Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to Switzerland’s glittery cities, Lucerne and Zurich, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to Switzerland’s glittery cities, Lucerne and Zurich, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
COUNTRIES:
France, Germany, Netherlands, SwitzerlandFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
RIVERS:
Rhine
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
At A Glance
On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)
| Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
| | Scenic cruising out of 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 | “Holy City” tour with cathedral and Christmas Market |
|
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 | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour |
|
| Rüdesheim | Christmas Market |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have four choices of 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. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola. Later in the evening, 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 | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path hike |
|
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. Or hike along the Neckar
River on the historic Philosopher’s Path. 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 | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour and Christmas Market |
|
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. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Basel | Basel City Tour |
|
| Breisach | Lucerne Excursion |
|
Visit Basel, one of Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan cities. On your walking tour, admire the city’s 40 museums, a picturesque Old Town and richly decorated Market Square and a 500-year-old Rathaus (town hall). Alternatively, those wishing a more active excursion will want to bike along the Rhône River. Explore whimsical Lucerne, situated where the Reuss River flows into Lake Lucerne, where you can admire its small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and frescoed buildings. (B,L,D)
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Embark the ship in Basel. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Breisach | Riquewihr walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Freiburg excursion with Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
| | OR Black Forest excursion |
|
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 historical 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; or go on an excursion to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles and quaint towns. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour and Christmas Market |
|
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 countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour and Christmas Market |
|
| Rüdesheim | OR Rüdesheimer Wine tasting |
|
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). Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can taste local wine or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum & Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Rüdesheim Vineyards Hike |
|
| | OR Gondola ride & Christmas Markets |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Burg Lahneck Tour |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of excursions. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg; or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Cologne | “Holy City” tour with cathedral and Christmas Market |
|
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 and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise and city tour |
|
Begin your discovery of Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise, followed by a walking tour to the Begijnhof, known for its historic Middle Ages building and concluding with a panoramic city tour that includes the Royal Palace and Westerkerk. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
| Day 2 | Amsterdam | Walking tour |
|
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
| Day 3 | Amsterdam | Zaanse Schans visit |
|
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)
| Day 4 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
| | Scenic cruising out of 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 5 | Cologne | “Holy City” tour with cathedral and Christmas Market |
|
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 6 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour |
|
| Rüdesheim | Christmas Market |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have four choices of 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. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola. Later in the evening, 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 7 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path hike |
|
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. Or hike along the Neckar
River on the historic Philosopher’s Path. 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 8 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour and Christmas Market |
|
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. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Basel | Basel City Tour |
|
| Breisach | