Boasting an unparalleled atmosphere that truly captures the essence of the season, the Christmas markets you will get to visit are bursting with huts and stalls selling all manner of festive goodies.
From arts and crafts, hand-made decorations, and scented candles to hand crafted sweets and gluhwein (mulled wine); you'll find it all at these charming markets.
The great news is that there is now plenty of reputable luxury river cruise lines - like Viking River Cruises, Ama Waterways and Titan - that offer these delightful floating vacations.
Available on the Rhine and Danube, these seasonal river trips usually start running in late November, with some going on right up until Christmas itself.
A true festive voyage through Europe, it's no surprise that these vacations are so sought after.
In fact, Viking River Cruises are selling out so quickly; they've had to book more for next year.
So, if you want to embark on a Yuletide sailing, your best bet really is to book early - this way you'll get the best pick of the bunch, and some unique gifts that will have your friends and family talking.
Market cruise durations are quite varied.
You can choose from short one or two night excursions or treat yourself to a four-night break.
Whatever duration you decide on, you'll still get to stop at all those shopping hot spots.
Now, when it comes to the biggest markets, there are several found in Cologne in the heart of Germany.
Divided by the Rhine river, the city's markets are hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.
Or if you'd rather take an adventure down the famous blue Danube, you can look forward to visiting the pretty markets located in Regensburg and Vienna.
You'll find that your cruise ship itself really gets into the Christmas spirit.
You can look forward to seasonally-themed menus, festive entertainment and an array of fun festivities.
A festive market cruise really can offer a magical adventure from start to finish.
My Two Favourite Festive River Cruises First up is Viking River Cruises - they have the most romantic Danube itineraries available.
Departing November 6, 13, 20 and 27, and December 4 and 11, Viking River Cruises will travel from Nuremberg to Budapest - or the reverse - visiting Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg and the Main-Danube Canal along the way.
And, of course, you'll get plenty of shore time put aside so you can get on with your Christmas shopping fix! Lucky passengers can look forward to a superb selection of shore excursions, on-board performances and more.
AmaWaterways is offering wonderful Christmas market voyages on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle, including a seven-night Christmas sailing from Budapest to Nuremberg departing December 20.
For a longer duration, there's the 14-night itinerary from Budapest to Amsterdam, which departs December 20.
Whatever Christmas Market river cruise you opt for, you won't be disappointed.
There's simply no better way to get stuck into your Christmas shopping in true festive style - whilst getting to see some of Europe's finest cities and ports of call.
Go on...
embark on the ultimate Christmas adventure this year!
From arts and crafts, hand-made decorations, and scented candles to hand crafted sweets and gluhwein (mulled wine); you'll find it all at these charming markets.
The great news is that there is now plenty of reputable luxury river cruise lines - like Viking River Cruises, Ama Waterways and Titan - that offer these delightful floating vacations.
Available on the Rhine and Danube, these seasonal river trips usually start running in late November, with some going on right up until Christmas itself.
A true festive voyage through Europe, it's no surprise that these vacations are so sought after.
In fact, Viking River Cruises are selling out so quickly; they've had to book more for next year.
So, if you want to embark on a Yuletide sailing, your best bet really is to book early - this way you'll get the best pick of the bunch, and some unique gifts that will have your friends and family talking.
Market cruise durations are quite varied.
You can choose from short one or two night excursions or treat yourself to a four-night break.
Whatever duration you decide on, you'll still get to stop at all those shopping hot spots.
Now, when it comes to the biggest markets, there are several found in Cologne in the heart of Germany.
Divided by the Rhine river, the city's markets are hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.
Or if you'd rather take an adventure down the famous blue Danube, you can look forward to visiting the pretty markets located in Regensburg and Vienna.
You'll find that your cruise ship itself really gets into the Christmas spirit.
You can look forward to seasonally-themed menus, festive entertainment and an array of fun festivities.
A festive market cruise really can offer a magical adventure from start to finish.
My Two Favourite Festive River Cruises First up is Viking River Cruises - they have the most romantic Danube itineraries available.
Departing November 6, 13, 20 and 27, and December 4 and 11, Viking River Cruises will travel from Nuremberg to Budapest - or the reverse - visiting Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg and the Main-Danube Canal along the way.
And, of course, you'll get plenty of shore time put aside so you can get on with your Christmas shopping fix! Lucky passengers can look forward to a superb selection of shore excursions, on-board performances and more.
AmaWaterways is offering wonderful Christmas market voyages on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle, including a seven-night Christmas sailing from Budapest to Nuremberg departing December 20.
For a longer duration, there's the 14-night itinerary from Budapest to Amsterdam, which departs December 20.
Whatever Christmas Market river cruise you opt for, you won't be disappointed.
There's simply no better way to get stuck into your Christmas shopping in true festive style - whilst getting to see some of Europe's finest cities and ports of call.
Go on...
embark on the ultimate Christmas adventure this year!
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