There are times where life comes full circle. When the intricate links of our every day become a beautiful pattern. I know that sounds a little “out there”, but that is how I feel right now. In 2016 I found something so beautiful and inspiring that I started my company because I had to have it and I couldn’t get it without buying a large commercial shipment. Yes, it was the “Stars in the Sky Christmas Tree”. This tree came from a source in the Netherlands that creates pieces for the European market. I love the difference that makes in their approach. They create such beautiful things that what started with a Christmas tree is now a partnership that includes 2 trips to the Netherlands every year and allows us to start working on our Christmas collections for you, over a year ahead of time. Katie and I love it and one of the bonuses is that we get to visit the Christmas Markets across the border in Germany when we go. These markets are so warm and quaint and wonderful that it is something we fit in every chance we get. We have always said it is something we wish we could share with you…and now we can.
We’re going on a Christmas Markets Cruise in 2023, and you’re invited! For our last Christmas Markets Cruise, we sold out the entire ship in 1 week, so if you’re interested, don’t wait!
Dates: December 3 – 10, 2023
The Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation in Budapest
Day 2: Budapest
Day 3: Vienna, Austria
Day 4: Melk
Day 5: Passau, Germany
Day 6: Regensburg
Day 7: Nuremberg
Day 8: Disembarkation in Nuremberg
Day 1
Board the ship in Budapest for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise!
Day 2
Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler.
Day 3
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. Or cap the day off with “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Town Hall (Rathaus), Vienna’s largest Christmas Market.
Day 4
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. During the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley.
Day 5
Join a walking tour of 2,000-year-old city Passau, Germany, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. 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.
Day 6
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. (
Day 7
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. 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. Alternatively, you can taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour, which introduces you to bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets.
Day 8
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your flight home.
The Christmas Markets
We will be visiting a number of Christmas markets! Here are some photos to get you in the holiday spirit!
The Ship
We will be cruising on the AmaLea!
“Designed with vibrant pops of color that call to mind the autumn harvest in European vineyards, and appointed with our 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.”
Amenities
- 7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
- Small group guided shore excursions with a variety of choices, including exclusive Special Interest, hiking and biking tours
- Professionally trained Wellness Host leading engaging wellness activities
- Live local entertainment
- Unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Panoramic Lounge with bar, piano and dance floor
- Walking track, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room and bicycles for in-port exploration
- Hair salon and massage services
Dining
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant with tasting menu
- Unlimited hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch/dinner
- Breakfast and lunch buffets featuring regional cuisine; multi-course dinners made with fresh local ingredients
- Hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with meals—plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- All-day tapas menu and afternoon tea; 24-hour coffee station
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Stateroom Accommodations
See a ship layout HERE!
- All outside accommodations, most with revolutionary twin balconies
- Marble bathrooms, multi-jet showers, soothing bath products, cotton bathrobes, slippers and hair dryer
- Spacious suites (350 sq. ft.) with substantial sitting area, mini fridge, bathtub, separate shower, double sinks, and beds facing the river
- Generous closet and storage space with in-room safe
- Entertainment-On-Demand with high-speed Internet, movies, music and English-language TV
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Connecting staterooms and triple and quad occupancy available in select staterooms
Double Occupancy Rates
Fill out THIS FORM for double occupancy registration!
SS Suite: SOLD OUT
AA French and Outside Balcony: SOLD OUT
AB French and Double Balcony: SOLD OUT
BA French and Double Balcony: SOLD OUT
BB French and Double Balcony: SOLD OUT
CA French Balcony: $4,560.00 pp (double occupancy)
CB French Balcony: SOLD OUT
D Fixed Window: SOLD OUT
E Fixed Window: SOLD OUT
Solo Occupancy Rates
Fill out THIS FORM for single occupancy registration!
SS Suite: SOLD OUT
AA French and Outside Balcony: SOLD OUT
AB French and Double Balcony: SOLD OUT
BA French and Double Balcony: SOLD OUT
BB French and Double Balcony: SOLD OUT
CA French Balcony: $7,107.00 solo occupancy
CB French Balcony: SOLD OUT
D Fixed Window SOLD OUT
E Fixed Window SOLD OUT
If you submit a registration form (either double occupancy or solo occupancy), please also submit the following forms:
If you have any questions, or need assistance, please reach out to Rick at rcarlson@cruiseplanners.com. He is absolutely wonderful and is here to help you every step of the way!
I know this is a lot of information, so here is a PRINTABLE FLYER !
It’s going to be full of beautiful European towns, gorgeous views, fabulous food and of course, Christmas Markets! It is so nice to be able to have something to look forward to right now and this cruise is DEFINITELY something to look forward to! See you on the Danube!!!
