By John Roberts
When the holiday season arrives in Europe, a uniquely festive spirit awakens in the cities, towns and villages.
They are especially vibrant in the places you can visit along the picturesque waterways.
Great rivers like the Rhine and Danube have been vital routes connecting people that live in Europe for centuries.
Today, these rivers help link travelers to the merrymaking that comes in the lead-up to Christmas.
A Christmas Markets cruise is a wonderful way to kick off your holiday season. The markets in Europe coincide with the four weeks of Advent, from after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.
Christmas Markets originated in Germany, where they are called Christkindlesmarkt. The name refers to the special spirit of Christmas.
Now, the markets are held all over Europe and beyond. And a river cruise is an excellent way to enjoy the history, music, food and celebrations of the Christmas Markets.
1. You Experience Old-World Charm in Magical Settings
Sailing on the Rhine River during the Christmas season is like stepping into a real-life fairytale. While you sail between cities like Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Bamberg and Vienna on either the Rhine or Danube rivers, you'll see the hillsides and riverbanks adorned with lights. The towns and villages come alive with intricately decorated markets. These festivals begin right after Thanksgiving and lead up to Christmas Eve. They may be open every day in larger cities and towns or on weekends only in smaller villages.
Each stop along the way offers locally distinct experiences, blending old-world charm with modern-day festivities.
2. Food and Drink Are a Big Part of the Festivities
One of the highlights of Christmas Markets cruises is indulging in the delightful traditional treats. You'll want to sample all the varieties of the warm and spicy gluhweins that you will find in each stop. Pair your mulled wine with scrumptious roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, and savory sausages. The street fairs fill the senses. You can smell the goodness wafting across the town squares and hear the sizzling sausages long before you make your way to the stalls and see the busy vendors turning them on the grills and dropping them into buns for hungry market-goers.
When the holiday season arrives in Europe, a uniquely festive spirit awakens in the cities, towns and villages.
They are especially vibrant in the places you can visit along the picturesque waterways.
Great rivers like the Rhine and Danube have been vital routes connecting people that live in Europe for centuries.
Today, these rivers help link travelers to the merrymaking that comes in the lead-up to Christmas.
A Christmas Markets cruise is a wonderful way to kick off your holiday season. The markets in Europe coincide with the four weeks of Advent, from after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.
Christmas Markets originated in Germany, where they are called Christkindlesmarkt. The name refers to the special spirit of Christmas.
Now, the markets are held all over Europe and beyond. And a river cruise is an excellent way to enjoy the history, music, food and celebrations of the Christmas Markets.
1. You Experience Old-World Charm in Magical Settings
Sailing on the Rhine River during the Christmas season is like stepping into a real-life fairytale. While you sail between cities like Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Bamberg and Vienna on either the Rhine or Danube rivers, you'll see the hillsides and riverbanks adorned with lights. The towns and villages come alive with intricately decorated markets. These festivals begin right after Thanksgiving and lead up to Christmas Eve. They may be open every day in larger cities and towns or on weekends only in smaller villages.
Each stop along the way offers locally distinct experiences, blending old-world charm with modern-day festivities.
2. Food and Drink Are a Big Part of the Festivities
One of the highlights of Christmas Markets cruises is indulging in the delightful traditional treats. You'll want to sample all the varieties of the warm and spicy gluhweins that you will find in each stop. Pair your mulled wine with scrumptious roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, and savory sausages. The street fairs fill the senses. You can smell the goodness wafting across the town squares and hear the sizzling sausages long before you make your way to the stalls and see the busy vendors turning them on the grills and dropping them into buns for hungry market-goers.
JOIN ME ON A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MARKETS CRUISE
I'm hosting a Christmas cruise on the Rhine River, and I want you to join me for an exciting week full of food, fun, music and sightseeing.
Our Voyage
When: December 17 to 24, 2023
Where: Rhine River, Germany
Itinerary: Nuremberg to Frankfurt
Day 1: Nuremberg (12/17)
Day 2: Nuremberg (12/18)
Day 3: Bamberg (12/19)
Day 4: Kitzingen/Würzburg (12/20)
Day 5: Würzburg (12/21)
Day 6: Werthheim (12/22)
Day 7: Wertheim/Miltenberg (12/23)
Day 8: Frankfurt to disembark
We're going to have special excursions to castles, bakeries and breweries, as well as time to visit vibrant Christmas markets, where you can shop and enjoy the food and festivities. You'll make gingerbread and join cooking demonstrations with our guest chef Jon Ashton, and try sommelier-led wine tastings and craft-making sessions. Of course, we’ll be savoring the beer in Bamberg and the gluhweins, sausages and other treats everywhere!
This is a cruise specially designed and curated to show you something different, away from the crowds. No other cruise ship passengers will be enjoying and seeing what we do while traveling onboard the 110-passenger luxury ship Transcend Advance in the heart of Bavaria.
You will cruise in style, with outstanding food, onboard entertainment and five-star service for an affordable price.
DETAILS: Christmas on the Rhine with In The Loop Travel, Exclusive Invitation
Prices start at $3,325 per person for an all-including voyage on the most luxurious ship on the Rhine River.
BOOK NOW TO JOIN US! Only 50 cabins available, and they'll sell out quickly.
I can't wait to sail with you to experience this fun Christmas adventure.
Our Voyage
When: December 17 to 24, 2023
Where: Rhine River, Germany
Itinerary: Nuremberg to Frankfurt
Day 1: Nuremberg (12/17)
Day 2: Nuremberg (12/18)
Day 3: Bamberg (12/19)
Day 4: Kitzingen/Würzburg (12/20)
Day 5: Würzburg (12/21)
Day 6: Werthheim (12/22)
Day 7: Wertheim/Miltenberg (12/23)
Day 8: Frankfurt to disembark
We're going to have special excursions to castles, bakeries and breweries, as well as time to visit vibrant Christmas markets, where you can shop and enjoy the food and festivities. You'll make gingerbread and join cooking demonstrations with our guest chef Jon Ashton, and try sommelier-led wine tastings and craft-making sessions. Of course, we’ll be savoring the beer in Bamberg and the gluhweins, sausages and other treats everywhere!
This is a cruise specially designed and curated to show you something different, away from the crowds. No other cruise ship passengers will be enjoying and seeing what we do while traveling onboard the 110-passenger luxury ship Transcend Advance in the heart of Bavaria.
You will cruise in style, with outstanding food, onboard entertainment and five-star service for an affordable price.
DETAILS: Christmas on the Rhine with In The Loop Travel, Exclusive Invitation
Prices start at $3,325 per person for an all-including voyage on the most luxurious ship on the Rhine River.
BOOK NOW TO JOIN US! Only 50 cabins available, and they'll sell out quickly.
I can't wait to sail with you to experience this fun Christmas adventure.
3. A Variety of Stops on One Voyage
During your river cruise, you'll have the chance to explore a variety of Christmas markets. You'll notice how each town puts its own special spin on this wonderful tradition. This also is a great opportunity to pick up terrific gifts to bring back home for friends and family. These presents will have a little more meaning, too, because they came from such a memorable trip.
You'll wander through quaint stalls filled with handcrafted items like ornaments, toys, scarves, sweaters and seasonal decorations. From intricate wooden toys to delicate glass baubles, the markets feature treasured souvenirs and Christmas gifts for loved ones back home.
4. Scenic Sailing through Breathtaking Countrysides
As your cruise ship winds along the river, you'll be greeted with stunning sights of festive decorations adorning riverside houses, castles and historic ruins or other landmarks. The routes often feature fabulous vineyards on steep hillsides and a number of lock systems that raise and lower your ship in the river to pass along to a new section. It's a fascinating feat of engineering, and these locks are often a highlight for cruisers.
