CHRISTMAS CRUISING RHINE AND DANUBE TRIPS OFFER FESTIVE WAY TO EXPERIENCE EUROPE
Wind your way down the Danube or Rhine, stopping to take in Christmas markets along the way
River cruises offer a fantastic and convenient way to see Europe — even in the fall months. European river cruises only really stop for the months of January and February.
Avalon Waterways offers a wide array of off-season departures, from spring voyages through the tulip-lined canals of the Netherlands to winter Christmas markets sailings on the Danube.
Some of my favourite voyages are the festive Christmas market cruises between Nov. 25 and Dec. 24 on the Rhine and the Danube.
Avalon Waterways offers getaways as short as five days (the perfect thing to tack onto a longer visit to Europe in winter), right up to the 16-day voyages from Vienna to Basel that cover both the Rhine and Danube.
It’s hard to beat the company’s nine-day voyage from Vienna to Prague.
This is one of the most classic and rewarding Christmas market river cruises, sailing the Danube for a week before transferring for an overland journey and stay in Prague.
On this voyage, Avalon’s magnificent “suite ships” carry guests to some of Europe’s most festive cities. Vienna alone boasts nearly a dozen markets scattered throughout the city, each with its own unique style and flair.
There is the massive Christmas market at the Rathaus (city hall), or my favourite, the more quiet one at Maria-Theresien Platz near the Museum of Natural History.
Avalon also visits Melk, Austria, on this itinerary, along with Passau, Regensburg and Nuremberg, Germany.
The latter boasts one of the oldest (and perhaps most famous) markets in Germany, complete with piping hot Gluhwein (mulled red wine), bratwurst and craft markets with all sorts of unique goodies and decorations.
While it doesn’t typically snow during November and December in these destinations (it has only happened to me once out of five trips), the cool winter air and long periods of dusk make this one of the cosiest and most romantic times to visit Europe.
The crowds of summer are long gone, and the locals are welcoming.
While some spots for 2018 may be available, you’re best looking for 2019 departures for the Christmas markets.
Avalon’s suite ships are immensely popular, and sailings aboard these blue-hulled wonders tend to book up well in advance.