Dreamworthy Destinations
Christmas Market River Cruises
What is a
Christmas Market River Cruise?
Imagine feeling as if you have traveled back in time over 500 years, walking down cobblestone roads through beautifully decorated storybook villages. Viewing massive Christmas trees strung with thousands of lights, hundreds of Christmas Market stalls filled with hand-carved toys and ornaments of Christmases past, and local artisans crafting their unique gifts. Hearing the sounds of children singing carols and the banter of locals as they reunite in festivity. The enticing scent of sausage cooked over an open grill served with a stack of potato pancakes and applesauce, the spicy fragrance of gingerbread, or the intoxicating aroma of roasting chestnuts envelope you like a warm blanket. Cozy up to a steaming mug of hot cocoa or glühwein (warm spiced wine) and collect a different mug from each town you visit. Enjoy all of this in addition to the history and tours that you experience on a regular river cruise.
Experience town after town, without having to unpack and move from hotel to hotel. Travel onboard a luxurious small ship where you every need is anticipated. Experience delicious local delicacies along with local beer and wine. Participate in onboard holiday activities such as tree trimming, gingerbread house decorating, strudel-making and entertainment by local talent. Enjoy the beautiful view of rolling hills, quaint villages and snow-capped castles while cruising on the river.
Why Go on a
Christmas Market Cruise?
Discover an Old World Christmas and learn about the origins of our most cherished holiday traditions. Experiencing the magic of a Christmas Market River Cruise can move you into the holiday spirit as you enjoy the feast for all of you senses – delighting in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the local traditions encountered in Christmas Markets. The river cruise itinerary is complimented by the additional magical inclusions of the festive Christmas Markets. Enjoy a relaxing getaway while reconnecting with family and friends. Pick up one-of-a-kind gifts, handcrafted by local artisans, for family and friends.
Would you love to enjoy the magic of the holidays while shopping for unique treasures and gifts?
If these sound appealing to you, then the Christmas Market River Cruise would be
perfect for your next trip!
Where Do Christmas Market
River Cruises Travel?
Explore Christmas Markets from Prague, Czech Republic to Budapest, Hungary along Europe’s Danube River. Walk over the romantic Charles Bridge to Old Town Square where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock and Prague’s festive Christmas Market. Visit Nuremberg, Germany’s beautiful Christkindlesmarkt - the largest and oldest Christmas Market in Germany. In the City of Waltzes, be delighted by the magic of the giant sparkling Christmas tree at Schonbrunn Palace and the illuminated Rathaus – Vienna’s largest Christmas Market, as you view the city by night. In Salzburg, Germany, the birthplace of Mozart, the inner courtyard of Hellbrunn Palace is turned into a romantic backdrop of one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria. End with one of the most popular and least commercialized Christmas Markets located at Vorosmarty Square in the Budapest City Center. All products in this market are guaranteed as traditionally homemade.
Cruise along the Rhine from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands to experience spectacular Christmas Markets. In Amsterdam, go ice skating and visit the Christmas Market at Museumplein Ice Village in front of Rijksmuseum. In Cologne, Germany visit a traditional Christmas Market in front of the soaring gothic cathedral or visit one in front of the Chocolate Museum. Visit one of eleven Christmas Markets with more than 300 Christmas Market stalls in Strasbourg, France. Don’t forget to visit the magical Christmas tree at approximately 100 feet tall. Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Switzerland’s most beautiful and largest Christmas City, Basel.
Get into the holiday spirit quickly by exploring the glittering City of Lights, Paris, on the Seine River. Be transformed as the city comes alive with holiday lights and street performers.
Enjoy an enchanting holiday vacation on either of these journeys or experience a magical trip which combines several of these itineraries.
When to take a
Christmas Market River Cruise?
Most Christmas Market River Cruises sail from mid-November through December. Europe Christmas Markets are generally open from mid-November through Christmas Eve. Several are open an additional week, through New Year’s.
Italy
Who Should Go to Italy?
Italy is one of the greatest destinations in the world and is at the top of many travelers' bucket list. With an average of 60 million worldwide tourists yearly, there is a corner of Italy for travelers of every passion.
As the seat of the ancient Roman Empire and home of the Catholic Church, Italy’s cities are filled with art, architecture, history, and culture to devour.
Italian cuisine is celebrated the world over and Italy is a mecca for foodies, with specialties celebrated in each of the 20 regions. Wine connoisseurs can tour the local wineries and taste the exquisite wines.
Outdoor enthusiasts have many options from skiing in the Alps, bike rides in the Tuscan countryside, boating and water activities in the many lakes or surrounding seas, and activities on the beautiful beaches.
What is a Trip to Italy Like?
