Give yourself the ultimate Christmas gift of time away with loved ones, courtesy of upmarket river cruise specialist Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours (www.scenic.co.uk, 0808 301 8277)
With a host of Christmas market sailings and tours now available, guests can ride the Yuletide into classic European cities and soak up the gluhwein-soaked spirit of the festive season, offering you a new way of exploring.
Favourites include the Rhine Christmas Markets sailing – an 8-day odyssey from Amsterdam to Basel. On the way you’ll have the chance to explore the famous canals of the Dutch capital before taking in the picturesque Cologne Cathedral markets with its giant decorated tree. In Koblenz, there’ll be a chance to grab some traditional gingerbread hearts, while Heidelberg boasts its fairy-tale castle and an old town packed with treats such as Germknödel – a spiced jam filled dumpling drizzled with a decadent vanilla sauce. For more festive fun, head to Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe.
Prices start from £2,170 per person departing 2 December 2020, including flights, transfers, gratuities, exceptional wining and dining experiences, a personal butler and a variety of shore excursions.
Alternatively, the 8-day Danube Christmas Markets itinerary cruises from Nuremberg to Budapest, taking in the festive markets of Thurn und Taxis Palace in Regensberg, best known for its lantern-lit nooks and crannies. For more tasty treats, guests can learn how to make their own gingerbread in Nuremberg, enjoy a tasting tour of a schnapps producer in Melk and explore the Viennese Christmas markets, which date all the way back to 1298.
Prices start from £2,195 per person departing 10 December 2020, including flights, transfers, gratuities, exceptional wining and dining experiences, a personal butler and a variety of shore excursions.
For a longer option, Scenic also offers a 15-day Christmas Markets sailing combining key ports of the two itineraries mentioned above on a Budapest to Amsterdam extravaganza. You’ll switch from the Danube to the Rhine via the main Danube Canal, which offers the chance to take in the UNESCO-listed Bavarian town of Bamberg, along with Rothenburg’s famed Reiterlesmarkt.
Prices start from £2,845 per person departing 20 November 2019, including flights, transfers, gratuities, exceptional wining and dining experiences, a personal butler and a variety of shore excursions.
Heading further afield, adventurous holidaymakers can experience Christmas early with a November tour taking in the highlights of the Canadian Rockies. Starting out in the snowy peaks of Banff, this 16-day trip takes in Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper, the picturesque fruit growing region of the Okanagan Valley – pick up some of its iconic Ice Wine – Vancouver and Victoria.
Prices start from £5,995 per person departing 26 November 2020, including flights, private door-to-door chauffeur transfers, gratuities, exceptional wining and dining experiences and all shore excursions.
For more information or to book, call 0808 301 6312, visit www.scenic.co.uk, or contact your local travel agent.