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We offer Christmas Markets trips, and Christmas Market tour vacations to suit your every need. Visit the major cities of Germany and Austria and begin your holiday season with a wonderful centuries-old tradition, the Christmas Markets. Christmas Markets were usually held around the town's principal church in order to attract churchgoers on their way to and from services. In the midst of grim winters, the townspeople loved the bright panoply of the market and spent happy hours looking through the many wares and buying many a gift or sweet. In fact, a 17th-century parish priest in Nürnberg complained one year that the afternoon service on Christmas Eve failed to take place since everybody was out and about buying presents! Over time, each Christmas Market developed its own distinctive character, not only reflecting local traditions but also unique historic backdrops. Because only local traders and merchants were allowed to sell products at the Christmas Market, each town became known for its distinct specialties. In recent years, the towns and cities of Germany and Austria have vied with each other to distinguish their markets from all others, so that many of the traditional Christmas Markets today offer real superlatives. They typically last about four weeks -- beginning about the same time as the Advent season -- and draw many locals and visitors alike.
Now traveling to see the Christmas Markets is even easier, as we have done all the work for you. Choose from escorted tours, river cruises and vacation packages. There are so many amazing things to see that it is hard to know where to start. There are tours for individuals, couples and families to experience the best that nature has to offer. Buying your Christmas Market Tour in advance gives you peace of mind because you prepay for your trip and save up to 40% off the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. There's no better time than now to take a Christmas Markets tour vacation. This is Europe’s Value Season, November through March.
Christmas Markets of Central Europe draw more people every year. The festive atmosphere, aroma of roasting chestnuts, sausages and fresh baked goods permeates the air, as you stroll the decorated boutique-lined streets and browse locally hand-made quality crafts, toys, wood carvings, and delicate ornaments. This year, begin your holiday season with a wonderful centuries-old tradition, the Christmas Market. These tours are best suited to the traveler who wishes to have more of the activities preplanned and prepaid and includes more meals in the tour cost. There are so many beautiful cities to see that it is hard to choose how to spend your vacation.
Celebrate Christmas with a vacation or tour that will bring you joyful memories! The following destinations were carefully selected as ideal places to visit around Christmastime: England, Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Eastern Europe, USA, Canada and more! All have something special to offer during the holidays. Why not choose one of these destinations for an unforgettable Christmas experience? There are many advantages to traveling at this time of the year -- fewer crowds, no long waiting lines, and perhaps sales in shops and stores! City tours with local experts in all major cities are included.
Ideal places to visit around New Year's: England, Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Eastern Europe, USA, Canada and more! All have something special to offer during the holidays. Why not choose one of these destinations for an unforgettable New Year experience? There are many advantages to traveling at this time of the year -- fewer crowds, no long waiting lines, and perhaps sales in shops and stores! City tours with local experts in all major cities are included.Escorted travel allows you to have plenty of time to explore on your own and experience a destination without worrying about the travel details such as transfers, transportation and hotels.
Just imagine being able to vacation in Europe for up to 20% less than a comparable summer vacation! Not only that, you'll stay in some of Europe's great hotels where you'll always receive a warm welcome and enjoy a comfortable stay. It's no wonder that the winter months are by far the best time to visit Europe. The climate is surprisingly mild, the city streets and attractions are far less crowded than in summer, and the local shops offer incredible winter bargains you'll find impossible to resist. Escorted travel allows you to have plenty of time to explore on your own and experience a destination without worrying about the travel details such as transfers, transportation and hotels.
Take a River Cruise and Explore the Christmas traditions through the Danube and Rhine Rivers. Enjoy an immersive experience celebrating the varied cultures of five Central European countries. In the first weeks of December, seasonal Christmas markets fill the town squares with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Shop keepers in festive stalls offer baked goods, sweets, toys and local specialties. Artisans present their handmade crafts, nutcrackers, lace and blown glass ornaments. The aromas of roasted chestnuts, spiced cookies, mulled wine and evergreen vine for your attention. Enjoy a relaxing river cruise on the Rhine or Danube rivers in the winter.
Join both locals and visitors as they prepare for the holidays during this late-season cruise along the Danube. Sail aboard a ship designed for viewing the enchanting riverside vistas, through panoramic windows, from the sun deck, or from the comfort of your private, river-view cabin. Onboard meals, prepared by European chefs, include a choice of entrées, regional specialties and traditional favorites.
Europe’s Value Season vacations offer a number of diverse choices for travelers. Experience the cultural and historic treasures; surrounded by beautiful and unspoiled nature amazing natural beauty of Central Europe. You are sure to have a vacation like no other. Get vacation specials, last-minute travel deals and save! Make your own package by including airfare, accommodations, car rental and other specials extras. Choose from budget to luxury accommodations with special deals to many cities.