Experience the Magic of Christmas in Europe ![](/sites/default/files/2026-01/1%20Meals%20%28red%29.png) 19 Meals ![](/sites/default/files/2026-01/2%20Small%20Group%20%28red%29.png) Small Group ![](/sites/default/files/2026-01/3%20CT%20Ratings%20%28red%29.png) CT Rating 2.5/5 - Slightly Challenging ![](/sites/default/files/2026-01/4%20Leader%20%28red%29.png) Led by Greg Holmes **A Festive Journey Along the Danube** Embrace the magic of the holiday season on an unforgettable winter river cruise along the Danube, where festive tradition meets centuries of history. Watch snow-dusted abbeys and vineyard-lined hills drift past as you journey through Europe’s most charming Christmas market towns. From imperial Vienna to medieval Regensburg and the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, each stop reveals twinkling streets, handcrafted gifts, and the warm aroma of spiced glühwein. Your festive adventure concludes in the golden city of Prague, where cobblestone lanes and illuminated squares provide the perfect farewell to a truly magical holiday journey. **This journey is now available on request.** .button { display: inline-block; padding: 10px 20px; margin: 5px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 6px; background-color: gray; /* default color */ color: white; } .button:hover { opacity: 0.9; } [Submit Booking Request](mailto:rking@craigtravel.com?cc=sales@craigtravel.com&subject=Christmas%20Markets%20December%202026%E2%80%93ON%20REQUEST&body=Dear%20Craig%20Travel%20team%2C%0A%0AI%20would%20like%20to%20submit%20an%20online%20booking%20request%20for%20the%20**Christmas%20Markets%20journey**%20departing%20in%20**December%202026.**%0A%0AI%20understand%20that%20this%20departure%20is%20not%20currently%20available%20for%20immediate%20confirmation%20and%20that%20availability%20must%20be%20requested%20with%20your%20local%20suppliers%2Fground%20partners.%20I%20realize%20it%20can%20take%20approximately%20**5%E2%80%937%20business%20days**%20%28sometimes%20longer%29%20to%20receive%20confirmation%20or%20an%20update%20from%20the%20suppliers.%0A%0AI%20give%20permission%20for%20a%20sales%20agent%20to%20contact%20me%20by%20phone%20or%20email%20to%20discuss%20availability%2C%20pricing%2C%20accommodation%2C%20any%20waitlist%20possibilities%2C%20or%20alternative%20departures%2Foptions%20if%20this%20journey%20cannot%20be%20confirmed.%0A%0A**My%20contact%20details%3A**%0A%0AFirst%20name%3A%0ALast%20name%3A%0APhone%20number%3A%0AEmail%20address%3A%0A%0APlease%20indicate%20whether%20you%20would%20like%20a%20double%2Ftwin%20accommodation%20or%20a%20single%20room%20%28single%20supplement%20applies%29.%0A%0AWould%20you%20like%20to%20receive%20our%20**FREE%20bi-yearly%20travel%20booklet%20Experience%20Our%20World**%20%E2%80%94%20by%20mail%3F%20Click%20here%20to%20reserve%20your%20free%20copy%20today%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flp.constantcontactpages.com%2Fsl%2FFvjyHys%2FEOWFALL2026%0A%0AThank%20you%20for%20submitting%20my%20online%20booking%20request.%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20back%20once%20you%20have%20an%20update%20from%20the%20suppliers.) [Download Brochure](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/StpSUYm/ChristmasMarketsDec2026) [![Map of Christmas Markets](/sites/default/files/2026-01/Christmas_Markets_River_Cruise_2026_1.jpg)](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/Christmas_Markets_River_Cruise_2026_1.jpg) ### Tour Highlights - Immerse yourself in the holiday magic of traditional Christmas markets in Vienna, Passau, Prague and Nuremberg - Celebrate the season with a festive glühwein party on board and a Captain's Gala Dinner - Explore UNESCO sites, from the baroque Melk Abbey to the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle - Conclude our holiday journey with a lively traditional Czech folklore dinner show - Cruise the Danube through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, enjoying winter landscapes from the comfort of your AMADEUS ship - Discover imperial Vienna with a panoramic city tour and guided walk through its historic heart - Experience Europe’s festive season in comfort with guided sightseeing, free time to explore, and elegant onboard hospitality throughout ### Inclusive Features - 6-night Danube cruise on AMADEUS Queen - 2-nights accommodation in Prague as indicated or similar - Baggage handling shipside - 19 meals as shown in the itinerary (B - 8 breakfasts, L - 4 lunches, D - 7 dinners), with quality European wines at every dinner onboard - Coffee and tea available 24 hours a day onboard - Services of your journey leader and / or cruise director - All gratuities (including guides and ship staff) and taxes for included services and port taxes - Air-Inclusive rates also include: Return economy airfare from Canadian cities listed, transfers between airports, hotel and ship, and airport transfers in Canada (or equivalent value) ### Itinerary Overview Full View DEPART CANADA December 4, 2026 Tour members from across Canada fly to