RIVER CRUISING
The big attraction IS THE MARKETS. Centuries old and STEEPED IN TRADITION, every single one has its very own CHARACTERISTICS & STYLE.
Reaching Vienna in the evening, we
eagerly awaited a chance to see one of the world’s most beautiful cities the next morning, where impossible pretty squares transform into magical Christmas markets. As if that isn’t enough, the delightful yuletide aromas of cookies, tortes and coffee will surely draw you in. Markets are jam-packed with blown- glass ornaments, red Viennese hearts, traditional cribs, ceramics, apparel and handicrafts. Though the markets are both big and small, my two favourites were Wiener Christkindlmarkt (the city’s oldest and largest) on the Rathausplatz in front City Hall and the one inside the courtyard at the opulent Schönbrunn Palace.
A
lso consider Rathauspark. Filled with tiny pavilions dressed up in Christmas decorations amid multi-hued trees, some consider this the most romantic, given the park’s ‘Viennese Little Heart Tree.’ Also on tap at Rathauspark is the Christkindl Express train, pony rides, beautiful scenes from famous fairytales and a merry-go-round for kids to enjoy. Finally, Budapest offers one of the most popular Christmas fairs in Europe in Vörösmarty Square. Home to more than 100 wooden pavilions, you’ll find high-quality handicrafts, decorations,
70 WORLD OF CRUISING I Autumn 2013
candles, woolen hats and gloves as well as wrought iron products not found anywhere else. When you’re feeling peckish, try some kürtoskalács (sweet Hungarian pastry) or kenyérlángos (flat- bread baked in a cob oven). To view this beautiful city after sunset, sign up for an hour-long sail along the
SHIP FACTFILES
S.S. Antoinette Maiden Voyage: 2011 Length: Beam:
444ft 33.5ft
Passengers: Crew:
156 40
Passenger decks: 3
ITINERARIES: choose from 6 different itineraries on 16 departures of SS Antoinette, River Beatrice, River Queen, River Empress in December.
MORE INFO: in the UK call Titan Travel on 0800 988 5823 or visit
www.titantravel.co.uk; in the US, 1800 555 8333 or
www.uniworldrivercruises.com.
Viking Bragi Maiden Voyage: 2013 Length: Beam:
443ft 37.57ft
Passengers: Crew:
190 50
Passenger decks: 4
ITINERARIES: Multiple 8-day itineraries on the Viking Bragi, Alta, Baldur, Forsetti, Jarl, Rinda, Helvetia, Sun, Aegir, Var, Freya, Idun, Vienna, Njord, Odin, Magni, Skadi, Tor, Embla and Legend in Nov and Dec.
MORE INFO: in the UK, call 0808 252 0038 or visit
www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk; in the US, 1800 706 1483 or
www.vikingrivercruises.com.
Danube past some of the city’s most majestic buildings, monuments and bridges while guides dressed as famous figures of Hungary’s history (kings, queens, musicians and poets) explain the legends and hidden treasures of the city. Best of all, the cruise ends with a musical rendition of the Blue Danube Waltz.
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