The Christmas Markets of Europe are steeped in tradition and celebration, gift-giving and Santa Claus, and have grown hugely popular for North American travelers who are looking for a little of yesteryear’s calmer nature. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is making it even more like the holidays of old with a 15-day sailing that celebrates the Christmas and New Years holidays in Europe while enjoying the festive markets.
Scenic Extends its Christmas Market Cruise Offerings
The line is also offering eight- to 18-day Christmas Market cruises on the Danube and the Rhine earlier in the season with ample time in ports to visit and shop the stalls that sell unique gift items such as handcrafted wooden nutcrackers and toys, one-of-a-kind glass Christmas ornaments, local knick-knacks and much more. Booking any of these sailings early can save up to $1,500 per couple and, if the booking is paid in full within 72 hours, guests can choose between free or reduced airfare, a free land extension, or up to $2,000 per couple in additional savings.
Christmas & New Years
The 15-day Christmas & New Years sails from Amsterdam to Budapest (December 19) along three of Europe’s most popular rivers – the Rhine, Danube and Main-Danube Canal – where the bulk of the oldest and most traditional Christmas Markets are set. Whether it is Nuremberg’s world-renowned market dating back to 1628; the fairy-tale feel of the 420-year-old Salzburg Cathedral Square Christmas Market; or Cologne’s dazzling array of puppet theatres, toy stalls and fairytales – and the largest Christmas tree in Rhineland, excited guests are allowed lots of time to enjoy the holiday festivities at each stop along the way. Delicacies like stollen (a bread-like fruitcake covered in icing), gluhwein, (mulled wine served hot in souvenir mugs), homemade gingerbread, and candied almonds supply a taste of traditional European holiday goodies while choral performances and dancing add to the festive air. Guests are welcome to attend a traditional Christmas Mass in Würzburg and New Year’s in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities – Budapest. Fares start at $7,395 per person, double.
Danube Christmas Markets with Prague
Scenic’s 11-day Danube Christmas Markets with Prague opens the doors to a variety of festive markets in several cities and towns, adding to the enchantment of the grand Danube River. The three days in Prague offer sightseeing galore: the Astronomical Clock, the world-famous 14th-century Charles Bridge, the 9th-century Prague Castle, as well as dozens of museums, and centuries of history. For shoppers, the city is a feast, from the main Christmas Markets at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square to the many smaller ones dotted throughout the city. The eight-day cruise, that is also offered as a standalone, showcases beautiful Budapest, with a city guided tour or Jewish Heritage tour; and Vienna, the “City of Music,” where guests are treated to a Scenic Enrich exclusive event – a private evening concert at Palais Liechtenstein, the 300-year-old residence of the Princely family of Vienna. All in addition to the numerous Christmas markets along the way. Multiple departures have fares starting at $4,105.
Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland
The 12-day Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland allows guests to wander among the 100 glittering, cottage-style stands in Koblenz, enjoy live music and streets of festive huts in Baden-Baden where thousands of shimmering Christmas lights are picturesquely framed by the mountains of the Black Forest, and visit Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. A Scenic Enrich event, exclusive to the company, takes guests to a cheese-making experience at the Restaurant Le Chalet in Switzerland’s French city of Chateau d’Œx – which comes on the heels of a beautiful panoramic train journey. Other activities include heading to Vevey to learn about one of the 20th-century’s most celebrated artists during a visit to the Chaplin World Museum; and the opportunity to shop at the Christmas Markets in Lucerne, whose craft market is a true highlight, and any of the numerous markets that turn Zurich into a winter wonderland. The December 9 sailing has fares starting at $5,645.
All-Inclusive Luxury Experiences
The 5-star Scenic Space-Ships offer all-inclusive luxury experiences – from private butler service and unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits including mini-bar re-stocked daily, to six on-board dining options and a wellness area and fitness center. And guests will never have to reach for the wallet or purse as everything (except a haircut or massage) is included: tips and gratuities, expert local guides, all Scenic Freechoice activities that allow for a more personalized vacation, plus Scenic Enrich events which are exclusive to Scenic and its guests.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 37-year history to include award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Since 2008, Scenic has set the benchmark for truly all-inclusive, luxury five-star river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™, a 228-guest ultra-luxury ship, and will deliver a second yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, in 2023. Scenic is part of Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours.
Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures and reservations can be obtained via travel advisors; or in the US: www.scenicusa.com, phone (844) 788-7985, info@scenicusa.com. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the websites.
