From lights to Bratwurst, Grand Circle associates share favorite Holiday Cruise memories
As I mentioned in my journal, the Christmas markets (also known as Christkindlmarkt or Weihnachtsmarkt) in Europe are a true treat for all of the senses. Originating in Germany and Austria to celebrate the Advent season, these holiday festivals are now celebrated in many different countries. The markets were traditionally the epicenter for all of your holiday needs—decorations, pastries, clothes, and even gifts. Today, visitors can find local crafts, traditional delicacies, and live holiday entertainment ranging from the religious to the humorous.
I’ve asked our Grand Circle associates to share with me their own experiences on our Holiday River Cruises. Here, they’ve disclosed their favorite memories from our Christmastime on the Seine and Christmas Markets along the Danube River Cruises.
Eating My Way Through Regensburg
By Matthew Penchuk, Senior Renewal Specialist
With Grand Circle since 2004
Matt takes a moment to enjoy the delicious bratwurst at Historische Wurstküche—thought to be the oldest restaurant in Germany.
One of my favorite stops during my Christmas Markets along the Danube River Cruise was Regensburg, Germany. There was no shortage of delicious treats to devour during my stay—including a visit to Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), said to be the oldest fast food joint in Germany. The bratwurst was amazing! Today, locals and visitors head to this restaurant—which grills up more than 100,000 sausages (or Wurst) a day.
Choose your favorite kind of Wurst from local vendors at the Christkindlmarkt.
I also quickly realized that Germans like all kinds of cased meat—as evidenced by the festively designed sausages (pictured).
The great architecture (including some buildings as old as 2,000 years!) is still in use today. Other highlights of my visit to Regensburg included the tremendous Regensburg Boys Choir concert and Thurn and Taxis Nighttime Christkindlmarkt. Whether you are looking for tasty treats or festive entertainment—this market is not to be missed!
This holiday tree—and many others like it—illuminates department stores around Paris.
The "City of Lights" All Lit Up
By Dave Lubchansky, Director of Community Relations
With Grand Circle since 1990
I traveled on Christmastime on the Seine last year with the goal to see the “City of Lights” really lit up. And I wasn’t disappointed in the least! Highlights of my trip included seeing the beautiful and exquisite department stores, like Printemps, decorated for the holidays! Each and every holiday display had one amazing detail after another.
Paris is beautiful at any time of the year, and as they say … “You can never have too much Paris!”
Remembering Dad During the Holidays
Vinette DiGregorio, Director of Product Marketing
With Grand Circle since 1992
Grand Circle colleagues Katie Palmer and Maria Mastrocola joined Vinette on her River Cruise in France.
Last November, my Mom and I decided to travel during Thanksgiving on a River Cruise in France. Since it would be the first Thanksgiving we would be celebrating without my dad, we thought doing something entirely different than the usual Thanksgiving traditions would ease our sadness a bit.
As it turned out, once other members of our family heard what we were up to, they asked if they could come along! My dad's sister and her husband flew in from California to join us—along with another aunt, two cousins, and three family friends from the Boston area who knew my dad very well (and had traveled with him in the past).
My two dear friends and fellow colleagues at Grand Circle, Katie Palmer and Maria Mastrocola, convinced their parents to join us as well, so what started out as a rather somber reason to go on a River Cruise, turned into a great week spent with friends and family. We all carried memories of my dad with us on that cruise—and one year later, Katie, Maria, and I are still talking about the wonderful time and all of the laughs we shared!
Raising a Glass at the Holiday Markets
By Michael Moseman, Director of Web Marketing
With Grand Circle since 2005
Melk Abbey, located high above the city, overlooking the Danube in Lower Austria.
While traveling on the Christmas Markets along the Danube River Cruise, I was able to visit Melk Abbey—home to one of the most magnificent libraries I have ever seen with over 70,000 books and manuscripts. The views of Melk from high above the cliffs are nothing short of spectacular.
I was also surprised by how the holiday markets transform into the social centers of each town as the day passes into evening. Here, it becomes less about buying and selling goods and more about the camaraderie and friendship shared over food and drink—and the explosion of lights!
Delve deeper into how others celebrate the season and many more holiday traditions in Germany, France, and the Netherlands on one of our Holiday River Cruises.