TripPointer

Our two couples would like to take a river boat cruise this December for 9-12 nights to see the European Holiday Christmas markets. Our choices are a cruise on the Rhine and Main Rivers from Cologne to Nuremburg in Germany, OR on the Danube River from Nuremburg/Regensburg, Germany to Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary. Given the opportunity to do one or the other which river cruise (Rhine/Main vs. Danube) would be the better at Christmas? Also, is there a significant diference in the December weather in these areas?

treplow

I would do the Danube portion. From Cologne to Nuernberg, there are really only two pretty stretches: From about Koblenz to Bingen and then again from about Aschaffenburg (east of Frankfurt) to Wuerzburg and Kitzingen. You will see Nuernberg either way, and the sections from Regensburg to Budapest has many more inestersting stretches.

The weather doesn't make much difference. Perhaps a bit more rainy and damp on the Cologne portion than south of Vienna. December is not the best time in Europe as far as weather goes.

dwzemens

We loved the Grand Circle trip we took last December, from Amsterdam to Basel. Ten nights on the Rhine, all inclusive, terrific trip. Here is the link to more info about it:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34851526

Please feel free to contact me at dwzemens AT comcast.net for any other questions you might have!

We loved Grand Circle.

- Dave

Underhill

I did the GCT Christmas Markets cruise from Vienna to Nuremberg and thought it terrific. The ship stopped at ports with smaller markets along the way, Passau (fine wood carvings) and Regensburg. So I'd definitely go with the Danube cruise, as there's also fine scenery along the way.

pef1234

TripPointer:

I take large groups every year on Grand Circles' 9-day 'Christmas Markets Along the Danube', from Vienna to Nüremberg. (70 people this year!) IMHO the Danube cruises are better in most all respects and my travelers agree. Grand Circle Travel does a fantastic job as I've learned through past experience with other companies.

I personally feel that the Christmas Markets you'll visit on the Danube cruises are better than those on the Rhine cruises. Although scenery isn't a big factor there is little doubt that the scenery along the Danube (Vienna/Nüremberg) is more appealing than along the Rhine/Main, Cologne to Nüremberg. Weather will be similar on either trip but you may possibly experience slightly better weather along the Danube.

If you haven't already checked into availability you should do so ASAP as most of these excursions are already sold out. If you would like to get onto one of GCT's cruises and have difficulty please Email me. I may be able to help.