Step into a world straight out of a winter fairy tale! As the festive season approaches, envision yourself strolling through enchanting towns adorned with twinkling lights, the air filled with the scent of spiced mulled wine and freshly baked gingerbread. There's a hidden gem among holiday celebrations that brings magic to life in an extraordinary way, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion and yuletide cheer. Let me introduce you to a hidden treasure among holiday adventures – Christmas market cruises.
Christmas, cruising, and captivating castles await you on a picturesque river journey through Europe's festive wonderlands with Adventures by Disney or National Geographic Expeditions. It's the ultimate way to dive into the holiday spirit alongside your loved ones.
Picture this: iconic European cities adorned in dazzling decorations, bustling with the contagious energy of the holiday season. Both Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions offer enchanting itineraries to explore these world-renowned Christmas markets, catering to travelers of all ages and interests. From immersive cultural encounters to savoring local delicacies, each destination comes alive with a tapestry of festive activities.
Here's a sneak peek into the magic awaiting you on these extraordinary trips.
Rhine River Cruise
Embark on an enchanting eight-day festive journey with Adventures by Disney along the stunning Rhine River, crossing four captivating countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, and The Netherlands.
This incredible itinerary is brimming with magical experiences. In the charming town of Colmar, France, guests are treated to the wonders of Christmas Markets and a delightful visit to the Cheese Museum, offering a taste of delectable delights through interactive demonstrations. Additionally, a guided tour through the storied Heidelberg Castle, once a regal Renaissance residence, unveils its historical significance. Not to be missed is the picturesque city of Strasbourg, fondly hailed as the 'Capital of Christmas.' Glide through the city's charming streets aboard the Petit Train, reveling in its breathtaking decorations.
And these are just glimpses of the joyous activities woven into this merry itinerary. Upon boarding, Disney-trained Adventure Guides ensure a seamless journey, expertly managing logistics and planning for a hassle-free adventure from start to finish.
Danube River Cruise
Immerse yourself in a historical and culturally rich itinerary designed to embrace Europe's oldest Christmas traditions along the picturesque Danube River. Crafted to honor these beloved holiday customs, each journey is guided by a National Geographic Expert and National Geographic Photography Expert, offering curious travelers enlightening onboard lectures and engaging demonstrations.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure through Hungary, Austria, and Germany aboard a luxurious river cruise vessel, pausing along the way to traverse enchanting cobblestone streets, captivating villages, and Christmas Markets brimming with charisma.
This active itinerary promises numerous highlights, including an exclusive backstage tour of Vienna's Museum of Natural History, led by the museum's esteemed curator of the meteorite exhibit. Delight in the UNESCO-designated old town and festive markets of Salzburg, and partake in a private walking tour amidst Passau, Germany's idyllic baroque architecture.
Danube River Cruise, Christmas Markets
Embark on an enchanting journey across seven captivating destinations spanning three remarkable countries in just eight days. Cruising along the Danube River with Adventures by Disney during the festive Christmas season offers families an unparalleled magical escapade, exploring iconic landmarks, vibrant demonstrations, and delightful decorations in cities renowned for their joyous revelries.
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by mastering the art of crafting apple strudel amidst the stunningly adorned grounds of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Delight in a captivating carriage ride through Budapest or partake in a lively Bavarian-style Oktoberfest celebration tailored for the entire family in Germany. With an abundance of merry adventures along this route, the adept Adventure Guides seamlessly weave guests into the heart of these cheerful experiences.
Is a Christmas market river cruise topping your holiday wishlist this year? Here's the good news: all these amazing departures for winter 2024 are currently on sale!
If you're leaning toward a cozy holiday at home, we've got other delightful Adventures by Disney specialty river cruises waiting for you. Explore options like the post-Christmas Magical Holidays River Cruise, an Oktoberfest Danube River Cruise in fall, or savor the flavors of a Rhine River Food and Wine itinerary.
Recommended Itineraries
Iconic Christmas Markets
7-night cruise between Budapest, Hungary and Nuremberg, Germany
Marvel at the giant sparkling tree dominating Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, taste Nuremberg’s famous bratwurst and lebkuchen (gingerbread) and experience the magic of Bavaria’s most romantic Christmas Market at Regensburg’s Thurn and Taxis Palace.
Christmas Markets on the Danube
7-night cruise between Budapest, Hungary and Vilshofen, Germany
Witness the majesty of Melk’s Benedictine abbey, savor Wachau Valley Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines as well as Vienna’s famous apple strudel and be awed by the more than 700 illuminated trees that line Salzburg’s Hellbrunn Palace.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
7-night cruise between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Basel, Switzerland
Gaze up at Strasbourg’s impressive cathedral from its colorful Christmas Market, savor Rüdesheimer coffee in the village it was named for, and witness the whimsical lighting of Gengenbach, Germany’s artistic town hall Advent calendar.
Magna on the Danube (Christmas)
7-night cruise between Budapest, Hungary and Vilshofen, Germany
Delight your palate with a wine evening in Spitz - exclusive with AmaWaterways aboard the AmaMagna! Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts.
Colors of Provence (Christmas)
7-night cruise between Lyon, France and Avignon, France
Celebrate the festive holiday season while sailing through the South of France. Discover the Christmas crèches in Oignt, browse a colorful array of local handicrafts at Christmas Markets throughout the region, and delight in nostalgic traditions that are fun for the whole family on board.
Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas)
7-night cruise between Budapest, Hungary and Giurgiu, Romania
Discover the unique Winter Markets along the Lower Danube region while cruising aboard the most elegantly decorated ships on the river. Revel in the joy of Budapest during the holiday season, experience the unique traditions of Orthodox Christmas in Serbia, and sample seasonal treats at Bulgaria and Romania’s intimate Christmas Markets.
Grand Danube (Christmas)
14-night cruise between Vilshofen, Germany and Giurgiu, Romania
Browse the colorful stalls of the enchanting and magical Christmas Markets of Passau and Salzburg. Embrace the romance of the holidays while cruising through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary and experience unique Christmas traditions and Winter Markets of the Lower Danube region.
As the festive season draws near, the allure of winter fairy tales beckons, inviting you to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas market cruises. Picture enchanting towns aglow with twinkling lights, the aroma of spiced mulled wine, and the taste of freshly baked gingerbread lingering in the air. Amidst this festive ambiance, Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions offer captivating river journeys through Europe's wonderlands, where holiday cheer mingles with cultural immersion.
Embark on an enchanting Rhine River cruise with Adventures by Disney, traversing Switzerland, France, Germany, and The Netherlands. Explore charming Christmas markets in Colmar and Strasbourg, while basking in the historical grandeur of Heidelberg Castle. Disney-trained Adventure Guides ensure a seamless journey, ensuring every moment is filled with joy and wonder.
Or set sail on a Danube River cruise with National Geographic Expeditions, guided by experts who illuminate Europe's oldest Christmas traditions. Delve into the UNESCO-designated old town of Salzburg, indulge in a private walking tour of Passau's baroque architecture, and savor the holiday spirit in enchanting villages along the river.
Whether you're crafting apple strudel at Schönbrunn Palace or celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany, each itinerary promises unforgettable moments for families and travelers of all ages. And with winter 2024 departures currently on sale, the magic of Christmas market cruises is within reach.
If a cozy holiday at home is more your style, consider other Adventures by Disney specialty river cruises, from post-Christmas Magical Holidays to Oktoberfest Danube River cruises or Rhine River Food and Wine itineraries. Whatever your preference, these extraordinary journeys promise to make your holiday season truly unforgettable.
Gather your most festive travel companion and let's plan your enchanting adventure today!
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