Viking invite their guests to discover the magic of the festive season along Europe’s rivers.
As winter settles over Europe, the continent’s cities and riverside towns transform into a sparkling wonderland of timeless traditions, cozy indulgence and the magic of traditional Christmas’ that many Australians have never experienced.
From the fairytale facades of Strasbourg to the glittering market squares of Cologne and Vienna, Europe’s Christmas markets offer more than just festive shopping.
They are also very much immersive cultural experiences so different from our own where centuries-old customs meet the scent of roasted chestnuts, the sparkle of hand-blown ornaments and the warmth of mulled wine shared beneath twinkling lights.
And according to Viking there is no more enchanting way to explore the markets than by a river voyage.
Imagine gently gliding along those storied waterways including the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle and Elbe – being delivered directly into the heart of towns and baroque cities that look like they are right out of a Christmas story book.
Each market has it’s own character,
Some are set against Gothic cathedrals, others tucked into medieval courtyards or sprawled out along riverside promenades.
All are filled with artisan stalls brimming with handmade gifts and regional delicacies perfect for browsing while the sounds of brass bands and choirs echo through cobbled streets.
It’s a chance to stop and take in nativity scenes and candlelit processions and enjoy local specialities including Quarkballcher and Gluhwein.
Viking offer a chance to embark on a holiday voyage and visit festive Christmas markets located in iconic cities across Germany, France, Austria, Hungary and beyond.
An opportunity to discover the origins of cherished traditions, take in stunning seasonal landscapes and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of the season.
From joyful decorations and sumptuous regional delicacies to warming mugs of cocoa and glühwein, the have tours that allow visitors to experience the wintertime delights of some of Europe’s most beloved destinations, including Paris, Vienna and Berlin.
There are also Pre and Post Cruise Extensions—Christmas Markets to add on including two nights in Switzerland’s beautiful Basel with a chance to shop for handicrafts at quaint markets, a cherished European tradition, and explore the winding cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses and decorated window displays.
Take a guided walking tour through the historic city, passing through Marktplatz, or Market Square, and visit the Christmas markets and then have an afternoon free to explore perhaps returning to Münsterplatz, where the thin towers of the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral overlook the wooden chalets of its festive market or pick up a sweet treat at a Swiss chocolatier to take home.
Or maybe spend the day in one of Austria’s most scenic alpine cities, Salzburg, and visit its renowned Christmas market. The setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music, Salzburg is also the birthplace of renowned classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Drive with a guide past charming mountain villages, rolling hills and pristine lakes. Upon arrival in this glorious city, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Italianate Old Town, strolling past high-baroque architecture and gaining an intimate view of Salzburg.
Continue to Domplatz, for an opportunity to browse the stalls of the traditional Christkindlmarkt, one of the world’s oldest Advent markets. Then, savor lunch in Austria’s oldest restaurant, named for the church, as classically trained singers and musicians regale you with songs in the spirt of the musical The Sound of Music.
For further information please visit http://www.viking.com or phone 138 747.
