2013 - APT Europe River Cruising

Christmas Time Sleepy villages blanketed by snow, twinkling lights and vibrant festive markets – Christmas in Europe is a magical experience. If you're dreaming of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, ice rinks and swirling snowflakes, then 2013 could be the perfect year to experience the thrill of Christmas in Europe. Relax in luxury as your river ship takes you through snow-dusted destinations. Enjoy the twinkling illuminations of the cities, shop for unique gifts at special Christmas markets, and absorb the unique yuletide atmosphere. The True Festive Spirit Join us in Europe to experience the joy and enchantment of the festive period. Cruising on a luxury river ship, you'll wake each day to charming towns, villages and cities that, having embraced the festive spirit, are sparkling in tinsel and lit up with light. Here, town squares fill with families, giant Christmas trees and an infectious joviality. It's an unforgettable experience that will be etched into your memory for years to come. Enchanting Christmas Markets As Christmas approaches, many of Europe's cities and towns, including Regensburg, Passau, Prague and Budapest, begin to bustle in anticipation. In most town centres, the local community comes come together to share Glühwein (mulled wine) and lay out their locally- produced crafts and produce in quaint market stalls. Reflecting the distinctive cultures of the region, every market possesses its own unique charm. A White Christmas Season Christmas is a season full of fun wherever you are in the world, but there is something uniquely appealing about celebrating this festival amid a snow-topped winter wonderland. For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, these winter delights – snow drifts and icicles, firelight and fairy lights, hot chocolate and mulled wine – are part of an idyllic fairytale Noël quite different to our summertime Christmas celebrations. Nuremberg's Famous Markets The most famous of Germany's Christmas Markets opens every year in the historical city of Nuremberg, in Main Market Square. Throughout the month of December, the Old Town is peppered with stalls and decked out in Christmas regalia for Christkindlesmarkt, steeped in centuries of tradition. The tantalising scents of sweet roasted almonds and gingerbread permeate, while the aroma of mulled wine also contributes to the festive atmosphere. Christmas & New Year's Eve With A Big Difference On our special Christmas & New Year's Eve departure, you'll spend Christmas Day on board with us, enjoying a traditional celebration as a member of the APT family. A week later, you'll see in 2014 at an onboard New Year's Eve party. At this unique event, the Showroom comes alive as you enjoy a celebratory drink and dance the night away to live music. Around 200 stall holders present their wares of artisan ornaments, traditional gifts and mouth-watering regional cuisine. With stalls festooned in red and white cloth, the market has earned itself the name of 'Little Town from Wood and Cloth' and has become an absolute festive highlight of our European river cruising holidays. Please note that most European Christmas Markets are open from November 25 – December 23.

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