Trafalgar has opened bookings for its Christmas market river cruises for the 2026 and 2027 holiday seasons, offering festive sailings along Europe’s iconic Rhine and Danube rivers. The announcement gives travellers and advisors early access to popular seasonal departures.
According to Damien O’Connor, Vice President of River Cruise at Trafalgar, these itineraries are designed to bring travellers back to the true spirit of the holidays. The cruises focus on spending meaningful time together while enjoying Europe’s most celebrated Christmas markets.
O’Connor also noted that these sailings present a strong opportunity for travel advisors. By combining festive European traditions with Trafalgar’s signature service, the itineraries deliver a deeply immersive and memorable holiday experience.
Both the eight-day Rhine Christmas Markets and the eight-day Danube Christmas Markets cruises will launch their inaugural holiday voyages on November 25, 2026. Each journey will be hosted by Trafalgar Experience Directors alongside knowledgeable Local Specialists.
The Rhine Christmas Markets cruise will sail aboard the 128-guest Trafalgar Verity, travelling between Basel and Düsseldorf. Guests will visit classic Christmas market destinations such as Strasbourg, Cologne, and Basel, along with other historic towns.
A highlight of the Rhine itinerary is a “Be My Guest” experience in Rüdesheim, where travellers enjoy regional wines and local cuisine at the Breuer family’s traditional wine tavern. Prices start at $3,299 per person, based on double occupancy.
On the Danube, the Christmas Markets cruise will sail aboard the Trafalgar Reverie between Budapest and Passau. Stops include Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Passau, blending festive markets with cultural discovery.
Guests will explore Bratislava’s Cold War history through personal stories shared by a Local Specialist as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Another highlight includes a brewery visit at DOCK7 with its head brewers. Rates begin at $2,999 per person, double occupancy.
Trafalgar Christmas Market River Cruises Overview
| Itinerary | Ship | Route | Key Highlights | Starting Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhine Christmas Markets (8 days) | Trafalgar Verity | Basel – Düsseldorf / Düsseldorf – Basel | Strasbourg, Cologne, Rüdesheim wine experience | From $3,299 |
| Danube Christmas Markets (8 days) | Trafalgar Reverie | Budapest – Passau / Passau – Budapest | Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava history & brewery visit | From $2,999 |