Showcasing an exceptional geographical location, this boot-shaped peninsular extends into the Mediterranean Sea, boasting a mild Mediterranean climate. From spectacularly beautiful country, snow-capped Alps, picturesque lakes, charming small towns, and gorgeous beaches set under windswept cliffs, the scenery is incredible. Explore the Tuscan countryside by bike or take a gondola ride along the picturesque canals of Venice.
Enjoy leisurely mouthwatering meals with family and friends, while time stands still. Toast to the beauty and hospitality of the country, at a local vineyard. Take a boat ride and enjoy the fascinating scenery of pastel villas built into cliffs above the crystal blue sea.
Italy’s ancient history and culture can be spotted everywhere, as the home of 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the iconic ruins of Rome, Pompei, and Herculaneum.
Why Go to Italy?
Amalfi Coast
Take a drive along the Amalfi Coast, which includes towns of Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento, and view the colorful villages resting above the Mediterranean Sea.
Capri
Swim in the Blue Grotto.
Cinque Terre
Take a walk through the 5 cities of Cinque Terre, viewing the seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline.
Florence
Capital and largest city of Tuscany. Climb to the top of the Duomo. View beautiful works of art at the Uffizi Gallery. Taste some of the best gelato in Italy. Take a day trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa, Italy.
Lake Como & Lake Garda
Crystal blue lakes about 1 hour from Milan.
Lake Como: gorgeous mountain views of the Dolomites and the Alps and beautiful waterfront areas.
Lake Garda: Largest of the lakes with dramatic alpine backdrop. Visit one of Italy’s largest theme parks – Gardaland.
Milan
Fashion capital with top-class shopping, including Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, and Prada. View Leonardo da Vinci’s the Last Supper at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Attend an opera at La Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Skiing in the Alps near Milan.
Pompeii
Tour the volcanic city.
Portofino
Picturesque fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline with celebrity and artistic visitors.
Rome
Visit the Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Square and view Michelangelo’s works in the Sistine Chapel. Take in the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
Sicily
Walk the gorgeous beaches on the Isle of Sicily
Tuscany
Take a Wine Tour, tasting traditional cheese, at the local wineries
Venice
Glide peacefully through the water on a gondola ride on the canals. View the wonderful architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica. Enjoy a drink at St. Mark’s Square.
When is the Best Time to
Travel to Italy?
In general, the best times to visit Italy are April to June or September to October, when the weather is comfortably warm. July and August can be hot and muggy, as well as very crowded as this is the peak tourist season. Many Italians go on holiday in August, closing many shops and restaurants.
Late October to April are the best months for ski resorts, when the weather in the Italian Alps has frequent snowfalls and perfect temperature conditions.
Africa
Who should go to Africa?
Wildlife Enthusiasts and Photographers
With over 1,100 different species of mammals in Africa and over 2,600 species of birds, it is easy to capture the most stunning view or photograph and be reminded of the magnificence and vulnerability of nature.
Water Lovers
Africa’s exotic playground offers water activities including surfing, kite boarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Enjoy whale watching, deep sea fishing or reef diving with an abundance of colorful marine life for divers and snorkelers. Those looking for real adventure can try shark cage diving.
Wellness Seekers
Unplug and slow down from life’s fast-paced rat race at a sanctuary in Africa. Opportunities abound for rest and relaxation, to reconnect with nature, and focus on self-care at luxurious properties that offer spa treatments, local garden-to-table dining, and wellness-focused experiences.
Transformational Tourists
Travelers today are looking to bring home life-changing experiences over material purchases. Meaningful connections to nature, people, and wildlife are encouraged with added activities that have a direct and positive impact on the community and environment.
Foodies
Learning about a culture through its culinary traditions is a hot trend in travel, and Africa is no exception. Whether experiencing the ancient tastes and traditions of the African safari bush foods and spices, that have been around for centuries, or dining at The Test Kitchen in Cape Town, one of the highest ranked restaurants in the world, a culinary treat awaits you. Continue the tasting at South Africa Winelands, home to more than 300 vineyards and one of the World's largest wine producers.
Family Travelers
Share an incredible lifetime journey of a wildlife experience with your children or grandchildren. Learn about Africa’s wildlife, culture, and conservation projects while on safari. Experience incredible water sports and view beautiful marine life in Africa’s surrounding bodies of water.
What is a trip to Africa like?
Imagine the sky is bursting with fiery colors as the sun begins to set and dusk approaches. There is a calmness in the air as even the wildlife seem to be relaxing, soaking up that last bit of warmth. The jeeps have been pulled together in the African brush, affording the best possible view of nature’s masterpiece. A bar has been set up, offering cocktails to toast the beauty of the day and the company of those that you spent it with. A gratitude is felt for the true natural beauty of what you have experienced so far, an excitement for the unknown that is still to come, and a reflection of what is important in life. This is an African Sundowner and may be one of the best experiences of your life. No words can truly describe the magic of it, for it must be experienced to truly understand.
