The 8 best Christmas market river cruises for 2024
Imagine sailing down one of Europe's iconic rivers as picturesque villages, castles and landscapes pass you by, all while twinkling lights from nearby Christmas markets dance on the water. While this might sound like a fairytale, it can be a reality on a Christmas market river cruise.
From late November through December every year, most river cruise companies with Europe-based ships take excited passengers to idyllic towns to learn about Christmas traditions, shop at local Christmas markets and try tasty seasonal treats.
These river cruises only run seasonally while the markets are open, so they tend to book up quickly with passengers ranging from older adults to all types of families looking for a winter holiday filled with festive fun.
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Here, we list the eight best Christmas markets river cruises to take in 2024, along with tips to get the most out of each sailing and highlights not to miss.
Best for short cruises: Riverside Luxury Cruises' Christmas on the Danube
If you're looking for a short sailing to tack onto the beginning or end of a trip, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers four-night Danube River sailings that start in Vienna, Austria, and end in Passau, Germany. The majority of the trip is spent in Austria, with port days in Vienna, Krems, Melk and Linz before a final day in Passau.
In Vienna, you can choose to visit one of the city's 100+ museums or visit the iconic Opera House before heading to the Christmas market for a glass of mulled wine and shopping. For those interested in wine, Krems is a must-see destination known for some of the best wines in the country. Before departing from Passau, be sure to explore the Christmas market as well as St. Stephen's Cathedral to see the impressive organ, which is the biggest cathedral organ in the world with almost 18,000 pipes.
Each ship in the Riverside Luxury Cruises fleet is all-suite and comes with butler service. Ships offer an indoor pool and a Jacuzzi to use before or after your trips ashore.
Related: Best river cruises in Europe
Riverside Luxury Cruises' Christmas Atmosphere Along the Danube cruises depart in early and mid-December 2024. Fares start at $1,161 per person, based on double occupancy.
All your meals, one excursion per destination, gratuities, Wi-Fi, butler service and transfers are also included in your cruise fare. Alcoholic drinks are only included with the Premium All-Inclusive Package, which can be selected at booking.
Best for Francophiles: CroisiEurope's Christmas in the Seine Valley
France is known for some of the most photogenic Christmas markets in Europe, and you have the chance to see some of them on a five-night Christmas in the Seine Valley river cruise with CroisiEurope Cruises. These shorter cruises are great if you'd like to spend a few days in Paris before stepping onto the cruise ship and sailing to three other beautiful towns.
The river cruise starts in Paris, where you can spend the day exploring the city, seeing the Christmas markets in Montmartre or Saint Germain or shopping for high-end gifts along the Champs-Élysées before the 5 p.m. all-aboard time.
Day two will bring you to Rouen, where you are invited to join Christmas Eve dinner and midnight mass. You'll also get to see more of Rouen on day four and take a guided tour. If you have free time, be sure to stop in at La Couronne, the oldest operating restaurant in France and the place that inspired Julia Child to start cooking.
Spend Christmas Day in Honfleur, one of the cutest cities on the voyage. Be sure to get the town's specialty, a steaming bowl of moules frites (mussels with fries), for Christmas lunch. After three days of touring smaller towns, you'll return to Paris, where the Eiffel Tower is visible from the banks of the Seine.
CroisiEurope's Christmas in the Seine Valley cruise departs Dec. 23, 2024. Fares start at $1,570 per person, based on double occupancy.
Included with the cost of the cruise are all of your meals and most drinks, free Wi-Fi, all onboard activities and port fees. Headsets are also included for excursions if you choose to go with the group for tours rather than venturing off on your own.
Related: Best river cruise lines around the world
Best for families: Adventures by Disney's Rhine River Christmas Markets Cruise
Families looking to explore Christmas markets through Switzerland, France, Germany and The Netherlands will enjoy Adventures by Disney's Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets sailing. The eight-day cruise allows kids as young as 5 to join, though Disney's suggested age is 8 or older.
