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The Danube’s Christmas Markets River Cruise 2024

Experience the real essence of the festive season with a Danube River Cruise that stops at Europe’s most iconic Christmas markets in Budapest, Bratislava, Melk and Vienna.

Soak up the atmosphere and stroll amongst stalls with pretty handmade gifts, toys, and unique crafts. Taste delicious seasonal fare, including fragrant mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, spicy gingerbread and traditional Lebkuchen. All this and more rolled into one spellbinding Saga River Cruise .

The Danube’s Christmas Markets 2024 Cruise Gallery

The Danube’s Christmas Markets 2024 Cruise Itinerary

This 5-day festive cruise drops anchor at some of Europe’s most famous capital cities. Adorned in their winter finery, this is a chance to explore the culture and architecture of iconic locations with all the atmosphere and excitement of the Christmas season. Enjoy picturesque river views, award-winning international cuisine and luxurious accommodation.

• Budapest to Vienna
• Vienna to Budapest

Embark in Budapest.

Known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’, Budapest is a city in two parts, Buda and Pest, built on opposite sides of the Danube. United as one whole, the two halves are still very distinct, with Buda the older and more historic part featuring cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Pest is more commercial and is graced with elegant 19th-century buildings. Your cruise includes a transfer to Budapest’s oldest Christmas market, held in Vörösmarty Square, a location also popular with Hungarian musicians. Enjoy browsing around the different stalls with traditional music and warm Hungarian hospitality.

Stroll through Slovakia’s capital, with streets adorned with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. Explore the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square, the location of Bratislava’s Christmas market with rows of tempting stalls selling all types of gifts. Treat yourself to some hot mulled wine or a mug of mead and enjoy the festivities.

This historic Austrian town is famous for its Abbey, which is located above the town and has been widely regarded as Austria’s cultural and spiritual centre for over one thousand years. Enjoy a tour of this iconic baroque building and then visit Melk’s traditional Christmas market.

Sip Viennese coffee as you browse one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe in one of the most famous capitals in the world. The day starts with a guided tour around some of Vienna’s most famous landmarks, including the Opera House and the Ringstrasse, following which guests are free to visit the Krippenmarkt, December market. Choose festive gifts from stalls selling silver jewellery, ceramics, handmade gifts and objets d’art.

Disembarkation.

Embark in Vienna.

Disembark in Budapest.

The Danube’s Christmas Markets Cruise Ships

Spirit Of The Danube

As our second purpose-built river cruise ship, this vessel promises comfort and elegance during your stay on board. With the addition of the latest engine technology, this ship is also one of the greenest cruising the rivers.

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Experience the Christmas Markets on the Danube with Crui.se

The Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise 2024

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The Danube Christmas Markets 2024 Cruise Review

“This is Christmas shopping and then some! I’ve always traditionally hated Christmas shopping but doing it European style with a luxury floating hotel taking you from one destination to another is something I could so easily get used to. It’s a great trip for family or friends, there’s a chance to buy some unusual gifts, and it really gets you into the festive spirit!”

Other Danube River Cruise Deals

Join us on Europe’s second longest river, the Danube. Pass through 10 different countries lined with bicycle trails and historical hotspots. Choose your Danube delight!

Grand Danube

Our 14-night Grand Danube Cruise is the perfect blend of architectural heritage, culture, fascinating history and regional cuisine – let’s not forget the wine!

Prague and the Delights of the Danube

Take to the iconic Danube and explore some of Europe’s most historic culture and architecture with the Prague and the Delights of the Danube Cruise.

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Enjoy Christmas European style at the enchanting Christmas Markets and savour the tastes and sophistication of the season with handcrafted gifts and toys, hot mulled wine and tasty gingerbread and roasted chestnuts.

Blue Danube Discovery

Travel from Budapest to Vienna, Passau and Regensburg with majestic castles, cathedrals and Baroque abbeys for company whilst savouring delicious regional cuisine – this cruise is a feast for the tastebuds and the eyes!

Magna on the Danube

Enjoy seven nights of luxury and wander the historic ports and towns, famous vineyards and iconic riverside attractions.

Celebration of Classical Music River Cruise

Follow the inspirational route of some of the world’s most famous classical composers and hear their melodies harmonising with the current of Europe’s leading waterway.

Authentic Danube

Take to the world-renowned Danube River and discover the treasures she has to offer on your luxury boutique cruise.

The Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise 2024 FAQ

Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.

I’m on a special diet. Can the on-board restaurants tailor the menus to suit my requirements?

All meals on board are prepared using fresh local produce and chosen to make the most of regional and seasonal fare in the areas we sail through. Our daily menus always include vegetarian and vegan options, so it’s easy for our gourmet chefs to prepare other dishes to accommodate special diets and allergies. Just let the reservation team know your restrictions when you book.

What’s the weather like in December in these destinations?

The weather will be colder than in the UK but make the most of the white stuff for some really stunning photos. Our expert reservation team can discuss the usual temperatures for each port stop so you know what to pack. The Spirit of the Danube is always warm and welcoming after a long day’s sightseeing.

Do I need to apply for a visa to travel?

The Danube Christmas Market River Cruise 2024 travels through three European countries, so passengers will need visas and must arrange these themselves before travelling. Our friendly booking team can chat through some of the requirements with you, just remember to allow enough time in case of delays and don’t leave your visa applications until the last minute.

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Saga offers two new taster Christmas Markets river cruises this winter

Author: [email protected]

Published on: 03 August 2015

Updated on: 13 November 2020

Saga Travel has added two new taster Christmas Markets river cruises this winter – perfect for travellers who have not tried a river cruise before. The Best of the Festive Markets river cruise begins with coach transport from Folkestone to Düsseldorf via Eurotunnel on 13 December. After embarking Regina Rheni II, which is reserved exclusively

Saga Travel has added two new taster Christmas Markets river cruises this winter – perfect for travellers who have not tried a river cruise before.

The Best of the Festive Markets river cruise begins with coach transport from Folkestone to Düsseldorf via Eurotunnel on 13 December. After embarking Regina Rheni II , which is reserved exclusively for Saga passengers, guests can get into the festive spirit at an evening cocktail party. The following day is spent in Düsseldorf where passengers can explore the Marktplatz to see craftsmen demonstrate their skills in glass-blowing and wood carving; the Little Angel Market which takes its inspiration from the art nouveau music pavilion; Flinger Straße where the stalls resemble the city’s old town houses; Little Star Market in the Wilhelm-Marx-Haus courtyard; and Schadowplatz, home to a Scandinavian-style village.

The following day can be spent exploring the seven Christmas markets in Cologne (Köln). Follow the aromas of cinnamon cookies, baked apples, roast chestnuts and spiced mulled wine to the market by Cologne Cathedral. Discover St Nick’s Village market on Rudolfplatz and the twinkling lights of the Angel Market on Neumarkt; the Harbour Christmas Market with its maritime atmosphere; and the nearby Chocolate Museum which has a riverside café and shop crammed with sweet treats.

This three-night river cruise is priced from £299 per person with single cabins at no extra cost (subject to availability). This price includes accommodation on Regina Rheni II , breakfast each morning, return transport from Folkestone via Eurotunnel (or Eurostar at an extra cost), a welcome cocktail party, all on-board gratuities, porterage and optional travel insurance.

The second river cruise added later this year is the Rhineland Festive Markets cruise which takes in Cologne, Bonn and Koblenz. This itinerary is also offered on the 154-passenger Regina Rheni II . It too includes return coach travel from Folkestone to Germany departing on 16 December. Guests will enjoy a full day’s shopping in Cologne before sailing long the Rhine to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. In Bonn, guests can marvel at the twinkling lights and decorated façades of the buildings on Münsterplatz where the Christmas market comes alive with music and fairground rides. The town hall becomes a giant advent calendar with lit windows marking the days to Christmas. In Koblenz, guests can head to the romantic Old Town where, among the historic buildings, dozens of pretty wooden stalls display everything from handmade toys and tree decorations to roasted chestnuts and glühwein.

This four-night river cruise is priced from £499 per person with single cabins at no extra cost (subject to availability). This price includes full-board accommodation on Regina Rheni II with wine and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner, return transport from Folkestone via Eurotunnel (or Eurostar at an extra cost), a welcome cocktail party, all on-board gratuities, porterage and optional travel insurance.

Guests who prefer to getaway for the Christmas period altogether might instead prefer the epic 34-night ocean cruise to the Caribbean aboard the 700-passenger Saga Sapphire . The Christmas in the Caribbean cruise departs from Southampton on 7 December taking guests to Barbados, Trinidad, St Vincent, St Lucia, Guadeloupe, Antigua and Tortola before a festive day at sea on 25 December. Guests will spend Boxing Day in Grand Turk before cruising to the Bahamas and on to Bermuda to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Madeira and the Azores are also included in this cruise before it returns back to the UK on 10 January 2016.

