Christmas Markets on the Rhine

About This Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cologne, Germany; Rhine Gorge, Germany; Rüdesheim, Germany; Mannheim, Germany; Heidelberg, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Breisach, France; Basel, Switzerland

Included:

• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
• Computer for internet access
• Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
• Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
• Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
• All onboard dining in a variety of venues
• Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
• The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
• Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
• La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
• Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
• Immersive tours in every destination
• Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
• Bike tours and hikes
• Special Interest Tours
• Knowledgeable guides
• Personal headset for easy exploration

Air Options

While we have no specific air deals on this cruise, please call 1-888-868-6871 if you would like us to assist with your airfare.

Not included:

• Airfare
• Port Charges
• Tips and Gratuities
• Travel Insurance

Itinerary

Day 1, ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)

Day 2, AMSTERDAM

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 3, COLOGNE, GERMANY

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce. (B,L,D)

Day 4, RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have three choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting or go on a hike through the vineyards. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market.(B,L,D)

Day 5,LUDWIGSHAFEN

You have the choice to explore two of Germany’s historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).(B,L,D)

Day 6, STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where, every year, the locals count down to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Day 7, BREISACH, GERMANY

Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture, as well as famous sights such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)

Day 8, BASEL – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Excursions for The Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise

All excursions are included. Please see Itinerary.

Pre/Post-Cruise Options

2-Nights Amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights Lucerne, 2 nights Zurich post-cruise. Please call 1 888 868-6871 for details.

The Enchanting Rhine Cruise links well with our Untours in Holland - Leiden, Swiss - Heartland, Swiss - Oberland

There may be a few gap days between cruise and Untour. Inquire for details.

Not finding the date, cabin or price you are looking for? Call us at 1-888-868-6871; for some cruises and adventures, availability changes regularly.

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