What really makes Adventures by Disney stand out is the Adventure Guides, Disney-trained leaders who are experts in each destination. Each Adventure Guide travels with the group throughout the cruise so your family really gets to know them, and they get to know you. This allows them to make personalized recommendations about activities and meals. As you walk through each town they share the history, culture and legends of the destination.
The weeklong trip starts in Basel, Switzerland. The next two days make Strasbourg, France the home port from which you can choose to visit Europa Park in Rust, Germany, or head to Colmar, France, which is famous for its Christmas Markets and Cheese Museum. You'll have most of the second day to enjoy Strasbourg.
Day four brings the group to Mannheim, Germany, where you can enjoy a funicular ride to Heidelberg Castle or tour the town of Baden-Baden where the Christmas market is not to be missed.
In Rüdesheim, you can choose to take part in a coffee and hot chocolate tasting, marvel at one of the largest mechanical music box collections in the world, enjoy a wine tasting or explore the city on your own. The evening is spent sailing through the Rhine Gorge as you pass 30 castles along the shore.
The last day in Germany is spent in Cologne, where you can visit the beautiful Christmas markets that dot the city landscape, as well as lace up some skates to glide around an open-air ice rink. The cruise ends in Amsterdam, where you can choose to visit the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt House Museum or the Van Gogh Museum, along with taking a scenic canal cruise through the city.
Adventures by Disney's Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets cruise departs Dec. 19, 2024. Fares start at $6,599 per adult and $5,899 per child under 11, based on double occupancy.
Fares for the once-a-year cruise include most meals, drinks at lunch and dinner (plus a nightly cocktail hour where a range of mixed drinks are complimentary), excursions in each port of call, porter service, transportation in port, Wi-Fi, gratuities for onboard staff and Adventure Guides, and onboard entertainment.
Related: Are river cruises right for kids?
Best for couples: Viking's Danube Christmas Delights
Couples looking to get away for the holidays should consider Viking 's Danube Christmas Delights river cruise. The seven-night cruise takes passengers to four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. The trip combines opportunities to explore the ports of call with lectures and cultural performances onboard the ship.
In Budapest, you'll spend two days exploring the city at places like Castle Hill and the Grand Market Hall before shopping and dining at the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica. Then in Bratislava, Slovakia, the group will attend an organ concert and shopping at the Old Town Christmas market.
In Vienna, Austria, the whole city comes alive with lights and a festive spirit. One thing not to miss here is the extra-charge excursion to a local winery, where you will celebrate the year's harvest and vintage.
Another highlight of the cruise is Krems, where the group will visit Göttweig Abbey and get exclusive access to the chapel in the inner courtyard to see the nativity scene. (The chapel is usually closed to visitors.) Finally, in Passau, you can watch an Advent wreath demonstration or take a flight to see the landmark Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park.
Viking offers Danube Christmas Delights river cruises from late November through mid-December in 2024 and 2025. Fares start at $2,799 per person, based on double occupancy.
Fares include shore excursions in every port; free Wi-Fi; all meals; beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; port taxes and fees; and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In select ports, passengers can sign up for optional excursions that are an added cost. These could be worth the upcharge, depending on the type of experience you want to have.
Best for old-world charm: Uniworld's Belgian Holiday Markets
Travelers looking to explore all of the Old World historic charm of Belgium will want to book Uniworld's Belgian Holiday Markets cruise. The seven-night cruise visits Belgium and the Netherlands, with port days in iconic cities like Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp.
The cruise is a closed loop, starting and ending in Brussels. On day one, take time to explore the city on your own after dropping your luggage off at the ship. Then on day two in the city, enjoy all the chocolate you can with a tour and chocolate tasting, plus a visit to the Christmas market. On day three, you'll need to decide whether to visit Ghent or Bruges, both of which have beautiful architecture and a Christmas market and offer opportunities to try local food.
