Steam rises in plumes, roaring from fissures in rocks, while around me, pools of mud bubble. The hillsides are rusted with iron ore, and dark storm clouds echo the colours of the dark-coloured earth.

Christmas on the Danube 8 days/7 nights from £2,399pp December 2025 and December 2026 Celebrate the season with seven festive tours that include Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and either Salzburg or Li

David Ross takes delivery of Europe’s first Schaefer V44

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Visiting a festive market while on a cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the season. With plenty of time left to book, here’s a guide to our favourites

SAIL THROUGH THE HEART OF VENICE WITH ONE OF THE ONLY LUXURY CRUISE LINES PERMITTED INSIDE, AND ENJOY AFTER-HOURS ACCESS TO ICONIC LANDMARKS