This beautiful continent is a diverse mixture of magnificent landscapes, unbelievable wildlife that photographers and wildlife enthusiasts travel great distances to see, diverse cultures, and deep-rooted traditions. It is a reminder of the beauty of our world and touches your soul. And only a few short hours away, a thriving and diversified economy exists. Beautiful accommodations, high-level service, security, gastronomic delights and some of the best wineries in the world exist in Africa.
Why go to Africa?
Captivating Wildlife
View wildlife in the magnificence of its natural surroundings. Whether it’s a sighting of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo) on an African safari, gorillas in Uganda, or the Marine Big 5 (whales, sharks, seals, penguins, dolphins) on a coastal adventure off the Southernmost tip of Africa, be prepared to be awed by the beauty.
Natural Landmarks
In Tanzania, hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Feel the gushing spray of water from “the Smoke that Thunders” (Victoria Falls), one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, as the Zambezi River gushes at full force over the cliff at the meeting point of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ride the cable car or hike to the top of Table Mountain for a spectacular 360 degree view of Cape Town, the ocean and the surrounding peaks.
Water Activities & Beautiful Beaches
With over 18,950 miles of coastline, there is plenty of room for snorkeling and diving along some of the best coral reefs in the world. The velvety sand along the crystal blue water is a perfect place for a walk along the beach or just for a little relaxation.
African Tribes & Culture
The African culture is rich and diverse with over 3,000 tribes with different languages and traditions. These traditions are preserved by the arts, crafts, music, religions, food, clothing and language of its people.
Activities Unique to Africa
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Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains.
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View the mass migration of nearly 2 million wildebeest and zebra across Tanzania and Kenya
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Swim in Devil’s Pool at the top edge of Victoria Falls
When is the best time to
travel to Africa?
The best time to visit Africa depends upon your interests and what you are hoping to do and see.
One key thing to be aware of is the difference in the wet and dry seasons. Game viewing is best during the winter dry season from June through October. Animals come to the watering holes to drink and cool off. Vegetation is still sparse making it much easier to see the wildlife.
The summer wet season is from November through March. The landscape is beautiful and green, with a humid climate and spurts of rain. This is a great time for bird watching and seeing many baby animals.
The Serengeti wildebeest migration of over 2 million animals from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, one of the Seven National Wonders of Africa, is best viewed between July and November.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is best in the drier, cooler months of January and February or June to September.
Enjoy a beach holiday in Cape Town from December to March or watch southern right wales along the Cape’s southern coast from July to November.
No matter what time of year you travel to Africa, beautiful experiences await.
Alaska
What is a Trip to Alaska Like?
Experience the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier, one of the last unspoiled lands, with natural wonders of towering snow-capped mountains and the breathtaking splendor of 100,000 glaciers, some bigger than states. View the magic as Alaska’s tranquil waters are disrupted by the mighty roar of Hubbard Glacier calving into the sea.
Spot Alaska’s “Big 5” land mammals (bear, moose, caribou, wolf and Dall sheep) amongst its abundant wildlife. View plentiful bald eagles and reindeer. Don’t miss a shot of humpback whales breaching the surface of the water or seals sunbathing on rocks.
Try your luck at fishing for salmon in the salmon capital of the world. Then end your day by dining on local seafood including smoked salmon and crab legs (King and Dungeness) accompanied by craft beer from one of 30 local breweries.
Feel the breeze in your face as you are sitting on a sled being pulled by some of Alaska’s most powerful creatures. This is one of Alaska’s state obsessions, dog sledding. Learn all about what goes into planning the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Soar above the canopy of the forest enjoying spectacular views as you traverse seven ziplines ranging up to 100 feet tall and 800 feet long. Enjoy the wonder of a rushing salmon-spawning stream, viewed from an aerial walkway, at the end of your course.
Whether experiencing unforgettable adventures on land or cruising through the beautiful brilliance of glacier-lined fjords, memories will be made that will last for years to come.
Who Should Go
to Alaska?
Wildlife Enthusiasts and Photographers
Experience incredible wildlife spotting with bear, moose, caribou and other spectacular animals. See magnificent bald eagles flying overheard. Delight in opportunities to view seals, sea lions and even whales while cruising in Alaska waters.
Sporting Adventurists
Enjoy many winter sports activities from skiing and snowboarding to snow trekking, while taking in the stunningly scenic views. Glacier hiking and ice climbing are available for the more adventuresome. Enjoy kayaking, whitewater rafting, and scenic flightseeing once the warmer weather arrives.
