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18 | Viking Explorer Society News with poplar trees. In Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland, join a local guide on a walking tour of historic neighbourhoods. See the Groothoofdspoort, the former city gate at the confluence of three rivers, and the Het Hof monastery. Christmas on the Rhine and Moselle Enjoy 2-night hotel stays in both Paris and Zürich on an 11-night voyage. Admire the seasonal displays in Parisian department stores and take a festive drive from the famed Champs-Élysées, ending with an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower. Sip a warm mug of glühwein in the shadow of the Swiss Alps and stroll around 140 stalls at Zürich's Christkindlimarkt, where the tree is decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Witness the vibrantly lit facade of the French cathedral in Reims and get more retail therapy at the markets of Trier, Koblenz, Mannheim and Strasbourg. Christmas on the Main and Moselle Viking has yet another option in central Europe with an 11-day journey between Paris and Prague that includes hotel accommodation in these two cities. Savour the French, German and Czech traditions while sailing to Riems, Trier, Bernkastel, Cochem, Winningen, Mainz, Heidelberg, Würzburg, Bamberg and Nuremburg. Explore the epic German markets and visit festively adorned castles and cathedrals on these two beautiful rivers. Revel in the rolling farmland and sylvan forests of Spessart and the rows of half-timbered houses along the riverfront. In Prague, Viking's Privileged Access tour of Lobkowicz Palace includes lunch in the family's original living quarters and a private concert in the baroque hall. Christmas Along the Elbe Travel between Berlin and Prague on this 9 -night voyage that includes 2-night hotel stays in both of these unforgettable cities, plus five days aboard a Viking Longship. Venture out in the evening on a free shore excursion to see Berlin's magnificent monuments lit up at night. On a day tour, take a drive around the city's landmarks before an afternoon at the yuletide markets. During the Elbe river voyage, discover the treasured recipe for Dresden's famous Christstollen, shop for handmade porcelain in Meissen, and walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther to All Saints' Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Prague, delve into the Jewish history with a tour Lobkowicz Palace, and relish the stunning markets in the cobblestoned Old Town. Christmas on the Seine For a full week in France, Viking's 7-night Seine sailing is a convenient roundtrip from Paris. The journey starts and ends with overnight stays aboard the ship, docked in the heart of the city. In between, sail through snow-covered countryside and indulge in the French wine and cuisine. Ports of call include Vernon, for a chance to visit nearby Giverny, Caudebec-en-Caux and Rouen in the heart of Normandy, and Les Andelys, where passengers can hike to the fortress of Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Viking's Festive Fleet Viking Longships are known for their Scandinavian design, blending elegant minimalism with comfort for the perfect retreat after a day of exploring. Passengers can meet fellow guests in the lounge or sharing tables at dinner, while enjoying Viking's attentive crew and destination- focused dining. All staterooms have river views, queen-size or twin beds, TV with on-demand movies and news channels, telephone, safe, refrigerator, individual climate control for heating during winter, and private bathroom with heated floor and premium toiletries, robes and slippers. Fares include all meals, beer, wine and soft drinks served during onboard lunch and dinner, one shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, 24-hour coffee, tea and bottled water, enrichment lectures and evening entertainment, and onboard gratuities. Christmas voyages also include transfers to the markets. This article first appeared on cruisecritic.com "Sip a warm mug of glühwein in the shadow of the Swiss Alps and stroll around 140 stalls at the Zürich's Christkindlimarkt, where the tree is decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals. " - L o u i s e G o l d s b u r y Christmas market in Strasbourg