Vienna. ARRIVE VIENNA / EMBARKATION December 5, 2026 Our festive journey begins as we touch down in Vienna, a city renowned for its imperial grandeur and vibrant coffee house culture. We are warmly greeted by our airport host and transferred to the pier to drop off our luggage. Before checking in, we seize the opportunity to step out into the crisp air to explore the city independently. Once our cabins are ready in the afternoon, we settle aboard our Amadeus ship. The evening brings us together in the Panorama Bar for a Welcome Cocktail with the Cruise Director, followed by a celebratory Welcome Dinner. We remain docked in Vienna overnight, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the holiday season. **AMADEUS Queen** (6 nights) Dinner VIENNA December 6, 2026 This morning, our panoramic drive takes us along the magnificent Ringstrasse, a circular boulevard built to replace the old city walls and lined with architectural masterpieces. We admire the State Opera House, the Parliament, the Burgtheater, and the imposing City Hall, which serves as a stunning backdrop for the city’s most famous "Christkindlmarkt." Then, we embark on a guided walking tour through the historic centre. We wander past the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the winter residence of the Habsburgs, and stroll along the elegant Kohlmarkt before arriving at the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its distinctive tiled roof. Before returning to our ship, there is time to walk through the pedestrian zone at our own pace. The afternoon is ours to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the traditional Christmas markets independently. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner WACHAU VALLEY / MELK December 7, 2026 We awake this morning in the stunning Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region where steep terraced vineyards meet the winding Danube. Our destination is the imposing Melk Abbey, a golden-hued Baroque masterpiece that has stood as a spiritual centre for over 900 years. On a guided tour of this Benedictine treasure, we marvel at the Marble Hall and the famed library, home to thousands of medieval manuscripts and exquisite frescoes by Paul Troger. Upon returning to the ship, we celebrate the season with a warming mug of traditional glühwein. As we cast off for Passau, the rest of the day offers a perfect opportunity to relax on board, taking in the serene beauty of the winter countryside drifting past our windows. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner PASSAU December 8, 2026 Passau, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers is known as the "City of Three Rivers." We set out on a guided walk through the romantic Old Town, admiring historic Baroque architecture and winding streets that have earned the city the nickname "Little Venice." The afternoon invites us to wander the atmospheric Passau Christmas market or perhaps climb to the Veste Oberhaus fortress for a bird’s-eye view of the three rivers meeting below. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner REGENSBURG December 9, 2026 We arrive in Regensburg, a medieval gem so well-preserved it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our morning begins with a guided walking tour through its medieval streets. We admire architectural treasures including the Old Town Hall, the 12th-century Stone Bridge, and St. Peter's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The afternoon is ours to explore independently, perhaps to linger in the charming Christmas markets or taste the famous local sausages. Tonight, we dress in our finest for the Captain's Gala Dinner. Breakfast, Dinner ROTH / NUREMBERG December 10, 2026 Following lunch, we dock in the Bavarian town of Roth and make our way to Nuremberg. Our panoramic tour takes us past the Palace of Justice, the site of the momentous Nuremberg Trials, before we enter the walled Old Town. Carefully reconstructed after the Second World War, the city centre retains its historic charm with guarded towers and stone alleyways. We begin our walking tour at the foot of the Imperial Castle, winding our way down to the main square. Here, we step into the heart of the holiday season at the world-renowned Christmas market. Enjoy free time to explore the market and taste the authentic, flourless Nuremberg Lebkuchen before returning to our ship. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DISEMBARKATION / PRAGUE December 11, 2026 After breakfast, we bid our ship farewell and travel to Karlovy Vary, widely known as Carlsbad. We enjoy free time to discover this Bohemian spa town before continuing to Prague. **Grand Hotel Bohemia Prague** (2 nights) Breakfast PRAGUE December 12, 2026 We discover why Prague is called the "City of a Hundred Spires" on a morning sightseeing tour of its UNESCO-listed historic centre. Our journey takes us to the grounds of the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle. Here, we admire the Gothic exterior of St. Vitus Cathedral before strolling across the iconic Charles Bridge. Arriving in the Old Town Square, we find ourselves in the heart of the city. The afternoon is ours to explore on our own, perhaps visiting Wenceslas Square or warming up in a traditional café. This evening, we gather for a lively Folklore Dinner Show to celebrate Czech culture through music, dance, and food. Breakfast, Dinner PRAGUE December 13, 2026 Our journey comes to an end as we transfer to the airport to catch our flights bound for Canada. Breakfast [Download Brochure](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-04/brx_CEU041226_Christmas%20Markets_REV24APR26.pdf) [![Aerial shot of Charles Bridge in Prague](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-01/AdobeStock_242307671.jpeg?h=3407fcf6&itok=h0PykHAc "Charles Bridge in Prague")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/AdobeStock_242307671.jpeg) [![Ornaments in Christmas market](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-01/christmas-3665231.jpg?h=5f62bdfc&itok=jdvAMset "Shop for traditional handmade ornaments")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/christmas-3665231.jpg) [![Medieval Regensburg glowing at dusk](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-01/AdobeStock_277500082.jpeg?h=217f386c&itok=HsAZuEtf "Medieval Regensburg glowing at dusk")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/AdobeStock_277500082.jpeg) [![Woman holding a cup in a Christmas market](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-01/AdobeStock_191798081.jpeg?h=484e5f67&itok=blG700B- "Warm up with a mug of traditional glühwein")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/AdobeStock_191798081.jpeg) [![Amadeus Queen sailing the Danube](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-01/AMADEUS%20Queen_%20Exterior%20View.%20Danube_%20Austria%20-%20Duernstein.%20Day._Outside%20View%20of%20the%20AMADEUS%20Queen%20in%20Duernstein_%20D%C3%BCrnstein_%20Austria%20on%20the%20Danube%20by%20Day_Lueftner%20Cruises_Amadeus_Alexander%20Pfeffel.jpg?h=2a885e89&itok=slo6_SkJ "Sail aboard the AMADEUS Queen. Image courtesy of Luftner Cruises.")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/AMADEUS%20Queen_%20Exterior%20View.%20Danube_%20Austria%20-%20Duernstein.%20Day._Outside%20View%20of%20the%20AMADEUS%20Queen%20in%20Duernstein_%20D%C3%BCrnstein_%20Austria%20on%20the%20Danube%20by%20Day_Lueftner%20Cruises_Amadeus_Alexander%20Pfeffel.jpg) [![Wooden nutcrackers](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-01/Christmas_Nutcracker.jpg?h=5edb791c&itok=Sm_wbyNF "Pickup thoughtful gifts like a festive wooden nutcracker")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/Christmas_Nutcracker.jpg) [![Traditional European ginger bread cookies](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2026-01/AdobeStock_282451284.jpeg?h=9eb0d413&itok=D2nH9dJ6 "Traditional European ginger bread cookies")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/AdobeStock_282451284.jpeg) ### Have any questions? Contact Roselle at rking \[at\] craigtravel.com or call [1-800-387-8890](tel:1-800-387-8890) ## Lüftner Cruises AMADEUS QUEEN The beautiful ms AMADEUS Queen was launched in spring 2018 and is 135 metres long with a distinctive pointed bow. With 69 cabins (172 sq. ft.) and 12 Balcony suites (259 sq. ft.), the ms Amadeus Queen carries passengers in spacious comfort. Purpose-built to sail the safe scenic waters of Europe’s rivers, she has three decks with cabins and public rooms plus a spacious Sun Deck for viewing the countryside. All cabins are outside, each featuring twin beds (which can convert to a large bed), a private bathroom with shower, telephone, TV, hairdryer, and air conditioning (the ship operates on 220 volts). Cabins on Haydn Deck (lowest) have a picture window while cabins on Strauss and Mozart Decks have full height glass patio doors that open (creating a French Balcony). On the Haydn Deck you will also find a hair salon and massage area. On the Strauss Deck is the Restaurant (seats all passengers at once), Reception, fitness room, and onboard shop. On Mozart Deck you will find a Panorama Bar and Lounge area, plus an indoor pool. The open Sun Deck features deck chairs, a Lido Bar, chessboards, and a shuffleboard. The ship is a non-smoking environment, except for some areas on the Sun Deck (subject to change). There is a small elevator on the ship which serves Strauss, Mozart, and Haydn Decks. [Deck Plan](/sites/default/files/2026-01/Amadeus_Queen_downloaded_Lueftner_website_AUG2022.pdf "Amadeus_Queen_downloaded_Lueftner_website_AUG2022.pdf") (2.97 MB) ### Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person #### C1 Outside (Haydn) Cruise / Tour Only $4,425 Toronto $6,195 Montreal / Ottawa $6,345 Halifax / St. John’s / Fredericton $6,445 Winnipeg / Thunder Bay $6,445 Regina / Saskatoon $6,545 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver $6,445 Victoria $6,545 Single Supplement $925 [Submit Booking Request](mailto:rking@craigtravel.com?cc=sales@craigtravel.com&subject=Christmas%20Markets%20December%202026%E2%80%93ON%20REQUEST&body=Dear%20Craig%20Travel%20team%2C%0A%0AI%20would%20like%20to%20submit%20an%20online%20booking%20request%20for%20the%20**Christmas%20Markets%20journey**%20departing%20in%20**December%202026.