FIND OUR SPECIAL OFFERS BY ID NUMBER! >
Premier River Cruises. America's best travel agency for river cruise vacations!
HOURS — Mon.–Fri. 6:00 am–5:00 pm PT | Sat. & Sun. Closed

Bookmark and Share

HOLIDAY & CHRISTMAS MARKETS RIVER CRUISES
See a side of Europe that you’ve always dreamed about. For way LESS money.



 

Wondering what to do for the period after Thanksgiving or for the holidays this year?
If you are like many of us, over 55, you're probably asking: “Hummm. What can we do THIS year for the holidays that’s different, fun and affordable?” At Premier, we know that a fun-packed Holiday Markets river cruise along the Rhine or Danube, or even the Seine River is the perfect answer to that question. Here's why...

A few years ago, my wife Elizabeth and I enjoyed a delightful Holiday Markets river cruise on the Danube River from Passau to Budapest with post-cruise stays in glorious Budapest (we enjoyed an unexpected snowfall), and Prague, my wife's new, favorite walking city. I know, your first reaction is probably: "No way, no how, it's cold there, and don't they actually close attractions for the winter?"

If you uttered those words, you could not be more wrong. Before continuing to read this article, why don't you CLICK the "present" graphic to the right, and take a quick read of EJ's Holiday Markets story to get her thoughts on our remarkable trip!

Don't let weather preconceptions about Europe stop you from cruising.
For those of us in the States reading this, let me remind you of the winter of 2014, and the almost continuous snow fall on the east coast and in the midwest. Contrast this to the mild weather by comparison in Europe where on Christmas day, it was 48° in Prague and 51° in Budapest. Please, please, don't let the perception of "it's cold in Europe" become your reality. The fact is that for most years, it is warmer along the Danube and Rhine than in New York, Boston, or the midwest.

Click HERE to continue reading article below.

Book Early for BEST PRICES.
Cruise fares shown are the lowest available nationwide non-past-passenger fare. Other fares, which may be lower and/or include restrictions, may be available. For best available price or balcony prices, call or use the "Request Information" button at the bottom of every Itinerary page you view when clicking on search results. Please view the full offer for complete details.


We know you're eager to start planning your river or small ship cruise vacation!
To help you get started, call and speak to a cruise expert at 855.255.1200, toll free, or submit a 'Get A Quick Quote' for a
Holiday Markets river cruise — we'll contact you right away to help you select a great itinerary and plan a perfect cruise vacation.
QuikQuote

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY RIVER & SMALL SHIP CRUISES IN THESE REGIONS
North AmericaCaribbean and Coastal Central AmericaAll EuropeW. EuropeE. Europe
Russia & UkraineSoutheast Asia including Myanmar (Burma)ChinaEgyptIndia

Back to Top

 

 

The reality of late Fall and Winter weather is: sure, it’s cool or on rare days even cold, but it’s really more like New York than the Arctic Circle. Mid-November daytime temps hover in the low to mid-50s, evenings move into the mid-40s. December temps move down a bit more, but most days are sunny and very pleasant with temperatures in the low 50s.

So, yes, it’s bit cooler than we’re accustomed to in Los Angeles, but if you take layerable clothing, a warm coat and good walking shoes, etc., you’re set to enjoy one of the most fun, memorable winter Yuletide vacations you’ll ever have. That's also why we have a special Fall/Winter version of our invaluable COMPASSPOINT™ Guide which provides our customers with details on exactly what to pack and hints for cool weather travel. The guide also includes some of the really cool places we discovered to shop, sightsee and have a great local meal on these itineraries. As you continue reading this article, I think you'll get a clearer understanding of how wonderful and exciting a Holiday Markets or Christmas Time river cruise can be. Our CompassPoints guides are a must have, and they're free to our customers!

Off-season river cruises give the BEST value for your travel dollars.
Okay, now let’s talk about the economics of a Holiday or Christmas Markets Europe river cruise. Between November and January you’ll find the absolute lowest airfares, the absolute lowest hotel rates, the absolute lowest river cruise rates and, it’s about the only time you can use your airline miles to travel, assuming you don’t wait till the last minute to book. Next, let's address the last part of your comment above: "...don't they actually close attractions for the winter?" So, you're thinking: it’s the least expensive time to go, so that must mean the river cruise experience is not as nice as it would be on a summer cruise. Again, how wrong you are!

If you enjoy traveling off season, this will be one of your favorite trips of all time.
It will be a trip to remember as the historic and medieval city squares along the Danube and Rhine rivers are magically transformed into extraordinary Holiday Markets adorned with lights, singing carolers, bustling joyful crowds, and lots of fun and great food to enjoy, including delightful pastries and homemade sausages. The holiday markets date way back to the Middle Ages and when you visit these festive events, you'll gain an insight into the origination of the holiday customs and traditions we carry on today. You just won't believe how much fun it is exploring all of the markets along with the normal sightseeing that comes with a Holiday Markets river cruise.

 

Back to Top

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Unless otherwise noted, prices and offers are in USD, cruise only per person, based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, taxes or fees. The displayed prices are based on minimum category riverview window stateroom and applicable only to the sailing date(s) shown. Prices for other dates may vary based on the date and stateroom selected. Other than “Hot Deal” offers, price does not reflect any cruise line or Premier savings. Where Premier includes “prepaid tips” in an offer, it applies only to the cruise portion of the trip and not any land portion or shore excursions. To obtain the best price, please use the "Get Quote" button or call one of our river cruise and small ship cruise specialists. Certain discounts or prices may require full payment at the time of booking in order to be eligible. We urge you to book early as river and small ship cruises sell out almost a year in advance. Prices and availability may change without notice and are not guaranteed until a deposit is received and applied to your reservation. Call 1-855-255-1200, for complete details. We reserve the right to correct any informational or typographical errors. ©2010-2023 Premier River Cruises, LLC, a Travel of America Company. All rights reserved worldwide. CST #1015320-40.




You will always get the 'Inside Scoop' on all things cruising when you sign-up to get our great HOT DEALS, email Newsletters, Exclusive Offers, & More!