The cruise continues into the Netherlands at Maastricht, where you can explore the city and its Christmas market, or head to Aachen, Germany, for festive fun. Alternatively, you can visit Valkenburg's underground Christmas market, located inside a cave. The last stop of the cruise is Antwerp, Belgium, where you can enjoy a concert, a beer tasting and time to enjoy the city at your leisure.
Uniworld offers its Belgian Holiday Markets cruise on four departure dates from late November through mid-December 2024 (and three December dates in 2025). Fares start from $3,799 per person, based on double occupancy.
The cruise fare includes premium spirits and wine, access to bikes and walking sticks, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, enrichment lectures, and shore excursions in each port. Onboard gratuities and group transfers to and from the airport are also included.
Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat
Best for solo travelers: Tauck's Yuletide Spirit
Solo travelers looking to enjoy a river cruise without the hassle of a single supplement should check out Tauck's Christmas market itineraries. On all European river cruises, including the seven-night Yuletide Spirit: Amsterdam to Brussels cruise, the line waives the single supplement on Category 1 riverview cabins.
If your cruise starts in Amsterdam, you don't have to be on the ship until 4 p.m. so use the morning to walk around town or get tickets to tour the Anne Frank House. On your second day in Amsterdam, visit the Rijksmuseum and take an evening canal cruise with the group. Foodies will love it when the cruise heads to Gouda to explore the history of the city plus get a tasting of stroopwafels, which are cookie sandwiches invented in the city.
The midpoint of the cruise will bring you to the decision to visit either Ghent, which is one of the oldest cities in Belgium, or Bruges, known for its medieval architecture and beautiful canals. The cruise also visits Antwerp, where you can explore the various Christmas markets that are spread throughout the city. Your trip ends in Brussels, with a whole day to explore the cute squares and charming markets and try local fare.
Tauck offers four December departures of its Yuletide Spirit: Amsterdam to Brussels cruise in 2024 and 2025, meaning the last cruise sets sail after Christmas. Fares start at $3,690 for solo travelers in a Category 1 room, but book soon as the single rooms are already selling out.
Solo travelers should know that these cabins don't have a balcony and are the smallest on the riverboat at 150 square feet, but you likely won't be spending much time in your room on this sailing. The cruise fare includes all gratuities, private shore excursions, meals, unlimited drinks including premium spirits, and basic Wi-Fi, plus airport and train transfers.
Best for an extended cruise: Avalon Waterways' Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine
Travelers looking for a longer cruise that sails deep into the southern part of Europe will want to consider the Avalon Waterways' Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine river cruise, which includes one night in Lucerne and three nights in Lake Como. There are also Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine itineraries that don't include the land-based post-cruise days if you want a shorter trip.
For the longer 12-night cruise and land-based trip, guests will embark the cruise ship in Amsterdam, where they can enjoy a day of free exploration before boarding the riverboat, followed by an Amsterdam canal cruise on day two. The cruise then departs for Germany, where you will be able to explore the Christmas markets in Cologne and Rüdensheim on days three and four. Day five is when travelers can enjoy Mainz and see the Gutenberg Museum or travel further on a bus to Heidelberg to explore Heidelberg Castle.
Day six brings the cruise to Strasbourg, France, where you can tour the La Petite France District and wander through the warm glow of the Christmas market. The cruise then heads back to Germany to visit the Black Forest, where you can learn about local traditions and German winemaking.
The final stop on the cruise is Basel, Switzerland, where you will disembark the ship to take a motor coach tour that starts in Mount Pilates, where you will ride 7,000 feet up the mountain in a gondola for incredible views. Your journey continues with a land-based post-cruise bus tour to Italy's Lake Como on days nine through 12. You can take a boat ride around the lake, explore the city on your own and marvel at the Duomo.
Avalon Waterways offer its Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine cruise on Dec. 8, 2024. Prices start at $4,822 per person, based on double occupancy.
Fares include meals, drinks during meals and happy hour, Wi-Fi, a library, excursions, bike rentals and a fitness center. Gratuity is not included for hotel stays and meals during the land portion of your trip.