**%0A%0AI%20understand%20that%20this%20departure%20is%20not%20currently%20available%20for%20immediate%20confirmation%20and%20that%20availability%20must%20be%20requested%20with%20your%20local%20suppliers%2Fground%20partners.%20I%20realize%20it%20can%20take%20approximately%20**5%E2%80%937%20business%20days**%20%28sometimes%20longer%29%20to%20receive%20confirmation%20or%20an%20update%20from%20the%20suppliers.%0A%0AI%20give%20permission%20for%20a%20sales%20agent%20to%20contact%20me%20by%20phone%20or%20email%20to%20discuss%20availability%2C%20pricing%2C%20accommodation%2C%20any%20waitlist%20possibilities%2C%20or%20alternative%20departures%2Foptions%20if%20this%20journey%20cannot%20be%20confirmed.%0A%0A**My%20contact%20details%3A**%0A%0AFirst%20name%3A%0ALast%20name%3A%0APhone%20number%3A%0AEmail%20address%3A%0A%0APlease%20indicate%20whether%20you%20would%20like%20a%20double%2Ftwin%20accommodation%20or%20a%20single%20room%20%28single%20supplement%20applies%29.%0A%0AWould%20you%20like%20to%20receive%20our%20**FREE%20bi-yearly%20travel%20booklet%20Experience%20Our%20World**%20%E2%80%94%20by%20mail%3F%20Click%20here%20to%20reserve%20your%20free%20copy%20today%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flp.constantcontactpages.com%2Fsl%2FVVotbtZ%2FEOWSPR2026%0A%0AThank%20you%20for%20submitting%20my%20online%20booking%20request.%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20back%20once%20you%20have%20an%20update%20from%20the%20suppliers.) ### Stateroom Upgrades Available ### Stateroom Description (Deck) B-1 (Strauss, Drop-down Window) ### Single $3,295 ### Double/Twin $755 ### Stateroom Description (Deck) A-1 (Mozart, Drop-down Window) ### Single $4,345 ### Double/Twin $1,155 ### **Payment and Booking Terms** Final payment is due on **August 27, 2026**. Deposit is **$900 per person**. Rates are person based on sharing a Cat C1 outside cabin on Haydn Deck. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to our inclusive features for **SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE** **LIMITED TO 25 TRAVELLERS** Stateroom categories are subject to availability at time of booking. Book early for best choice. See deck plan for full details on various categories available. Singles are extremely limited. Please ask for rates. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to Inclusive Features for details. Cruise price is based on sharing a twin-bedded stateroom with private bathroom. Prices are based on a minimum 15 members and on rates, taxes, and fees effective December 2025 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Group to be escorted with a minimum of 20 travellers. Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Refer to the [terms and conditions](https://www.craigtravel.com/terms-conditions) for more details. #### CT Rating **2.5 - SLIGHTLY CHALLENGING** Excursions and land arrangements include some extensive walks, often over rough surfaces. Cobblestones are used in many European cities, making walking more difficult. Access to some decks and to shore in some ports may involve steep steps. Members should be in good physical condition, able to walk a kilometre or more without assistance to fully enjoy this cruise. Do you have any questions about this journey? [Email Us](mailto:sales@craigtravel.com?subject=Christmas%20Markets%20Dec%202026) #### Journey Leader ![Profile picture for user Greg Holmes](/sites/default/files/styles/user/public/pictures/2025-05/image008.jpg?h=7867c5e2&itok=Y5l7mk3E) Greg Holmes - Meet Greg Holmes, a seasoned traveller with over 25 years of experience in the travel industry. Raised in a military family, he spent time living in Germany, Tanzania and Seoul—early exposure that sparked a lifelong passion for exploration. He’s since lived in London, Paris, Barcelona and Florence, and has travelled to every continent except Antarctica. Greg considers himself fortunate to have experienced so many cultures and to connect with locals and fellow travellers along the way. His personal travels have included Alaska’s Inside Passage, Denali and the Yukon, China, Ireland, Cuba, Portugal’s Douro Valley and most recently, Peru and the Amazon. He now lives on the West Coast, where he enjoys hiking, kayaking, tennis and renovating a 1950s bungalow he shares with his wife and two labs. ![](/sites/default/files/2026-01/1%20CT%20Loyalty%20Points.png) [Craig Travel Loyalty Points](/loyalty-club) ![](/sites/default/files/2026-01/2%20Pay%20By%20Cheque.png) [Pay by Cheque Discount](/pay-cheque-discount) ![](/sites/default/files/2026-01/3%20Refer%20a%20Friend.png) [Refer a Friend ](/refer-friend) [About CT Ratings](/craig-travel-ratings) ![](/sites/default/files/2026-01/5%20Travel%20Insurance.png) [Travel Insurance](/travel-insurance)