Carefully planned itineraries from Vienna to Nuremberg (or reverse) allow passengers to experience a truly traditional holiday season as they sip gluhwein (hot mulled wine), nibble on lebkuchen (gingerbread) and browse the legendary Christmas Markets, some of which have been in operation since the 15th century. These traditional markets feature handcrafted European toys, crafts and metalwork as well as a tasty assortment of holiday treats.

Christmas Markets are featured on sailings embarking on November 22, 23, 29, 30 as well as December 6, 7, 13, 14, 21 and 28. Low round-trip airfare, including transfers, can be added to create a complete vacation package.

Viking River Cruises (vikingrivercruises.com) is the leader in European river cruising, offering fine food, quality service and comfortable scenic cruising along the world�s most majestic rivers. Condé Nast Traveler ranked the company in the top 10 among the world�s leading small cruise lines in its 2002 annual reader�s choice awards issue. Since its 1997 inception, Viking River Cruises purchased KD River Cruises and has grown its fleet to 23 vessels and expanded its itineraries to include sailings in Ukraine and China. Viking River Cruises continues to provide travelers a unique and affordable vacation experience. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises toll-free at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546) or visit the company�s website.

For more information, contact Jeanette Chin or Kathy Hernandez, YPB&R, 407-875-1111, Jeanette_Chin@ypbr.com or Kathy_Hernandez@ypbr.com. Alternate contact is Julie Rosoff, Viking River Cruises, 818-227-1234 Ext. 305, Julie@vikingrivers.com.