Best for unique destinations: AmaWaterways' Gems of Southeast Europe
While many river cruises traverse the waters around France, Germany and Austria, AmaWaterways ' Gems of Southeast Europe itinerary takes guests to Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Romania. The seven-night cruise sails between Budapest and Giurgiu along the Danube River.
If your sailing starts in Budapest, you'll need to arrive a day early if you plan to explore the city; the cruise does not offer excursions here. Your first stop will be Mohacs, where you can enjoy the nearby Christmas Markets in Pecs or venture to Szekszárd for a wine tasting. Day three is split between Vukovar and Novi Sad, where you can explore the historic towns and enjoy the holiday cheer with live music, artisan crafts and delightful bites of food.
The cruise continues to Belgrade, where you can wander around the city on your own, take a hike to Belgrade Fortress or put on a helmet and take a bike ride around town. Day five is exciting for nature enthusiasts as you sail through The Iron Gates, which is a series of gorges that mark the border between Serbia and Romania.
The cruise ends in Rousse, where you can venture further into Romania to Bucharest, which is known as the "Little Paris of the East" for a city tour and Christmas Market.
AmaWaterways' Gems of Southeast Europe departs on multiple dates between late November and late December in 2024 (2025 dates run mid-November to mid-December). Fares start at $2,880 per person, based on double occupancy.
Fares include Wi-Fi, wellness activities, daily entertainment and cultural performances, all meals, drinks at lunch and dinner plus a daily cocktail hour, excursions in each destination and access to knowledgeable guides.
Bottom line
If you've ever considered a Christmas market river cruise, 2024 is the year to finally cross the experience off your bucket list. Many of the best river cruise brands and tour companies offer Christmas markets river cruises throughout Europe, whether you're looking for a family-friendly option, solo travel sans single supplement or a cruise with unique destinations.
It's most important to choose a cruise based on which destinations you wish to visit and which travel dates and itinerary lengths work with your schedule. But don't forget to consider the cruise line.
The inclusions on most of the river cruises are similar but can vary in scope, such as which drinks are included or cost extra, and how many complimentary shore excursions you can choose from. You'll also want to think about the overall vibe of your trip and what your expectations are, whether you're looking for a luxury trip with more upscale ships and higher service levels or a more affordable option that emphasizes exploring and finding your own adventures.
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Danube Christmas Markets
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- Nuremberg > Budapest
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- Munich > Budapest
Explore the Danube Christmas Markets
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CRUISE ITINERARY
Board AmaWaterways AmaLea in Nuremberg for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (D)
Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts, followed by a visit to some of the local Christmas markets. Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. You will also cross the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal as the day ends. (B, L, D)
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market.
As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. (B, L, D)
Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas Market. Or, for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria. (B, L, D)
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. Afterward, enjoy a scenic cruise of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley before arriving in Vienna and exploring the local Christmas markets. (B, L, D)
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents a glittering and stellar Christmas experience. (B, L, D)
Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Your tour through this sprawling World Heritage city offers splendid views from historic Buda Castle of the twin cities on both banks of the river. You’ll also visit Fisherman’s Bastion and see the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and much more. Later, explore this beautiful city’s Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B, L, D)
Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell to the city before preparing for your return flight home. (B)
- Roundtrip airport to ship transfers including meet and greet and luggage handling
- Seven nights cruise cabin accommodations on the AmaWaterways AmaLea
- Gourmet dining for all meals onboard the ship throughout the cruise
- Wine and beer with lunch and dinner
- Daily happy hour
- All shore excursions in each port
- Onboard entertainment and lectures
- Ship-wide Internet and Wi-Fi access
- All onboard gratuities for ship staff
- Taxes, fees and port charges
CRUISE ONLY PRICING
(*) Pricing based on credit card payment. All other pricing based on cash or check payment. All prices listed are per person, based on stated occupancy. Airfare is not included in listed prices.