The ship will be traditionally decorated and there will be live music from Colin Bryant and the Hot Rhythm Orchestra who will entertain guests with jazz and swing tunes from the ‘20s to ‘40s. Prices start from £4,886 per person based on two passengers sharing an Inside Guarantee cabin. This price includes a UK travel package to and from Southampton, all meals and entertainment on-board, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, a welcome cocktail party, unlimited tea and coffee in selected venues, free Wi-Fi internet, all on-board gratuities, porterage, and optional travel insurance.

(Photo credits to Saga Travel)

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Saga Cruises Reveals New Christmas Cruises

This year Saga Cruises is offering a 9-night Scandinavian Christmas Markets cruise that gets travellers home just in time for Christmas plus 2 sailings during Christmas and New Year – a 17-night Scandinavian cruise and 22-night sailing to the Mediterranean.

• Scandinavian Festive Markets on Saga Pearl II

9 nights from GBP 1,199pp departing Southampton on December 8, 2017

En route to Scandinavia, Saga guests can get in the Christmas mood during a call to Bruges to browse the festive market or join a chocolate maker’s workshop.

Scandinavia’s biggest winter-themed park, Liseberg Christmas village, near Gothenburg, awaits and guests can stroll under 5,000,000 sparkling lamps and drink warm Glögg. In Copenhagen, the magical Tivoli Gardens feature hundreds of Christmas trees and fir garlands, decorations and market stalls. Tempting treats include honey cake and mulled wine.

After transiting the Kiel Canal, guests visit Bremen market with 160 traditional stalls in front of the City Hall where the air is filled with aromas of roasted almonds, gingerbread and Glühwein.

• Christmas in the Mediterranean on Saga Pearl II

22 nights from GBP 4183 pp departing Southampton on December 17, 2017

Sailing into Valletta Malta is always a magical sight but it can get no better than arriving on New Year’s Eve for the port’s dazzling fireworks display. This Mediterranean cruise around the Iberian Peninsula and Italy also includes calls to La Coruna, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal, Cartagena, Spain; Ajaccio, Corsica; Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy and Gibraltar. After spending Christmas Eve in historic Cadiz, Saga guests can rejoice in Christmas Day festivities aboard Saga Pearl II.

• A Scandinavian Christmas on Saga Sapphire

17 nights from GBP 3,460pp departing Southampton on December 21, 2017

Saga guests can enjoy Christmas Eve in Oslo and celebrate Christmas Day on Saga Sapphire during this unique cruise. The New Year is in Stockholm, featuring a fireworks show during an overnight stay. On board, there’s music and comedy from Steve Galler and performances by the Timeless trio who cover high-octane songs and dance.

Price includes UK travel package to and from Southampton, all meals and entertainment, choice of table wines at lunch and dinner, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, unlimited tea and coffee in selected venues, free Wi-Fi internet, all on-board gratuities, porterage, free shuttle bus to nearest town centre (whenever possible and when the ship is berthed more than 500 yards away), optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

Christmas Cruises 2024

Christmas cruises: the perfect blend of travel, tradition and holiday shopping, set sail on our christmas cruises.

Traveling on the beautiful  MSC Preziosa , your holiday season will be filled with the wonder and charm of Europe’s Christmas Markets.

Cruise through the winter landscapes of Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, exploring the unique cultural expressions of Christmas from the heart of the cities of Hamburg, Rotterdam, Bruges, and Le Havre.

All bookings include Premium Extra Drinks!

Christmas Markets

From just £674pp for 7 nights, includes premium drinks, your itinerary, southampton, england.

Begin your magical holiday voyage from the historic port of Southampton, England, a bustling city with deep roots in maritime history. As you cast off from the iconic Port of Southampton, you’ll feel the first flutter of excitement, knowing you are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the heart of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets.

After departing Southampton, your adventure begins with a day at sea, providing you with the perfect opportunity to relax and familiarise yourself with the ship’s amenities. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you enjoy the myriad of entertainment offerings, dine on exquisite cuisine, or sit back with a cup of hot cocoa and gaze upon the vast, tranquil ocean.

