022

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Step inside the iconic British estates well known to PBS viewers, including Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey Wolf Halls Broughton Castle and Chavenage House, better known as Trenwith in Poldark. Beyond these impressive homes, learn the story behind the legendary Bombay Sapphire gin at its historic distillery.

Wiesbaden Twinkling Star Christmas Market

The Sternschnuppenmarkt Christmas Market in Wiesbaden is a delight for visitors young and young at heart, festively decorated and well-organized, with a colorful stage and a good mix of friendly vendors. Theres also a one-of-a-kind backdrop, the citys grand Town Hall, State Capitol and the Market Square Church, the latter of which is beautifully illuminated.

Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.

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Christmas Market Port Highlights

Nuremberg: Arguably one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe, Nuremburg is the first or last stop on several Christmas market itineraries along the Danube you might have to plan an extra day here to take full advantage. This holiday marketplace runs through Christmas Eve and is known for its authentic feel . Vendors sell plenty of the city’s famous gingerbread and gluhwein as you browse the striped stalls for “plum people” and shuffle past the Frauenkirche . For good luck to begin or end your cruise, rub the brass rings embedded in the fence surrounding the stunning Schoner Brunnen, a gilded 14th-century fountain resembling a Gothic spire.

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Strasbourg: A popular stop on Rhine Christmas market cruises, Strasbourg is right on the border of France and Germany. The market at Strasbourg has everything you would expect from a European holiday market, and it’s been going since 1570. Held each year from late November through December 31, the Strasbourg market offers classic Christmas charm with ice skating, caroling and a sparkling, Christmas tree that’s nearly 100 feet tall. Popular souvenirs include Alsatian beer steins or plush white storks — a local symbol of good luck.

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Christmas Markets on the Danube

Starting in 1963, Julia Child and The French Chef series taught a nation how to cook well, eat well and drink well. Now, todays chefs share insightful, funny and personal comments in appreciation of the first lady of cooking. Viking is proud to be a supporter of PBS and its delightful new program, Dishing with Julia Child. Bon appétit!

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Christmas Markets River Cruise Holidays

Sail into the season of European Christmas markets, aglow with the warmth of a simpler time. From wooden stalls with handmade ornaments and hot-mulled wine to grand Christmas cathedrals and glistening lights, a winter cruise on the Danube, Main, or Rhine Rivers is a true gift of timeless tradition. See musical instruments come to life in Rüdesheim, Germany taste Austrian Christmas cookies while sailing to Vienna visit Melks Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings and see the magical Christmas markets of Budapest, Prague, or Strasbourg.

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Our elegant, award-winning Viking Longships are recognized for their innovative design allowing for river cruisings first-ever true suites. Complete with a full-size veranda, these Viking Suites offer more space and comfort, early check-in, a welcome bottle of champagne and more. Learn more about what the Viking Suite Collection has to offer.

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Learn about the past and future of Viking and the innovations behind our Viking Longships. Then come explore the great rivers of the world in unprecedented comfort.

Immerse yourself in intriguing cultures and awaken your senses. Discover new horizons as you spend more time in port, giving you more opportunities to explore. This is the World of Viking.

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Now Is The Time To Book Christmas Market River Cruises

If youve got clients interested in Christmas Market cruises, get on the phone today. Dont wait. Theyre selling out fast! Thats the message Travel Market Report is hearing over and over again from river cruise operators.

Now is the time, said Steve Born, CMO at the Globus family of brands, which includes Avalon Waterways. As the weather starts to heat up, the inventory starts to melt for those Christmas cruises.

Nearly 80% of the capacity on Avalons Christmas time cruise cruises is sold out.

At Tauck, 35% of its Christmas Market cruises are entirely sold out and 35% have limited availability, with the Danube and Rhine itineraries the most booked up, Tom Armstrong, corporate communications manager at Tauck, told TMR.

Though demand for Christmas Market cruises typically shoots up in spring, this year its more pronounced than usual, executives said.