AMAWATERWAYS' AMALEA
Designed with vibrant pops of color that call to mind the autumn harvest in European vineyards, and appointed with signature twin balconies in most staterooms, the AmaLea is a sleek river ship created with luxury yachts in mind. A host of comforts and conveniences fill her decks, including a massage and hair salon, gift shop and specialty coffee station. The relaxing Sun Deck features a heated pool as well as a swim-up bar, while the vibrant Main Lounge provides an exhilarating stage for nightly performances. Enjoy an evening dining experience like no other at The Chef’s Table, where rustic wooden floors, contemporary lighting and a glass-enclosed kitchen combine to form the stunning backdrop for your gastronomic entertainment. And with a walking track on the Sun Deck, a fitness room and a fleet of onboard bicycles, you’ll have everything needed to stay active and healthy while sailing Europe’s great rivers.
Double Balcony AB Cabin
Double Balcony BB Cabin
French Balcony Cabin
Window Cabin
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From charming villages to great cultural centres, you can look forward to the hum and buzz of Christmas as treats, toys, charms and trinkets of every description come out in a joyful display. In many places, the delicacies and decorations still honour age-old traditions, and you’d be forgiven for wondering whether you’ve somehow stepped back in time with the ‘Ghost of Christmas Past’.
SCENIC RIVER CRUISES - CHRISTMAS MARKETS
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Sail to lands rich in traditions
See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including the 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on this enriching cruisetour.
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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.
More features, services and excursions included
One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Port taxes & fees
Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
Your Stateroom Includes:
River-view stateroom
Bottled water replenished daily
110/220 volt outlets
Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror
Premium Freyja® toiletries
Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more
Telephone, safe, refrigerator
Individual climate control
*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.
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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.
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With Scenic, it’s more than an ultra-luxury river cruise, it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you at the heart of everything we do.
- Previous page
Truly unforgettable experiences await
Our river cruises take you to extraordinary regions, while immersing you in the rich history, local cultures, and culinary delicacies to create moments that will be cherished for years to come.
Discover river cruising with Scenic, for unrivalled experiences
From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in South East Asia, a Scenic 5-star river cruise is in a class of its own. Every detail has been taken care of to the Nth Degree by our world-class crew so you can enjoy the benefits of a truly all-inclusive journey.
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Great stories come from unforgettable moments. Now creating new ones is more attainable than ever during our limited Travelzoo Sale with Scenic. Second Guest Sails Free with this special promotion across select sailings on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers and the rivers of France and Portugal. Set sail from just $3,120 per person or if you are a solo traveller, pay No Single Supplement fee*. Don't delay, this special promotion is strictly limited and will sell out fast. Call 1-844-200-2150, or contact your travel professional. Book by June 10, 2024 and reserve with code TVLZOO2NDFREE.
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River Cruise: DOUR
June 8, November 7, 2024
*Terms and conditions: All prices advertised are in CAD dollars based on double occupancy and include all advertised discount savings including early payment discounts. Port charges and taxes are included in the price. Valid for new bookings only on select 2024 Europe River Cruises made between May 22 and June 10, 2024. Applicable to any available cabin on included sailings, except BS Single Suite. A non–refundable initial deposit of $500 per person is required at time of booking and must quote offer code TVLZOO2NDFREE when booking for both the Second Guest Sails Free offer and the No Single Supplement offer. Full payment is due within 7 days of booking. Strictly no retroactivity to existing bookings including engaging the Deposit Protection Plan or Flexible Booking Policy on an existing booking to avail these offers. When paying full fare for the first guest, receive the second guest fare free. Both guests must be in the same cabin for offer to be applicable. Savings are based on the cruise + upgrade element only, excludes airfare, port charges, land extensions, hotel stays or any other additional items. No Single Supplement Offer: Discount is fifty percent off room cost. Guest will still pay port charges, air/air taxes, and land (including any single supplements on land) as usual. Offer strictly not combinable with any other offer or promotion including Super Earlybird/Earlybird, regular solo offers, F&F offers and groups offers. Offer is combinable only with Scenic Club loyalty voucher. All offers are inventory controlled, strictly capacity limited, may be extended, cancelled, or withdrawn at any time without notice, and subject to availability until sold out. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please call your Professional Travel Advisor or Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Reservations. Scenic reserve the right to not honour any published prices that we determine were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error. Very small number of rare, fine & vintage wines, champagnes and spirits not included. Airport transfers are only available on the first and last day of your tour and at times we designate. Salt Therapy Lounges and e-bikes not available on all ships. For full booking terms and conditions refer to the 2024 Scenic Europe River Cruising brochure available at scenic.ca/brochures or view here. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours - A division of ST Touring Canada Ltd. Office: 19th Floor, 401 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5A1. Consumer Protection BC #40178.
