Morris Murdock Escorted Tours

Christmas is always a magical time. But Christmas, with centuries old traditions in the land of Kris Kringle, is even more memorable. Rather than drive or train from town to town, we floated easily down the Danube on AmaWaterways Sonata. It was a relaxing and fun way to enjoy the Christmas festivities.

One of the best things about an AmaWaterways river cruise is the multiple offerings of complimentary shore excursions. Everyone an easily participate in the excursion that fits his or her interests and physical activity. There are always at least three complimentary excursions in each port for gentle walkers, regular goers and active enthusiasts. We walked with our guide up Castle Hill in Budapest, bused to the entrance of the magnificent Melk Abbey and bought a bratwurst at Europe’s oldest sausage store in Regensburg.

Perhaps the most celebrated Christmas markets in Europe is in Nuremberg, where we began. Sipping warm punch (or mulled wine if you prefer), we wandered from booth to booth. The intoxicating smell of pine warming fires, roasting chestnuts (yes, they roast them over an open fire just like the song) and sizzling bratwurst added to the party atmosphere.

Locals and tourists alike couldn’t resist mounds of perfectly decorated gingerbread and rainbow-colored confections, each more beautiful than the one before it. The appeal of these Christmas markets is the abundance of unique and mostly locally made products. Inside the grounds of a castle in Regensburg, I purchased alpaca ear muffs from German-raised alpacas.

Towns and cities decorate abundantly with live Christmas trees and city lights. One of my favorite things was hearing choirs and organists practicing for their Christmas programs in churches and cathedrals. We stopped in the small town of Mondsee on our return from Salzburg for their Christmas market. The wedding scene from the Sound of Music was filmed there in the lovely Basilica of St Michael. The Christmas market is held in the square in front and also in the cloister. The bonus for me was the sound of the magnificent organ played so skillfully by an organist rehearsing for Christmas mass.

After a day walking, shopping and sight-seeing, it’s great to be welcomed back on board with a warm drink, pleasant music and a wonderful dinner. Why not visit Europe a pleasant and easy way? AmaWaterways gave us an experience with fewer than 200 people, Christmas wreaths on every door and chocolate from St Nicklaus in shoes we left outside our stateroom door according to local custom. Europe is wonderful any time. Experiencing it at Christmas is a bonus. I’d love to answer questions and tell you about the cruise.