| The Perfect Girlfriend Vacation by Nancy Pitman Want to try something totally different with your shopping buddies? Sail the Danube from Nurnberg to Vienna for a European Christmas Markets River Cruise. Hassle free this unique trip will provide much more than entertainment for you and your friends. Christmas markets ooze with atmosphere. Each individually decorated kiosk shines with bright colorful lights mingled with garlands of freshly cut firs. Filled with the Christmas Spirit of days gone by, people are dressed in warm fuzzy clothes to ward off the chill of a cool winter day. Smiles of wondrous delight adorn the children’s faces. Discover fantastic deals on unique crafts in Regensburg. Decorate your home with an exquisite hand carved Nativity scene for only 125 Euro. Watch the whirling of propellers created by heat from candles inside delicate handmade Christmas Windmills. Depending on the size they start out around 30 Euro and up. Salzburg had vibrant floral arrangements and imaginative hand painted Christmas ornaments, and edelweiss (the flower of love and healing) embroidered lederhosen we found to be as low as 75 Euro. Nurnberg the largest market in Germany filled the air with the appetizing aroma of sizzling hot sausages with mustard. The Nurnberg market located in the historic center of the city has several markets to choose from. Glittering stands in the main square attract shoppers as they search for the perfect Christmas gift. Echoing throughout the square you can sway with the sounds of the Carolers belting out a familiar tune just below the glockenspiel. Around the corner you will find where the locals have their own toned down market, overflowing with candles, spices, and winter clothing. The favorite hands down is the Children’s market where each vendor has large electronically animated decorations on their kiosks. Kids were mesmerized with Santa in his Sleigh whipping his flying reindeer into the market, and we loved the snowmen with spinning heads singing carols in German. Also don’t miss the huge European train set just outside the Children’s market. It’s a marvelous piece of art with replicas of old fashioned trains in a Bavarian Alps winter setting. After gobbling down a scrumptious sandwich we washed it down with a piping hot cup of “gluewein”. Collectible mugs were ours to keep once we finished our hot spiced wine. For dessert there are so many mouth watering decisions but our fave’s were hot apple Strudel toped with a creamy vanilla sauce and freshly baked aromatic Gingerbread. Not only did we have great shopping, and historical sightseeing, but also the cruise itself is relaxing and entertaining. There is nothing like sitting in the lounge with large floor to ceiling windows watching as you pass by tall steepled churches set up on a snow covered hilltop, or a bright red train traveling thru a small half timbered village. All the while sipping on hot foamy mocha lattes and sitting in soft comfy chairs with your friends. Want to know the best part? You only unpack once! If you are looking for a fun vacation where you can eat delectable foods, soak in some amazing scenery, or shop to your hearts content, a cruise down the Danube with your friends is a fabulous bonding experience. Here are a few River Cruise Lines that cover the European Christmas Markets. Viking River Cruises 877 668-4546 USA and Canada 0870 850 1690 UK www.vikingrivercruises.com Grand Circle Tours 800 959-0405 www.gct.com Perfect for the over 50 crowd Nancy Pitman has been in the travel industry for over 25 years and enjoys educating others on destinations and how to avoid the pitfalls of travel. Nancy has written stories for AAA, BootsnAll Travel and Travel Post Monthly. |
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WAVE Journey is your one-stop online resource for women-oriented travel businesses & services
around the world.
WAVE Journey is for every woman to enjoy. If you love to travel, cook, read or revel in outdoor activities this website
is for you. If you are looking to connect with other like-minded women or if you are interested in finding businesses
or services that cater to women, WAVE Journey is your number one online travel resource.