- Europe River Cruising 2024
- Europe River Cruising 2025
- Your Guide to Europe River Cruising
Your guide to Europe river cruising
Don't delay, this special promotion is strictly limited and will sell out fast.
Call 1-844-200-2150, or contact your travel professional.
Book by June 10, 2024 and reserve with code TVLZOO2NDFREE.
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Our luxurious Scenic Space-Ships have been purpose-built for Europe’s waterways and get you closer to shore to create a real sense of immersion. Let time stand still as you discover the limitless wonders of Europe and enjoy a premium all-inclusive experience.
Innovative Scenic Space-Ships
Our innovative ships feature an abundance of luxurious outdoor, dining and wellness areas, along with spacious suites. Low guest numbers of only up to 163 guests provide an intimate experience. These sleek ships are also able to dock in the heart of towns, so you can enjoy more time to explore.
Luxurious Suites
Each suite offers you the luxury of personal space. Our generously-sized suites are elegantly appointed with premium amenities including a queen-size Scenic Slumber Bed, a pillow menu and luxurious bath products. The Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites* feature your very own window to the world with our signature Scenic Sun Lounges – some of the largest balconies offered on European waterways.
Up to Five Dining Options
Whether you prefer a fine dining experience with a six-course degustation, a relaxed café setting or dining in the privacy of your suite, you’ll find delectable options to suit your tastes and mood. Premium international beverages^ – wine, beer, cocktails, spirits – are included and available all day, every day. It’s more than outstanding food and wine – it’s the fresh flavours of each region prepared by our innovative chefs.
Scenic Freechoice
Personalise your river cruise and pursue your own interests as you set off on curated excursions throughout Europe. Scenic’s extensive and diverse list of Freechoice excursions offer an Active, Moderate or Relaxed pace so you can choose activities best suited to you based on your passions. Whether it’s a guided hike up beautiful Buda Hill or delectable wine tastings in the French town of Châteauneuf du Pape, the choice is yours.
Scenic Enrich
Our Scenic Enrich experiences are exclusive to Scenic guests and place you at the heart of the world’s most refined art, music and architecture. You’ll go behind the scenes to enjoy moments inaccessible to the ordinary traveller, from a classical concert at the opulent Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna to after hours access at Bassins de Lumières, a former submarine base turned immersive digital art installation. These carefully curated experiences are destined to be the highlights of your journey.
Salt Therapy Lounge
Scenic is the first and only river cruise company to feature a therapeutic Salt Therapy Lounge* on board its Scenic Space-Ships cruising Europe’s waterways. Mimicking the environment of a salt cave, the Salt Therapy Lounge can assist with healing, improving respiration and boosting the immune system.
^Spa treatments are an additional cost.
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Travel Alert Advisory
- WHAT'S INCLUDED
- DATES & PRICES
- CONNECTIONS
Christmas Markets Notice: Most Christmas Markets open during the last week of November and remain open until approximately Dec. 22. Check with each country’s tourist office for more information.
Important: Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges not included in cruise price: $224 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for Cruise (AmaMagna): Category E and D 25% of twin price; Category AB, AA, SB and SA 50% of twin price; Category Grand Suite and Owners Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
Cruise & Land Prices: Prices shown are for 3 nights in Prague; please add $940 per person for Munich.
Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-20.