Our Christmas Market sailings are always a customer favorite, and demand is especially high for 2022 following two years of cancellations during the pandemic, said Ellen Bettridge, president, and CEO of Uniworld River Cruises. Weve actually exceeded pre-pandemic booking levels for our 2022 holiday cruises.

Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways said theyre seeing much the same thing.

Both Karst and Born mentioned that part of the uptick in demand is driven by guests on canceled sailings rescheduling for this year.

Born told TMR Avalon has capacity left on 34 departures .

Tick Off The Rhines Best Markets

Cow Unloading From Boat | At very popular village cattle market part 37

Another of our other Christmas market river cruise itineraries, Mistletoe and Rhine, is also packed with German ports. The first stop isâ¯Cologne, where several markets set up across the city, including outside the famous cathedral. Spend an afternoon picking up handmade gifts to the sound of holiday music from the fairy light-strung performance stage. And, when youve finished shopping, the market is just a few minutes walk from the citys brewing houses, plus the Cologne Philharmonic Concert Hall. Inâ¯Dussledorf, the next stop on your itinerary, there are seven markets to visit. Youll then cruise to Koblenz, located in the Rhineland-Palatinate wine-growing region. Along with a tasty tipple or two, you can watch the rooftop advent calendar open at the town hall, and sample some traditional German stollen from the market stalls.â¯â¯

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Amadeus River Cruises Rhine And Danube

With its Austrian roots its no surprise that Amadeus embraces the yuletide tradition with Christmas decorated ships sailing on a variety of cruises on the Rhine and Danube. On the Rhine youll visit Strasbourgs market, founded in 1570 and the oldest in France, which is set against the backdrop of the citys distinctive one-spired cathedral. Other excursions take in the village of Gertwiller, famous for its gingerbread, and Obernai where the crib with life-size figures takes centre stage in the marketplace. On the Danube there are sailings on the lines Amadeus Cara.

Best suited to 21+

Mainhattan Walking Tour With Christmas Market

Dive into the energy of this sophisticated city with your guide, roaming from its historic heart, Römer Square, to its landmark skyscraper, Main Tower, where youll take an elevator to the 650-foot-high viewing platform for a panorama of the 50 skyscrapers that underline the importance of this European hub. Closer to earth, youll see the Römer, a complex of patrician houses originally built around 1288 that has served as Frankfurts City Hall for more than 600 years. From here, youll notice the red sandstone tower of St. Bartholomews Cathedral kings were elected and emperors crowned here beginning in 1356. Then youll have the opportunity to explore this lovely city at your own pace. Old Town, which is resplendent with the joyous sights and sounds of Frankfurts Christmas Market, is a great place to start. This market is simply beautiful, featuring a vintage carousel and a huge, gorgeously illuminated Christmas tree.

Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.

Taste of Christmas Frankfurt walking tour

What better way to end your holiday cruise than by sampling some of the seasonal specialties of this region? Join your local expert for an exploration of Frankfurts culinary delicacies, including holiday treats such as bethmännchen, a marzipan- filled pastry named for a 19th-century…

Mainhattan walking tour with Christmas market

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Highlights Of Christmas Market Cruises

Viking holiday departures complement your itinerarys regular highlights with visits to Europes delightful Christmas markets, onboard festivities and more. Join us in exploring the lands where our most cherished Christmas traditions began and treat yourself to a true European Christmas. Here is a preview of all you will enjoy during a Christmas Market cruise with Viking®:

  • Exuberantly decorated Christmas markets nestled in charming cities
  • Yuletide cookies, cakes and other freshly baked treats
  • Cobblestone streets illuminated by holiday lights
  • The angelic songs of strolling carolers
  • Storybook villages and snow-capped castles on the riverside
  • Hand-carved toys and ornaments from Christmases past
  • Onboard music performances, tree trimming and cooking demonstrations
  • Good tidings and cheer shared with rosy-cheeked market vendors

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Christmas Market Cruise Itineraries

Christmas Markets River Cruise 2022

Apart from the one-off U.S.-based itineraries from American Queen , you can expect most Christmas market itineraries to depart and return from a major central European city, typically Budapest to Passau . Other popular Christmas market departure ports include Nuremburg, Frankfurt, Prague, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam. Expect to stop in ports like Vienna, Bratislava, Salzburg, Regensburg, Strasbourg and Copenhagen, among others known for their dazzling Christmas markets.

