Winter Cruises Offer Christmas Markets and Mediterranean Voyages
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Israeli travel companies are offering winter cruises featuring European Christmas markets along rivers like the Rhine and Danube, as well as longer Mediterranean voyages from Haifa to Greece, Italy, and Malta. Options range from short weekend trips to Cyprus to 11-night itineraries, with prices varying based on duration and destination.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Winter cruises offer European Christmas market tours and Mediterranean voyages.
- Gordon Tourism Group specializes in Rhine and Danube river Christmas market cruises.
- Mano Shipping operates longer Mediterranean cruises from Haifa during winter.
- Family-focused Hanukkah cruise includes Dutch attractions and Efteling park.
- Cruise prices range from approximately 370 euros to over 2,900 euros.
Despite falling temperatures, the cruise season is extending into winter, offering Israelis various sea and river voyage options. Gordon Tourism Group is focusing on winter river cruises, particularly those visiting European Christmas markets along the Rhine and Danube rivers. These itineraries include routes connecting Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, as well as German cities and the Alsace region. River cruises provide direct access to city centers, allowing passengers to experience the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets, complete with decorations, food stalls, and mulled wine, without the need to change hotels or repack frequently.
Gordon Tourism is also operating a family-oriented river cruise on the Rhine during the Hanukkah holiday, from December 5-10, 2026. This five-night trip includes visits to Cologne, the Madurodam miniature park, the Euromast in Rotterdam, Zaanse Schans, A'DAM Lookout, and the THIS IS HOLLAND experience, plus a full day at the Efteling theme park. Prices for a 7-day, all-inclusive Christmas cruise start at 2,929 euros per person for a single room, while the 6-day family cruise starts at 2,935 euros per person for a single room.
Meanwhile, Mano Shipping continues its winter operations from Haifa with the "Crown Iris" ship, offering longer voyages to Greece, Italy, and Malta. An upcoming seven-night cruise departing October 29 will visit Kos, Piraeus-Athens, Nafplio, and Syros, starting at 766 euros per person in a double room. An 11-night cruise on November 29 will sail to Kalamata and Crete in Greece, Palermo and Catania in Sicily, and Valletta in Malta, with prices beginning at 1,132 euros per person in a double room.
Two more seven-night cruises are scheduled for December: one to Syros, Volos, and Piraeus-Athens with an overnight stay on December 20, and a New Year's Eve cruise on a similar route departing December 27. Both start at 716 euros per person in a double room. Shorter options include three-night weekend cruises to Cyprus from 370 euros per person and four-night cruises to Rhodes and Heraklion starting around 452 euros per person. These winter offerings provide alternatives to traditional summer destinations, featuring European Christmas markets and extended Mediterranean itineraries, some of which do not require flying to the departure port.
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