Seasonal delights 

This winter, whether you’re a festive fiend or a seasonal scrooge, those looking for a different way to celebrate the festive period this winter need look no further than Tauck – the world’s leading escorted travel and river cruise company. For those in the Christmas spirit, Tauck offers two eight-day Christmas river cruises along the Rhine and Danube, taking in some of Europe’s renowned Christmas markets in Germany, France and Austria. As part of these special tours, guests can enjoy traditional stollen workshops, private palace and abbey tours, storytelling and shopping tips from experienced expert guides, as well as carol singers, gingerbread house decorating workshops and plenty of mulled wine available on board! Those wanting to swap the Christmas frenzy and winter cold for something more exotic can venture further afield with a trip to Cuba soaking up a crafts market and cigar factory, or an exhilarating safari in two of the most sought-after private game reserves in South Africa. Whatever makes your holiday wish list this Christmas, Tauck has got you covered.

Tauck’s Christmas Markets Along the Rhine eight-day itinerary offers guests the chance to capture all the magic of Christmas in Germany and France, starting in Cologne and finishing in Basel, home to the largest Christmas market in Switzerland. These seasonal Rhine river cruises depart on 26^th November 2017 and 10^th December 2017 (aboard ms Grace), and 3^rd December 2017 (aboard msInspire). Guests can also choose to enjoy this cruise in reverse order, departing northbound. During the trip, guests will visit the old town of Heidelberg Altstadt in Germany and the striking historic Heidelberg castle, before enjoying a traditional regional lunch. They will also have the chance to participate in a cookie-making demonstration in Rudesheim, learn how to make traditional German Christmas treats like lebkuchen and stollen, and find out more about Strasbourg’s storytelling traditions. Prices from £2,230 per person, excluding airfare.

Tauck’s Christmas Markets Along the Danube eight-day river cruise takes guests eastward from the enchanting Nürnberg in Germany to Austria’s capital, Vienna, departing on 10^th December 2017 (aboard ms Savor). A reverse westbound itinerary is also available, departing on 3^rd December 2017 (aboard ms Savor) and on 10^th December 2017 (aboard ms Joy). Guests will have many memorable moments to take away with them, as they explore the palace of Germany’s well-known noble family, Thurn und Taxis, watch a performance by the alumni of the Regensburger Domspatzen choir aboard the riverboat, as well as enjoying a guided visit to Austria’s Baroque Melk Abbey, and a private tour of Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, taking in a visit to its private Christmas market. Prices from £2,440 per person, excluding airfare.

The Christmas atmosphere that guests enjoy on land will continue onboard, as each Tauck Christmas market river cruise has its own special holiday touches. Festooned with seasonal decorations, each cruise will host carol singers and gingerbread house decorating workshops, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy seasonal treats such as Glühwein, traditional mulled wine, and so much more. As with all Tauck’s river cruises, these Christmas market cruises are virtually all-inclusive, with all gratuities, meals, shore excursions, unlimited onboard beer, wine and premium spirits, airport transfers and more included in the cruise price, allowing guests to celebrate this special time of year in true style!

For travellers seeking a different experience this Christmas in warmer climates, Tauck offers a variety of land itineraries in more exotic, off-the-beaten track locations throughout December. From a visit to a Cuban cigar factory outside Havana, to a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the following itineraries offer guests bucket list travel experiences to enjoy this holiday season:

• Tauck’s seven-day, Havana-based Cuba: Connecting with People and Culture itinerary immerses travellers in the rich Cuban culture from arts and history, to architecture and agriculture. Highlights include an authentic ropa vieja cooking class, a visit to Havana’s bustling San José crafts market, a trip to Ernest Hemingway’s winter home where he resided from 1939 to 1960, and much more. Departures are available on the 7^th, 21^st, 27^th and 28^thDecember 2017. Prices from £3,790 per person, excluding airfare.

• Tauck’s 12-day South Africa: An Elegant Adventure brings adventure seekers to two of the most sought-after private game reserves, Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where guests can hope to catch a glimpse of leopards, lions, elephants, and zebras. Guests on this trip will also visit Cape Town and Table Mountain, experience the grandeur of Victoria Falls, and get a taste of the Cape Winelands. Available departures on 1^st & 15^thDecember 2017. Prices from £5,590 per person, including on-tour air (international flights not included).

This winter, Tauck invites guests to embrace the festive season and be merry on a twinkling river cruise, exploring some of the best European Christmas markets in the world. Alternatively, escape the consumer chaos and cold weather, and embark on a once in a lifetime land adventure with your loved ones.

For reservations and more information please visit www.tauck.co.uk