Fishing Lovers
Enjoy some of the most spectacular fishing in the world. Dip your line and sinker into freshwater, saltwater, fly and even ice fishing to reel in a variety of salmon, trout, halibut, bass and hundreds of other species inhabiting the Alaskan waters.
Hikers & Climbers
A land of mountains, including 30 different ranges and the tallest mountain in North America, Denali. Whether you prefer hiking and climbing for relaxation, the unbelievable view, the excitement, or the personal sense of accomplishment, a hike for any physical fitness level can be found.
Foodies
Unexpected delights abound for lovers of food and drink. Eat like a local and experience traditional delicacies of akutaq (Eskimo ice cream), Reindeer dog (Alaska hot dog) or game meat including moose, caribou, or deer. Pick from a bounty of remarkable seafood including the popular king or Dungeness crab, world renowned salmon, prawns, scallops, black cod, or halibut.
Towering Mountains
Alaska is made up of thousands of mountains for every physical hiking level. Home to 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, including the tallest mountain in North America -Denali.
Glaciers
About 100,000 glaciers, some larger than states. Visit Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier or cruise into Glacier Bay National Park to view glaciers up close. Watch glaciers calve as huge chunks of ice fall into the water and hear the accompanying thundering sound.
Wildlife
View the largest population of bald eagles in the United States. See many animals including bears, moose, wolves, caribou, reindeer, and Dall sheep in their natural habitats.
Natural Beauty
Stunning landscapes of unspoiled nature, majestic mountains, spectacular glaciers, glacier-rimmed fjords, crystal clear lakes and National Parks are part of the breathtaking splendor of Alaska.
Family Adventures
From dog sledding on a glacier, taking a seaplane to view the fjords from above, kayaking past majestic mountains, ziplining above the canopy of the forest, watching humpback whales feed and frolic in the water, top notch fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, river rafting or viewing the incredible scenery by train, there are experiences that the whole family will enjoy.
Culinary
Learn about the native people and their culture and traditions through its culinary offerings. Sample the abundant fresh seafood including salmon, crab legs (King and Dungeness), black cod and halibut. Taste reindeer and elk sausage, moose, caribou and a wide range of berries fresh or in exquisite desserts.
Why Go to Alaska?
Where Should I Visit in Alaska?
Anchorage
Alaska’s biggest city. All over the city are restaurants, hotels, bars and music venues. Cultural activities include museums, galleries and cultural centers. Bike trails and waterfront walkways are available for outdoor activities.
Juneau
The state capital. Was featured on Top Chef and where some of the best culinary masters live and work. Known for its culture scene and has an artsy, hippy feel to the city. Hike thru a rainforest on one of the many hiking trails, go glacier trekking on Mendenhall Glacier or helicopter up the glacier for dog sledding.
Fairbanks
Beating heart of Alaska. Pan for gold in the rivers and visit The Alaska Museum for some of the best gold-rush exhibits anywhere. Great place to view the Northern Lights.
Icy Strait Point
Owned by Alaska Natives. Home of the world’s largest and highest ZipRider. Go hiking, whale watching or visit the fully-restored salmon cannery that was built in 1912 and now features a museum and various restaurants and craft shops. Some of the best whale watching and fishing access is in this area. One of the best places for sea kayaking in Alaska.
Hubbard Glacier
The longest tidewater glacier in the world at 76 miles long, 6 miles wide, and as tall as a 30-story building. Great place to view glacier calving and watch and hear majestic chunks of ice fall from the glacier on a daily basis.
Ketchikan
Located on an island and known as Alaska’s “First City” because it’s the first major community travelers arrive to as they journey north. Rich Native heritage which includes the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. A sportfishing paradise and salmon are plentiful.
Skagway
Was the gateway to the gold fields. Pan for gold and relive the history of the Yukon Gold Rush. Enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, river rafting, ziplining, and riding on a dog sled. Take the ‘Scenic Railway of the World’ on a 41-mile roundtrip journey to Yukon, Canada and the summit of the White Pass at nearly 3,000 feet in elevation.
Denali National Park
Encompasses 6 million acres of wilderness and North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali. Home to incredible wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep, Alaska’s Big 5. Amazing scenery with soaring mountain peaks, tundra, glaciers, forests, and wild rivers
When is the Best Time to
Travel to Alaska?
The summer season is May through September with peak season from mid-June to mid-August. Alaska’s sky is light nearly all night long from late May to late July. June 21 is the longest day of the year, with 18 – 22 hours of sunlight, depending upon the area.
The winter season is from October through April with longer nights and low-level daylight. It’s a great time to enjoy Alaska’s magical winter wonderland.
The best chance of seeing the Northern Lights is from August through April between 10pm and 2am, when it’s darkest.
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Red is held from Anchorage to Nome in early March.
Prime bear viewing is May through September.