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

Peter Deilmann River Cruises

800 348-8287 USA and Canada
0845 310 4400 UK
www.deilmann-cruises.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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