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TERRAMOR BEYOND THE GATES | FALL 2026 9 Sharing some beautiful and peaceful photos from our 2025 Autumn trip to Hokkaido, Japan. Submitted by Toni Takeda Imagine celebrating the spirit of the holiday season on a European river cruise. It's truly the most wonderful and magical river cruises of the year. River cruise lines typically offer seven-night European holiday cruises, beginning in the middle of November and ending in early January. Traditional European Christmas Market river cruises are on a variety of European rivers, with stops in cities along those rivers. The most popular holiday river cruises are along the Danube River (Germany & Austria), Rhine River (Switzerland, France & Germany), Seine River (France), Belgian & Dutch Waterways and the Douro River (Portugal). Prague (Czech Republic) also offers popular and festive Christmas Markets. From the Danube River, taking a train or motorcoach is the best way to get to and from Prague. During the holiday season river cruise ships are decorated in all corners of the ship, delighting guests with Christmas trees, gingerbread houses and many beautiful holiday decorations. Onboard, guests will be able to participate in European holiday traditions, like cookie-making demonstrations and tree-trimming parties. Guests will be treated to holiday-themed entertainment by local musicians and dance troupes, plus there are daily holidays treats and beverages for guests to sample. Each day, guests are in a new destination, visiting Christmas Markets in local town squares, on cobblestone streets. The markets will range in size, with rows of stalls filled with local handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and holiday decorations. There are many delicious seasonal treats and beverages to enjoy, such as grilled sausages, large pretzels, roasted chestnuts, fresh-baked pastries & baguettes, chocolate treats, plus the Gluhwein (hot spiced wine) and local beers are a favorite. The enchanting European Christmas Markets embrace holiday traditions that date back 700 years. Visitors love discovering handmade crafts, foods, beverages, entertainment and music at these festivals. Evening visits to the Christmas Markets are not to be missed. They are magical, with many twinkling lights, plus all the stalls are lit up with festive holiday decor. As a community member of Terramor and an active travel advisor, please know that I started a group, Terramor Travelers. In December 2024, I escorted a group of Terramor Travelers on a Tauck "Christmas Markets Along the Danube" river cruise. These photos highlight our wonderful time together. Submitted by Nancy Ecker Ed Lackey onboard ms Savor - Ed truly was the life of the party onboard our ship and we hope this photo brings a smile to everyone Le to right: Leeann Woodru, Shari Gordon, Jan Wells, & Gayle Kahn around the Christmas tree onboard the Tauck Prague Christmas Market – Doreen Reel, eresa Marvulli, Henrietta Matteucci, Bob Hartmann & Pat Hartmann