Dates & Prices Christmas Markets on the Danube
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Soak up the festive atmosphere in Europe during visits to the Christmas Markets along the Danube , Main and Rhine Rivers. 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 163 guests. At the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private Viennese classical concert. Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge.
Here, we list the eight best Christmas markets river cruises to take in 2024, along with tips to get the most out of each sailing and highlights not to miss.
AmaWaterways™ 2024 Iconic Christmas Markets River Cruise - Embark from Nuremberg for a 7-night cruise on Europe's storied Danube. Visit Christmas Markets in Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, and more.
Award-winning river cruises. Explore enchanting destinations along the Rhine & Danube, Mekong & Irrawaddy, and more in 5-Star luxury. View itineraries.
AmaWaterways™ 2024 Christmas Markets On The Rhine - Embark from Amsterdam for a 7-night cruise during Europe's most festive season. Visit Christmas Markets in Cologne, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and more.
Soak up the festive atmosphere in Europe during visits to the Christmas Markets along the Danube River. 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 163 guests. Over a glass of Austrian 'sekt' at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private classical Viennese concert. Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an ...
Join Carrousel Travel for a hosted river cruise on this festive journey down the Danube River, where you will discover the wonder of Europe's iconic Christmas markets.
2024: Europe's famous Christmas markets have changed little over the past five centuries, and the childlike wonder they instill is yours to enjoy on this magical cruise along the Main.
Award-winning river cruises. Explore enchanting destinations along the Rhine & Danube, Mekong & Irrawaddy, and more in 5-Star luxury. View itineraries.
Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. Afterward, enjoy a scenic cruise of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley before arriving in Vienna and exploring the local Christmas markets.
Sailing dates and pricing for all itinerary options on the AmaWaterways™ 2024 Iconic Christmas Markets River Cruise.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages. Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire 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 8-day ...
Cruising through Europe at Christmas is a great way to see the transformation into festivity as markets spring to life in every town and square.
Cruise the world's rivers and oceans with peace of mind. Experience ultra-luxury cruising with enhanced safety and comfort. Get complimentary 2024 & 2025 brochures.
9 nights for the price of 7 | 2024 From $4,195pp* for a limited time. Scenic Select Savings: Secure 9 nights for the price of 7 nights from only $419 per person, per day. Experience all-inclusive ultra-luxury, including Scenic Freechoice excursions, exclusive events, dining, beverages^ and more. Valid for new bookings, paid in full within 7 ...
European river waterways. Be inspired by the history, culture, cuisine and magnificent sights of Europe. From the charming castles and fairy-tale villages on the Rhine, Main and Danube, and the iconic sites of France, to the renowned Portuguese wine regions along the Douro River. Explore these incredible destinations while enjoying truly all ...
AmaWaterways™ 2024 Christmas Markets On The Danube - Embark from Budapest during Europe's most festive season for a 7-night cruise on the storied Danube. Visit Christmas Markets in Bratislava, Vienna, Passau, and more.
Get the latest deals for Rhine River cruises on Cruise Critic. Find and plan your next cruise to Rhine River with cabin price comparison, variety of departure ports and dates to choose from.
See Bucharest's 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make <i>banitsa</i> bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade's Ottoman and European treasures, including the 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube's towering Iron Gate. Witness Hungary's daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest's grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets ...
Discover river cruising with Scenic, for unrivalled experiences. From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in South East Asia, a Scenic 5-star river cruise is in a class of its own. Every detail has been taken care of to the Nth Degree by our world-class crew so you can enjoy the benefits of a truly all-inclusive journey.
For full booking terms and conditions refer to the 2024 Scenic Europe River Cruising brochure available at scenic.ca/brochures or view here. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours - A division of ST Touring Canada Ltd. Office: 19th Floor, 401 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5A1.
If you're looking for more of a European excursion, this ship based in the U.K. might be for you. There are already several cruise destination options for 2025 and 2026. By booking early, you ...
Sailing dates and pricing for all itinerary options on the AmaWaterways™ 2024 Christmas Markets On The Danube River Cruise.