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Iconic Christmas Market River Cruise!

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Hello Creatives! I have a very special European Christmas Market River Cruise planned for 2026!!!

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join me and fellow creatives on a truly special Christmas Market River Cruise in Europe! I am so excited to share all the details!!! Let’s think about Christmas in July! hehe Yes… it’s all about the twinkle!!

There might even be a Christmas tree decorating contest… just saying, get your jingle on! There will be a lot of merriment and Christmas cheer all around!!

Michelle over at Quilting Adventures Pro is a professional travel agent and will be organizing everything for our group from start to finish! She even offers payment plans for you to spread out over several months, pay only $400 to hold your spot. Don’t delay, spots are limited!


Overview

Embark on a journey through time as you stroll along cobblestone streets in grand cities and historic towns, adorned with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts brimming with handcrafted treasures. Delight in the iconic Christmas Markets, each offering its unique charm and history.

Traditional German cookies in a Christmas market.

Experience Nurembergโ€™s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas Market in Germany and one of the most famous in the world; explore Regensburgโ€™s Artisan Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, renowned as one of Bavariaโ€™s most beautiful and romantic; wander through Viennaโ€™s impressive Christmas Markets that seem to appear magically around every corner; and visit Budapest, where the market’s offerings are traditionally handmade. Indulge your senses with sparkling lights, the festive sounds of singing carols, and the enticing aromas of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages, and sweet treats of every kind.

Christmas market in the Old Town of Regensburg, Germany

ALL INCLUSIVE

CRUISE, DINING, EXCURSIONS & LUXURY AMENITIES & MORE INCLUDED!

PAYMENT PLANS OFFERED!


SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

Bottled water replenished daily

7 nights luxury accommodation

Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations

Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Daily entertainment including cultural performances

Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques.

Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages

Internet and Wi-Fi access

Sun Deck

Fitness room, massage services and hair salon

Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar

AWARD-WINNING DINING

Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

All onboard dining in a variety of venues

Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients

The Chefโ€™s Table specialty restaurant

Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaรฎne des Rรดtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner

La Chaรฎne des Rรดtisseurs exclusive dining experience

Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast

Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours to choose from in every destination

  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special interest tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration

ITINERARY


Day 1, Budapest, Hungary

  • Embarkation December 7, 2026
  • Board the ship for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise.

Day 2, Budapest, Hungary

SAMPLE TOUR OPTIONS:

  • “Queen of the Danube” tour and Christmas Market
  • OR Castle hike

December 8, 2026, BUDAPEST. Budapest is one of Europeโ€™s most regal and storied citiesโ€”and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Your tour through this sprawling World Heritage city offers splendid views from historic Buda Castle of the twin cities on both banks of the river. Youโ€™ll also visit Fishermanโ€™s Bastion and see the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephenโ€™s Basilica, Heroesโ€™ Square and much more. Later, explore the cityโ€™s popular Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill along Fishermenโ€™s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration.

Day 3, Vienna, Austria

SAMPLE TOUR OPTIONS:

  • Imperial Vienna’ tour with Christmas Markets
  • OR Vienna City tour by bike
  • Or Schรถnbrunn Christmas Markets

December 9, 2026, VIENNA. The โ€œCity of Waltzesโ€ 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 along with an opportunity to visit the cityโ€™s Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. In the afternoon, visit Schรถnbrunn Palace Christmas Market and its spectacular festive atmosphere.

Day 4 Melk, Austria

SAMPLE TOUR OPTIONS:

  • Melk Abbey visit
  • Danube bike tour
  • Rathaus Christmas market by night

December 10, 2026, MELK ยญ VIENNA. High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europeโ€™s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent and storied 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.

Day 5 Passau, Germany

SAMPLE TOUR OPTIONS:

  • Salzburg excursion with Christmas markets
  • OR “City of Three Rivers” walking tour and Christmas markets
  • OR River Inn bike tour

December 11, 2026, PASSAU. Join a walking tour of this 2,000ยญyearยญold city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephenโ€™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 fullยญ-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO ยญdesignated 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, Germany

SAMPLE TOUR OPTIONS:

  • UNESCO City tour and Christmas Market
  • OR Tastes of Bavaria
  • OR Walhalla bike tour
  • Or Thurn & Taxis Christmas markets

December 12, 2026, REGENSBURG. Regensburg is one of Germanyโ€™s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the cityโ€™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 Bavariaโ€™s specialtiesโ€”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. For those in a festive mood, head to one of Bavariaโ€™s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts.

Day 7 Nuremberg, Germany

SAMPLE TOUR OPTIONS:

  • Nuremberg Christmas Market visit
  • OR City Tour & Christmas Markets
  • OR โ€œTastes of Franconiaโ€


December 13, 2026, NUREMBERG. Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nurembergโ€™s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900ยญyearยญold city ramparts, followed by a visit to Nurembergโ€™s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the worldโ€™s largest and most famous Christmas Markets. You can also choose to spend the entire morning exploring this iconic Christmas Market. For those looking for a taste of Nuremberg, depart for Nuremberg Imperial Castle and visit City Brewery where you will delight your palate with savory Nuremberg sausage and beer. Then continue to Sebalder Kirche (church) where you will nibble on sweet and spicy lebkuchen, a baked treat similar to gingerbread. End the day crossing the Continental Divide via the Mainยญ Danube Canal.

Day 8 Nuremburg, Germany

  • Disembarkation December 14, 2026
  • Disembark the ship in Germany and bid farewell to the city before preparing for your return flight home.

PROJECT


Wool Appliquรฉ

I absolutely adore wool appliquรฉ, and when you add a touch of Christmas, itโ€™s even more delightful! During this enchanting quilting river cruise, you’ll receive a special stitch kit to create charming, small holiday-themed wool project. This project is perfect for stitching on the go or when you need a quick creative fix. This piece will serve as a lovely reminder of the magical European Christmas markets weโ€™ll visit on this holiday adventure!



Thanks for considering this Iconic Christmas Market River Cruise!!!

I hope to see you there in 2026!!

XO ~ Sherri


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