Experience the quintessential European Christmas on a river cruise through Europe during the festive season. Explore bustling markets, marvel at twinkling decorations, embrace the warmth of tradition and with a touch of luck, the season’s first snowflake might settle gently on your nose.

Pass through Europe’s most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty and explore Central European cities. Take part in European holiday traditions and experience the region’s renowned Christmas markets. Breathe in the scents of traditional fare and admire the handiwork of local artisans-perfect for bringing home to your family and friends.

Journey through the inland waterways of the Low Countries-Holland and Belgium. Enjoy an overnight stay in vibrant Amsterdam. Sail through a vast network of canals and rivers, stopping in key cities to soak up Dutch, German and Flemish culture. Witness feats of Dutch engineering. See modern Rotterdam and the windmills of Kinderdijk, and visit Antwerp, Europe’s diamond capital. In the spring, visit Keukenhof Gardens in bright bloom.

Trace medieval routes of commerce during a fascinating 15-day cruise bookended by enriching overnight stays in Bergen and Barcelona. Explore three of Europe’s most picturesque cities: Amsterdam, Bruges and Paris. Call on England from the historic ports of Portsmouth and Falmouth and admire the neoclassical gems of the wine-making city of Porto. Explore Málaga, gateway to Granada’s stunning Alhambra palace, and view the splendid Roman ruins of Cartagena.

Remember why you love to travel on this in-depth Paris trip. You’ll learn the art of French cuisine, go behind the scenes and uncover the secrets of Montmartre’s artists’ quarter and imagine the charmed life of the 'Sun King' as you explore Versailles.

8 Days, featuring: Basel (Disembarkation)

Experience the magic of Switzerland at Christmas, journeying from Lucerne to Grindelwald, and on to Geneva. Start your Swiss adventure in Lucerne, a stunning 14th-century fortress city sitting on a lakeshore and surrounded by snow-capped forests. Voyage through the frosted peaks and frozen waterfalls of the Grisons Alps to the Alpine ski resort of St. Moritz, a retreat frequented by royalty and James Bond, famously featured in The Spy Who Loved Me. Take a scenic rail journey to Andermatt and travel through the heart of the Swiss Alps in the Albula Pass tunnel, before crossing the skyscraping Landwasser Viaduct and descending through the Rhône Valley. In Geneva, you'll enjoy a sumptuous fo...

12 Days, featuring: Melk–grein

Hit the ground running on this eight-day Europe trip, transporting you to the beating heart of glittering cities and the picture-perfect countryside. You’ll know dreams do come true as you admire Paris, ancient Rome and lap up lakeside living in Lucerne.

From the foothills of the ancient city of Passau to the Hungarian capital, cruise the length of Europe’s most famous river. Soak in the history, music and stunning scenery of this magical part of the continent.

Europe becomes a completely different world during the festive season, with the aroma of gluhwein and roasted chestnuts providing a fragrant ambience and lifelong memories.