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Bamberg Walking Tour With Christmas Market

The entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is yours to explore today. In the splendid late-Romanesque Imperial Cathedral you will find the only papal tomb in Germany, that of Pope Clement II , as well as the tomb of Emperor Henry II . Near it are two magnificent palaces: The Old Palace, the late-Gothic imperial residence , sits across from the New Residence, where the 17th-century prince-bishops lived. Cross the footbridge to the old Town Hall legend has it that the bishop refused to give the town land for their town hall, so they built an artificial island for it smack in the middle of the Regnitz River. Youll also see parts of Bambergs famous Nativity Walk, which links 35 churches, museums and public spaces that display Nativity scenes some made hundreds of years ago.

When the tour concludes, youll have time to explore Bambergs Christmas Market, which is actually four markets: the traditional one on the Market Square, one featuring medieval cultural programs and two markets that focus on local arts and crafts. Shuttles will be provided throughout the afternoon to take you between the ship and town.

Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.

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Day 4

Kitzingen , Würzburg

Todays lunch will be on your own.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

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Christmas Market River Cruises

A festive vacation is a great way to celebrate the winter season. Walking around the beautifully decorated markets with family, friends, or as a solo traveler, and trying all the delicious treats on offer is perfect for those wanting something different to your average vacation. We currently offer two Christmas Market cruises, which give the chance to see exciting cities and towns along the Rhine or the Danube, while you explore and shop for that perfect yuletide souvenir.

Walking amongst the unique market stalls with a chimney cake and a hot chocolate really make an evening special, and bringing home unique gifts can make Christmas morning more magical. During your festive celebrations at home, you’ll also be able to relive the marvelous memories by telling friends and family about your travels, and the amazing things you saw in the many towns and cities you visited.

Brand new for 2020 are four river cruises covering the Christmas and New Year periods. Try the Rhine or Danube rivers at Christmas and enjoy each location on-board your five-star ship. Or perhaps New Years on the Rhine or Danube rivers are more your style.

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Christmas River Cruises 2022/2023

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Get in the Christmas spirit on a festive break. Experience them on a cruise along the Rhine or Danube, just one of the ways to discover these magnificent rivers this winter.

For something a little more festive, take a look at our Christmas cruises, where youll be sipping spiced wine and nibbling fresh-baked gingerbread as you stroll around some of Europes prettiest towns.

Dial up the festive magic on an adults-only river cruise to Europe’s iconic destinations, like Frankfurt, this Christmas.

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Franconian Christmas Village Day

Travel through Franconias rolling hills and farms to the picture-perfect village of Aschfeld, which features a historic church with a defensive wall that protected residents throughout the Middle Ages, After your visit to the Heimatmuseum at the Fortified Church, sample some homemade Christmas goodies such as cookies, stollen and gingerbread, along with coffee and tea. The locals’ English-speaking abilities vary, so this is a great opportunity for you to try out your German, just as they are trying out their English. Heres one phrase you might want to know: Fröhliche Weihnachten, which means Merry Christmas!

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Day 6

Wertheim

Located at the confluence of the Tauber and Main rivers, Wertheim is a lovely village dating back over a thousand years. It epitomizes the friendly, slow-paced small-town atmosphere of many German villages here, residents greet each other by name as they do their daily shopping for fresh bread and sausage in tiny shops. On your guided walking tour of the village, youll hear a lot about daily life in Wertheim, as well as facts about the town and its history. Its many well-preserved medieval buildingscomplete with low doors and tiny windowsattest to the inconveniences of life in the Middle Ages.

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