This 8-day Cruise Takes You to A few of Europe’s Most Festive Christmas Markets—and You Can Purchase Tickets Now

Whereas the vacations may appear distant, it’s by no means too early to plan a yuletide escape—sure, even earlier than the beginning of summer time. This vacation season, Abercrombie & Kent invitations vacationers on an opulent journey by the guts of Europe with its “Christmas Markets on the Rhine” cruise.

For eight festive days, passengers sail alongside the scenic Rhine River, stopping in storybook cities aglow with twinkling lights and the vacation spirit. From charming market stalls to historic squares decked with seasonal splendor, this itinerary provides a handy strategy to expertise Europe’s most beloved Christmas traditions.

Starting in Strasbourg, France, often known as the “Capital of Christmas,” visitors can wander by one in all Europe’s oldest and hottest Christmas markets, set towards a backdrop of timber-framed homes. A spotlight of Strasbourg is a go to to the Cave des Hospices, the town’s oldest wine cellar, the place visitors can pattern native vintages and be taught in regards to the area’s winemaking heritage.

From Strasbourg, the cruise makes its strategy to Freiburg in Germany’s legendary Black Forest. Right here, market stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, conventional nutcrackers, and the irresistible aromas of bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and steaming cups of spiced glühwein (mulled wine). The route additionally winds by a number of quaint villages within the Alsace wine area.

In Heidelberg, Germany, visitors are transported to a fairytale vacation setting, nestled beneath the romantic ruins of the city’s historic fortress. Notable actions embrace an unique cocktail reception and a gourmand chef’s desk dinner, with loads of time to go to the festive vacation markets that line the town’s cobbled streets.

In Rüdesheim, vacationers can discover the famed Drosselgasse, a picturesque avenue lined with charming outlets, and take a guided strolling tour of the medieval city of Koblenz. Within the night, the Captain’s Gala dinner supplies a celebratory occasion on board with tremendous delicacies and Rhine River views.

Subsequent, the itinerary results in Bonn, the previous capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. A go to to the Beethoven-Haus Museum provides a glimpse into the life and legacy of the legendary composer.

The cruise concludes in Cologne, dwelling to one in all Germany’s most awe-inspiring cathedrals and a few of its most beloved Christmas markets. After exploring the Cologne Cathedral, visitors can meander by festive stalls and check out lebkuchen—the spiced gingerbread vacation favourite.

This thrilling eight-day journey, ranging from $7,995 per individual, runs from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8 and features a one-night resort keep earlier than and after the cruise. Visitors will sail aboard the luxurious and fashionable Amadeus Star, having fun with hotel-style comforts, gourmand delicacies, and personal small-group excursions led by an skilled resident tour director.

For extra data, go to abercrombiekent.com.