One of the most festive experiences you can have during the holiday season are the European Christmas Markets. These incredible wood stall-lined markets pop-up in most major and many minor cities throughout Europe from November through Christmas; with vendors offering delicious seasonal foods, drinks, and trinkets for the perfect souvenir. Imagine strolling through the frosty streets of an ancient European city, bundled up, as you sip on piping hot chocolate or glühwein, and peruse stalls of hand carved wooden ornaments that will make the perfect Christmas gifts for your family and friends.
The best way to experience the true magic of the Christmas Markets is on a European River Cruise. A river cruise allows guests to explore deep in the heart of a country or region, with easy access to many incredible cities throughout Europe. Step right off the boat and head straight to the Christmas Markets to begin your festive holiday experience. There are many exceptional river cruise lines that operate in Europe and offer Christmas Market specific cruises. Here are 4 brands to consider when booking your next European Christmas Market cruise!
Viking River Cruises
Boasting one of the largest river cruise fleets in the industry, it is no surprise that Viking has a wide array of Christmas Market cruise options to choose from. Travel to incredible cities such as Paris and Prague; dive deep into Germany where the Christmas Markets originated; and see stunning sights along the Rhine or Danube as you enjoy a different Market each and every day.
Viking has always designed their ships and itineraries around exploration and enrichment. Guests can learn about the regions they are visiting through onboard lectures and demonstrations, all complimented by the incredible shore excursions through the cities.
Uniworld River Cruises
Uniworld offers a variety of Christmas Market cruises, including to lesser-known spots, giving guests an even more authentic taste of a European Christmas. Experience the Christmas Markets in places such as Liège, Ghent, Salzburg, and Passau, among many other incredible cities.
Uniworld is a luxury river cruise brand, where their staff strives for excellence, down to the smallest detail. Guests can fully relax on these luxurious ships, as you are pampered by the staff, and taken care of from embarkation to disembarkation.
Avalon Waterways
Offering a wide array of Christmas Market-geared cruises, Avalon Waterways is a wonderful choice for guests searching for a magical European experience. Their river cruise offerings take guests to incredible destinations such as Vienna, Budapest, Alsace, the heart of Germany, and many more cities and regions that host beautiful Christmas Markets.
Avalon is an incredible way to see Europe, as each ship is designed around the comfort of their guests. From the beautiful lounges, to the delicious dining, relaxing sundeck, and cozy staterooms with panoramic windows; you will find comfort and consideration at every turn while onboard.
AMA Waterways
AMA Waterways offers guests the opportunity to experience several iconic Christmas Markets in places such as Strasbourg, Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest, and Nuremberg on their cruises up and down the Danube and Rhine rivers. They even offer an "Iconic Christmas Markets" sailing that includes stops in Nuremberg, Ragensburg, Passau, Vienna, and Budapest; the perfect way to experience top-notch Christmas markets, all on one cruise.
AMA offers several excursion options within each city, including biking tours, tasting tours, hiking tours, and much, much more, allowing guests to truly dig in and experience each city they arrive in.
Booking Your Cruise
Now that you are ready to book your cruise, and experience the European Christmas Markets for yourself, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the ships inside and out, and have an amazing relationship with the cruise lines. Our advisors will craft the festive cruise vacation of a lifetime for your, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.
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