5. Market Squares Filled with Music and Dance
Each destination along way will feature its own Christmas traditions and customs. From historic processions and parades to festival music, you'll have the opportunity to experience the authentic spirit of Christmas in different regions. I have been to Christmas markets that offer a nice array of live music, from trios singing songs in an intimate setting to a large children's choir filling the market square with Christmas carols.
6. More Sights to See in Each Town
Beyond the Christmas markets, this cruise allows you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history and culture of the regions connected to the rivers. The ships make stops at medieval towns, magnificent cathedrals, brilliant castles, Old Town city centers and UNESCO World Heritage sites that offer rich histories dating back centuries.
7. A Luxury Cruise Ship Is Your Home
River cruising is a hassle-free way to travel, and these ships offer a luxurious and intimate travel experience. You'll be among like-minded cruisers eager to learn about the destinations and to share special experiences. River ships feature fine food and amenities, including cozy cabins and attentive service. It's the perfect way to travel from market to market in comfort while enjoying onboard entertainment in the lounges and sharing delicious food and drink with new friends.
I find that a visit to a Christmas market in Europe brings back the wonder that you felt as a child for the holiday season. Even better, when you go on a Christmas markets cruise, you get to experience a new market every day to enjoy a broader range of celebrations and styles.
Would you like to take a river cruise to see the Christmas Markets?
I'm hosting a special luxury Rhine River cruise December 17 to 24. I'd love you to join. Check out the details in the breakout box above.
Happy travels!
JR
During your river cruise, you'll have the chance to explore a variety of Christmas markets. You'll notice how each town puts its own special spin on this wonderful tradition. This also is a great opportunity to pick up terrific gifts to bring back home for friends and family. These presents will have a little more meaning, too, because they came from such a memorable trip.
You'll wander through quaint stalls filled with handcrafted items like ornaments, toys, scarves, sweaters and seasonal decorations. From intricate wooden toys to delicate glass baubles, the markets feature treasured souvenirs and Christmas gifts for loved ones back home.
4. Scenic Sailing through Breathtaking Countrysides
As your cruise ship winds along the river, you'll be greeted with stunning sights of festive decorations adorning riverside houses, castles and historic ruins or other landmarks. The routes often feature fabulous vineyards on steep hillsides and a number of lock systems that raise and lower your ship in the river to pass along to a new section. It's a fascinating feat of engineering, and these locks are often a highlight for cruisers.
5. Market Squares Filled with Music and Dance
Each destination along way will feature its own Christmas traditions and customs. From historic processions and parades to festival music, you'll have the opportunity to experience the authentic spirit of Christmas in different regions. I have been to Christmas markets that offer a nice array of live music, from trios singing songs in an intimate setting to a large children's choir filling the market square with Christmas carols.
6. More Sights to See in Each Town
Beyond the Christmas markets, this cruise allows you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history and culture of the regions connected to the rivers. The ships make stops at medieval towns, magnificent cathedrals, brilliant castles, Old Town city centers and UNESCO World Heritage sites that offer rich histories dating back centuries.
7. A Luxury Cruise Ship Is Your Home
River cruising is a hassle-free way to travel, and these ships offer a luxurious and intimate travel experience. You'll be among like-minded cruisers eager to learn about the destinations and to share special experiences. River ships feature fine food and amenities, including cozy cabins and attentive service. It's the perfect way to travel from market to market in comfort while enjoying onboard entertainment in the lounges and sharing delicious food and drink with new friends.
I find that a visit to a Christmas market in Europe brings back the wonder that you felt as a child for the holiday season. Even better, when you go on a Christmas markets cruise, you get to experience a new market every day to enjoy a broader range of celebrations and styles.
Would you like to take a river cruise to see the Christmas Markets?
I'm hosting a special luxury Rhine River cruise December 17 to 24. I'd love you to join. Check out the details in the breakout box above.
Happy travels!
JR
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