Hamburg, Germany

Step into a festive wonderland in Hamburg, where the air is filled with the aroma of roasted nuts, spiced wine, and fresh gingerbread. Stroll around the Rathausmarkt, lit up in a holiday glow, with over a hundred decorated stalls offering a captivating blend of handmade crafts, decorations, and delicious traditional treats. Listen to the cheerful carols filling the air and partake in the age-old tradition of warming up with a cup of Glühwein.

As we set sail from Hamburg, another day at sea awaits, offering a chance to reflect on the memories made in Germany and anticipate the wonders still to come. Engage in festive onboard activities, enjoy entertainment tailored for the holiday season, and relish the gourmet offerings of the top-tier dining experiences.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Next, we arrive in Rotterdam, where Dutch Christmas cheer is displayed in an array of twinkling lights, savory oliebollen, and sizzling street foods. Explore the city’s Christmas market, featuring beautifully adorned stalls. From unique Dutch crafts to the rich flavours of Gouda and Stroopwafels, Rotterdam offers a festive shopping experience unlike any other.

Bruges, Belgium

Then we venture to Bruges, Belgium, a medieval city that transforms into a fairy-tale Christmas village. From the enchanting glow of the Markt square to the delightful taste of Belgian chocolates and locally brewed beer, Bruges offers a heartwarming and unforgettable festive experience.

Le Havre, France

Our final destination is Le Havre, France, where the charm of French Christmas traditions is on full display. Wander the Christmas market with the city’s stunning architecture as your backdrop, savor mulled cider and local delicacies, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

As the sun sets on our last day in France, we set sail on a twilight voyage back to Southampton. As the coastline recedes and the ship moves gracefully through the calm waters, you’ll have a chance to reflect on your magical journey and share memories with newfound friends.

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Christmas breaks and holidays

Make Christmas extra special this year and enjoy a festive holiday. We know that everyone has a different idea of what makes the perfect Christmas; that’s why we offer a choice of holiday styles.

Take a Christmas holiday with us and you can enjoy exceptional value for money, as we include so much in the price - plus we have many sole occupancy rooms at no extra cost.

So why not treat yourself this Christmas?

HOTEL HOLIDAYS

Christmas in the Italian Dolomites

From £ 1,145 per person

GROUP TOURS

Breathtaking Iceland - Seeking the Northern Lights

From £ 1,915 per person

Captivating Norway

From £ 2,435 per person

Japanese Winter Wonderland

From £ 5,365 per person

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure

From £ 5,980 per person

We offer December departures across our whole range of holidays, which means you could spend Christmas in some really magical places around the world.

Our European Christmas stays include:

Special dinners on Christmas Eve

Traditional English or regional Christmas Day lunch

A welcome drink

Meals as described

Optional travel insurance underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited and additional cancellation rights on overseas holidays for over 50s, or a price reduction if not required (cover is subject to medical questions)

Return economy flights, airport taxes, fees and charges as specified

Transfer between overseas airport and accommodation, where applicable

Porterage of luggage at your hotel

Accommodation as described

Excursions, entertainment and activities where specified.

With the widest choice of holidays and travel experiences than ever before, you can now personalise your trip so you are in complete control. All this is backed up by the high-standards and service you’d expect from Saga.

70 years’ experience

Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.

Peace of mind

You’re in safe hands with Saga. We’re an ABTA member and your holiday is ATOL protected.

Great value

We’re constantly monitoring prices and negotiating the best deals with our travel partners.

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Christmas gift guide to Moscow surroundings

Visitors from America and Western Europe might be surprised to discover that Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7th. That’s because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar. After the end of the Soviet Union, some Russians have begun celebrating Christmas on December 25 in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. But many Russians still observe the tradition of fasting on January 6th, breaking the fast with a large feast on Christmas Eve after the first star has appeared in the sky.

During the Soviet era, Christmas and religious traditions were banned in Russia. Santa Claus was replaced by Ded Moroz, or, Grandfather Frost, an old man with a long white beard who would bring gifts to children on New Year’s instead of Christmas. According to Russian tradition, Ded Moroz is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, the Snowmaiden, who helps him on his journey to give presents to children.

Although the tradition of having a Christmas tree, known as a yolka in Russian, was also banned during Soviet times, Russians got around this by having New Year’s trees from which they hung homemade decorations. Today, the restrictions of the Soviet Union have faded into history, and during the Christmas season visitors to Russia can even purchase Christmas ornaments in the shape of matryoshka dolls, or religious icons that depict nativity scenes.

