With many families breaking away from traditional Christmas celebrations and exploring ways to connect so the whole family can relax, the idea of taking a family holiday away from home is becoming more appealing to Aussies.
Due to the vastness of Australia and the many financial and time considerations of travel from state-to-state, couples are now discovering other options including hiring a holiday home together or taking a cruise.
But, for those wanting a really special treat with family or friends where the accommodation and food are nearly outdone by the remarkable scenery, this might be the one to look at.
Celebrating ‘Christmas on the Rhine’ with Viking is the kind of Christmas always remembered and reflected upon each time the festive season is mentioned.
This is the opportunity to journey through storybook villages, sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies, browse colourful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts.
With December the middle of summer for Australians it is the chance to enjoy the festive season in scarfs and jumpers drinking mulled wine, eating hot savoury and sweet delicacies by the fire in comfort with all the work done and just time to enjoy each other.
Here guests can experience the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This eight-day Viking ‘Christmas on the Rhine’ voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.
Enjoy eight days, eight guided tours across four countries sailing from Amsterdam to Basel through Cologne, Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach and on to Basel on the Swiss border and take advantage of the fly free on selected 2026 to 2028 voyages saving up to $5000 per couple (contact Viking for dates, prices and valid dates).
All travelers need for this wonderful adventure of a lifetime is included with no surprises or hidden fees including complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, free Wi-Fi, all onboard meals featuring specialties and classics, beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffee, tea and bottled water, enrichment lectures and of course much more.
An added addition and one of the best parts of the Viking cruises is guests can book pre and post cruise extensions on selected cruises meaning additional days to explore the embarkation or disembarkation city or visit a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.
More days means more to discover and with extension packages the team onboard and at each port are there to help with booking accommodations and tours in the selected cities.
One option is to extend this cruise with two-night stay in Amsterdam and think of all the fun to be had in this stunning city, especially in winter.
Enjoy the picturesque canals while discovering the city’s cultural and architectural treasures. Witness the legacy of the Dutch Golden Age that lives on in the city’s gilded manses and stroll through the Jordaan district, passing historic sites such as Wester Church and the Anne Frank House.
Another extension on the Christmas cruise is three nights in Brussels with time to explore the intriguing Belgian cities of Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. View iconic landmarks and stroll through historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites then celebrate the season immersed in the festive atmosphere of traditional Christmas markets.
Take a ‘Viking Longship 360-degree tour’ of the longship used for river cruising right now to see what the cruise will look like by visiting the Viking website showing the ship layout and including narrated tours.
The small, modern Viking Longships are elegantly designed for discovery and comfort. Each longship is identical and features all outside staterooms, serene Scandinavian spaces and light-filled public areas.
All guests must be 18 years old to cruise with Viking on the longships, there are no casino’s, no theme nights and during the day, dress is casual, slacks or jeans and the recommended evening dress is ‘elegant casual’.
Have a look at the wonderful Christmas cruises available with Viking including the Christmas on the Rhine tour by visiting viking.com or by phoning 138 747.
