I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! As we move toward Christmas , the Christmas Markets are opening. While the US does have some Christmas Markets, the tradition is a long one in Europe. The first recorded Christmas Market was held in Vienna in 1298 and the tradition has spread across the world. Tour operators and river cruise lines now plan trips around the European Christmas Markets and they sell out very quickly.
Here are a few of the oldest and the best:
Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Austria Reindeer rides, ferris wheels, and nativity scenes encapsulate the season. Although there are around 20 Christmas markets in Vienna, the Wiener Chrstkindlemarkt is one of its oldest and most traditional. It is held in front of the City Hall and features an ice rink, and a giant maple tree decked out with hundreds of glittering hearts. Austrian sausages, gingerbread cookies, and homemade Christmas punch are among the offerings along with plenty of stalls full of traditional Austrian products.
Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland Most Swiss towns have festive markets but Basel is the biggest and reportedly the best around. Separated into two different sections at Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz there are over 250 decorated stalls selling Christmas spices, decorations, and candles. Family attractions include the Christmas fairytale forest and a festive train. Attendees can also take a walk up the stairwell of St. Martin’s tower for incredible views of the light illuminating the old town.
Strasbourg Christmas Market, France. Strausberg’s markets began in 1570. It is spread over more than 10 locations, including a section of the UNESCO world heritage site of Grand Ile. The market lights up the city with thousands of lights and ornaments. The market draws over 2 million people each year and features hundreds of wooden chalet stalls selling everything from decorations and presents to local Alsatian wine.-CNN,11/22/23
I have sent people to the Christmas markets on river cruises and they all say it was an experience of a lifetime. if you ever have the opportunity to visit the Christmas markets, go!
On another note, if you are traveling during the Christmas holidays, you may want to pre-book your spot at an airport parking lot. Most airport lots will be full over Christmas but you can call ahead to insure there is a spot for you when you arrive. Also, make sure that you have your airline phone number with you so that in case of an issue, you can call them immediately. You may not realize that you can also chat with your airline and it may be much quicker. Download your airline’s app to make this simpler.
2024-25 Tours and Cruises
May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice. While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite), and Torcello. you will discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua. Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way. A Few rooms remain. Nice little video: Uniworld.
https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour. This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park. Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise. Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Princess
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777
September 28-October 7, 2024 Best of Greece Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise. Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.
May 4-12, 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. This cruise will begin and end in Paris. Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches. Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I will be taking deposits beginning December 1. This is a very popular cruise so it is important to deposit early.
Coming soon- 2025 Autumn Color tour. Collette is not quite ready for Fall of 2025 but we are in the system for early October, 2025. Will publish dates as soon as I have them.
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