Heading counterclockwise around the Golden Ring this holiday season, northeast of Moscow, your first stop will most likely be the city of Vladimir, home to some of Russia’s most striking churches and cathedrals. The Vladimir region is known for its fine crystal. Stop by the Crystal, Lacquer Miniatures, and Embroidery Museum ( 2 Bolshaya Moskovskaya ) for an overview of traditional crafts before visiting the gift shop in the museum to browse the crystal selection. Vladimir Chic ( 2 Dvoryanskaya ) also sells local glass and crystal work.

Typical souvenirs are also for sale in Vladimir’s old town, especially by the Golden Gate, a triumphal arch and defensive tower that is one of the last-remaining parts of the wall that once surrounded ancient Vladimir and a sure stop on any tour of the Golden Ring.

Just 63 kilometers from Vladimir lays the nearby city of Gus-Khrustalny , the ‘Crystal Goose,’ also home to a rich glass and crystal making tradition. You can visit the glassmaking factory in Gus-Khrustalny and buy gifts ranging from plates and vases to decanters, or visit the outlet store back in Moscow ( 4 Ilyinka ) just east of the Kremlin.

North of Vladimir, you’ll arrive in Suzdal, one of the Golden Ring route’s more tranquil towns. Suzdal boasts a number of small bazaars and stands outside the main tourist sites where visitors can purchase local honey mead, called medovukha, along with traditional crafts, like a pair valenki, or Russian woolen boots, which make an ideal Christmas gift for friends and family back home. The shopping stands outside Suzdal’s Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life ( Ul. Pushkarskaya ) are also highly recommended. Market Square ( Torgovaya Pl ) houses a number of shops where visitors can search for arts and crafts.

Following the Golden Ring north of Suzdal, many tours will stop in the city of Kostroma, a former trading outpost on the immense Volga River. One of the city’s highlights is the Museum of Linen and Birchbark ( 38 Tereshkova ), where visitors can view exhibits on traditional Russian crafts woven from flax and bark. A gift shop in the basement sells tablecloths, napkins, baskets, linen dolls, and traditional clothing typical of the region.

South from Kostroma, stop in the city of Rostov-Veliky for enamel jewelry, a craft which allows artists to produce small paintings on metal that are then fired to produce a thin glaze over the image. Rostov became famous for its tradition of enamel work. Today, visitors can purchase rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and jewelry boxes in the gift shop of the Rostov Enamel factory ( 3 Borisoglebskoye Highway ).

While you’re in Rostov, visit the House of Crafts ( 16 Vtoraya Tolstovskaya Naberezhnaya ) for local pottery and the Souvenirs shop ( 5 Ul. Kamennyi Most ) for ushanka hats—Russian fur caps with earflaps—paintings, and samovars for tea lovers.

The last two stops on a tour of the Golden Ring are the cities of Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and Sergiev Posad. Pereslavl is most famous for its embroidery work, available at the Art Salon ( 12 Ul. Sovetskaya ) along with souvenirs made of wood and stone. Nearby Sergiev Posad is considered the place where Russia’s matryoshka dolls were first invented, and was the chief production center of the dolls before Soviet times. Visit the city’s Toy Museum ( 123 Pr. Krasny Armii ) to get a better sense of the birthplace of one of Russia’s most recognizable toys, then head over to the market alongside the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius—one of the city’s most important sites—to load up on matryoshka dolls, painted eggs, and icons before going home.

If you’ll be in the Golden Ring during New Years, the city of Vladimir hosts an impressive Christmas fair, with an iceskating rink and performances by local artists, in the main square ( Sobornaya Pl ). In most other Golden Ring cities you’ll find similar events in the center square as Christmas nears.

Most shops and markets in the Golden Ring are open year round. If you’re coming to Russia for a short period of time, whether in winter or summer, consider a trip to this stunning part of the country, and bring an extra bag if you plan to go shopping for Christmas gifts.

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15 men brought to military enlistment office after mass brawl in Moscow Oblast

Local security forces brought 15 men to a military enlistment office after a mass brawl at a warehouse of the Russian Wildberries company in Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast on Feb. 8, Russian Telegram channel Shot reported .

29 people were also taken to police stations. Among the arrested were citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

A mass brawl involving over 100 employees and security personnel broke out at the Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal on Dec. 8.

Read also: Moscow recruits ‘construction brigades’ from Russian students, Ukraine says

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron !

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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