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Visit Europe’s Christmas Markets: Luxury River Cruises, Guided Group Tours & Custom Itineraries

Experience Europe’s Christmas Markets on a Floating Boutique Hotel

Celebrate the season by visiting Europe’s renowned holiday markets via Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, with the brand’s special Holiday Collection featuring eight enchanting itineraries throughout December. Guests can experience the magic of both world-famous markets and hidden treasures aboard Uniworld’s luxurious “floating boutique hotels” complete with stunning holiday decor.  Onboard, guests can enjoy beautifully adorned ships, specially crafted holiday cocktails, and a variety of festive programs. Newest to the lineup is the ‘Belgian Holiday Markets’ sailing, where guests aboard the River Empress visit some of Belgium’s lesser-known yet charming holiday markets, with additional stops in Germany and the Netherlands. Other popular itineraries include the ‘Classic Christmas Markets’ cruise along Germany’s Main River and the ‘Rhine Holiday Markets,’ which takes travelers through Switzerland, France, and Germany. With an intimate setting of around 120 guests per ship, a top-tier staff-to-guest ratio, and the ease of unpacking only once, Uniworld offers the ultimate way to explore Europe’s holiday markets in luxury and comfort.

A Magical Winter Getaway Across Germany’s Christmas Markets

Travelers can stuff their loved one’s stockings with unique handmade gifts from beautiful Germany on the 7-day German Christmas Markets itinerary with Contiki, the social tour company for 18-35-year-olds.  From the vibrant markets of Frankfurt to the historic charm of Nuremberg and Munich, travelers will stroll through streets glowing with twinkling lights, surrounded by colorful trees and artisanal treasures. Highlights include Cologne’s famous cathedral, Stuttgart’s traditional architecture, and one of Europe’s oldest markets, brimming with antiques and wooden toys. The trip also features a gingerbread-making class and a visit to the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle.

Christmas Markets Across Vienna, Ljubljana and Zagreb

Travelers can immerse themselves in winter wonderland magic across Croatia, Slovenia and Austria on the premium tour company, Insight Vacations’ 8-day Christmas Markets of Croatia Slovenia and Austria itinerary. Guests will begin their journey in Zagreb where they’ll explore the city’s festive Christmas Market, Zrinjevac Park and take a funicular to St. Marks’ Church and the Lotrščak Tower.  Venture to the famous Postojna caves in neighboring Slovenia to marvel at stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains. Then travelers will explore the medieval capital city of Ljubljana and the local Christmas markets to sample deliciously sweet treats and drinks. Travelers will visit Bratislava and stroll by a mosaic of buildings and festive markets, with a Bratislava Christmas market food tour to feast on traditional and festive foods. Guests will travel to Vienna for the end of their trip to tour the famous Ring Road and head into the heart of the city to explore various Christmas markets.

Discover Iconic Winter Wonderlands in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Guests can travel on a magical journey through the Christmas market capitals of the world with stops in Vienna, Munich, Zurich and more on the 8-day Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland itinerary from guided vacation company, Trafalgar. Guests will dive headfirst into the markets of Vienna alongside a Local Specialist where they’ll be in awe of the handmade toys, gifts, tasty treats and festive decorations throughout the city. In Munich,  travelers will savor local brews from a traditional Bavarian restaurant before shopping beside marvelous Christmas trees and dazzling lights at the holiday market. Guests will then be welcomed into Innsbruck, a storybook countryside village that will immerse travelers in a truly whimsical spirit, with views of mountains and traditional Bavarian architecture. Finally in Lucerne, guests will fall in love with the city’s old town feel. They’ll enjoy lunch with a local family before spending time exploring the wooden market stalls and a beautiful Christmas carousel with Glühwein to end off a magically festive vacation.

Enjoy Central Europe’s Hidden Christmas Markets

Experience the magic of Central Europe’s Christmas Markets on an 11-day holiday adventure with Unforgettable Travel, a leading private tour company. The itinerary is flexible and personalized to cater to guests’ interests. The journey begins in Munich, where travelers can explore the enchanting Christmas markets filled with unique, handmade items such as festive treats, jewelry, and carved wooden toys. They can also enjoy a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies. The trip continues to the stunning cities of Prague and Vienna, where a blend of Old World charm, modern luxuries, and hidden Christmas markets awaits. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Prague’s historic center on a 3-hour walking tour and then head to Vienna to visit grand castles, and magnificent palaces, and enjoy a Viennese concert. After each eventful day, travelers can relax in 4 to 5-star accommodations, including Hotel Sacher Wien, located inside Vienna’s historical center facing the Vienna State Opera House, and The Charles Hotel, a contemporary five-star property located at the edge of the Old Botanical Gardens on a quiet side street near Munich Central Station.