Christmas Market River Cruises & Escorted Tours
View our collection of festive river cruises and tours
A festive holiday is a great way to celebrate the winter season. Walking around the beautifully decorated markets with family, friends, or as a solo traveller, and trying all the delicious treats on offer is perfect for those wanting something different to your average holiday. We currently offer two Christmas Market cruises, which give the chance to see exciting cities and towns along the Rhine or the Danube, while you explore and shop for that perfect yuletide souvenir. There are also three escorted tours, with departures available in December, where you can experience the Christmas atmosphere in your free time.
Walking amongst the unique market stalls with a chimney cake and a hot chocolate really make an evening special, and bringing home unique gifts can make Christmas morning more magical. During your festive celebrations at home, you'll also be able to relive the marvellous memories by telling friends and family about your travels, and the amazing things you saw in the many towns and cities you visited.
Experience more with so much included
Return flights from a choice of regional airports, or travel by Eurostar, plus overseas return transfers
Fascinating excursions including insightful guided tours and visits plus free time to explore
Knowledgeable local guides and the services of an experienced Riviera Travel tour manager
Great accomodation options with either hand-picked hotels on your escorted tour or spacious cabins on your river cruise ship
Festive holidays on the Riviera Travel blog
Where to Go on a Christmas Market Cruise.
Go on a Christmas market cruise on the Rhine or Danube and you won’t just return home with unique tree decorations and handcrafted gifts. German Christmas holidays and Yuletide breaks in Europe are magical experiences as towns and cities are transformed into winter wonderlands, adorned with sparkling fairy lights and draped with festive trimmings. A Christmas market cruise creates truly seasonal memories that last for years to come.
Christmas market river cruises and tours
6 days starting from £649pp
2020 DATES ON SALE NOW
(71 reviews)
5 days starting from £549pp
2020 DATES ON SALE NOW
Cabins
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MS Charles Dickens
Built: 2015
Crew: 35
Passengers: 140
Rating:
Why we love this ship
Launched in 2015, this five-star ship was specially commissioned and designed just for us by one of Europe’s most experienced and respected ship builders. Constructed to the highest standards of comfort, design and security, you can relax into your luxurious surroundings after each day’s sightseeing with peace of mind. With 35 crew members serving just 140 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Lounge & bar with panoramic windows
- Open kitchen bistro
- Lift between middle and upper decks
- Sun deck with comfy chairs & sun loungers
- Splash pool, putting green & giant chess board
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Sauna, fitness equipment & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your cabin
The beautifully designed cabins and suites on the MS Charles Dickens all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Cabin sizes range from 14 square metres to 22.8 square metres. All middle and upper deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe suites offer a small, private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS Emily Brontë
Built: 2017
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
The five-star, Swiss-built MS Emily Brontë is quickly becoming one of our most popular river cruising vessels. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Open-kitchen bistro
- Lounge & bar
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers & chairs
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed, spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS Jane Austen
Built: 2015
Crew: 36
Passengers: 140
Rating:
Why we love this ship
Launched in 2015 and built just for us by one of the world’s most experienced luxury river ship builders, this vessel is a favourite with our clients as it guarantees a relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable river cruising experience. With 35 crew members serving just 140 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment of your stay on this elegant, floating hotel.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Restaurant & lido bar
- Lounge & bar with panoramic windows
- Lift between middle and upper decks
- Sun deck with comfy chairs & loungers
- Splash pool, putting green & giant chess board
- Free tea & coffee station
- Sauna, steam room & fitness equipment
- Hairdressing service
- Laundry service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your cabin
The beautifully designed cabins and suites on-board the MS Jane Austen all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Cabin sizes range from 15 square metres to 22.5 square metres. All middle and upper deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony. For added space and luxury, treat yourself to a stay in one of the fabulous deluxe suites.
MS Oscar Wilde
Built: 2017
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
We are delighted to present the brand new, five-star MS Oscar Wilde – a truly world-class vessel. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:>
- Elegant restaurant
- Open-kitchen bistro
- Lounge & bar
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers & chairs
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed and spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS Robert Burns
Built: 2018
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
We are delighted to present the new, five-star MS Robert Burns - a truly world-class vessel. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Open-ktchen bistro
- Lounge & bar
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers & chairs
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed, spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS Thomas Hardy
Built: 2017
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
The five-star, Swiss-built MS Thomas Hardy is quickly becoming one of our most popular river cruising vessels. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Open-kitchen bistro
- Lounge & bar
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers & chairs
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed and spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS William Shakespeare
Built: 2014
Crew: 35
Passengers: 140
Rating:
Why we love this ship
Specially commissioned and designed to our exacting specifications, this vessel is one of the world’s finest river cruise ships. We worked with one of Europe’s most experienced and respected luxury shipbuilders to create the perfect ship. Their exceptional creativity and design has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 35 crew members serving just 140 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Stern bar
- Lounge & bar with panoramic windows
- Lift between middle and upper decks
- Sun deck with comfy chairs & loungers
- Splash pool, putting green & giant chess board
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Sauna, fitness equipment & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your cabin
The beautifully designed cabins and suites all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Cabin sizes range from 14 square metres to 22.8 square metres. All middle and upper deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe suites offer a small, private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS William Wordsworth
Built: 2018
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
We are delighted to present the brand new, five-star MS William Wordsworth – a truly world-class vessel operated exclusively for us. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort, and with 44 crew members serving just 169 guests you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Lounge & bar area
- Open kitchen bistro
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Laundry service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed, spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
Built:
Crew:
Passengers:
Rating:
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