Experience the quintessential European Christmas on a river cruise through Europe during the festive season. Explore bustling markets, marvel at twinkling decorations, embrace the warmth of tradition and with a touch of luck, the season’s first snowflake might settle gently on your nose.

Pass through Europe’s most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty and explore Central European cities. Take part in European holiday traditions and experience the region’s renowned Christmas markets. Breathe in the scents of traditional fare and admire the handiwork of local artisans-perfect for bringing home to your family and friends.

Cruise the length of Europe’s most famous river, soaking in the history, music and stunning scenery of this magical part of the continent. Extend your journey with a stay in Prague.

Each country in Central Europe is as distinctive as it is diverse. A region steeped in fascinating history, storybook landscapes and a myriad of cultures. Spend more time in the iconic cities and towns that have been shaped by staggering histories.

The Christmas markets along the Danube are an incredible sight. Festive market stalls twinkle with fairy lights, and are piled high with gingerbread and handblown Christmas glass ornaments. Nuremberg and Prague allow you to be truly immersed in the rich European Christmas market traditions.

Experience the best Europe has to offer. Travel from London to Europe on the high-speed Eurostar train. Cruise along the quaint canals in Amsterdam, and travel from Austria, across the Dolomites into Italy. Join a local home dinner in Rome where your host serves up delicious regional dishes. Enjoy fast-track access to the Vatican museums and view Michaelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Then voyage through the Chianti Hills of Florence and the cobbled streets of lakeside Lucerne with a final stop in the city of lights, Paris.

Each country in Central Europe is as distinctive as it is diverse. A region steeped in fascinating history, storybook landscapes and a myriad of cultures. Spend more time in the iconic cities and towns that have been shaped by staggering histories on the most immersive cruise along this stretch of river.

8 Days, featuring: Oltenita, Romania (Disembarkation)

Take your taste buds on a tour of the Czech Republic, discover the food markets of Prague, explore the Kraków Christmas Market in the city’s Old Town district, and indulge in Berlin. Setting out from Kraków, get a sense of Poland’s old-world charm with your Local Expert as you ascend Wawel Hill to the Renaissance castle and cathedral-the final resting place of the Kings of Poland. Known as the Venice of Poland, Wroclaw is a wonder to behold with its 150 bridges spanning five rivers and twelve islands, not to mention the Baroque grandeur of the Rynek Christmas markets. In the German capital, see what remains of the Berlin Wall, admire the painstakingly restored Reichstag and soak up the fe...

Soak up soothing steam at a Budapest thermal bath. Learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest. Admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty. Explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau. Witness daily monastic life on an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. This eight-day itinerary reveals the best of these places while cruising leisurely through spectacular scenery.

Europe is a magical place during the festive season. Discover centuries-old holiday traditions and revel in the beauty of the European winter.

8 Days, featuring: Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)

9 Days, featuring: Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)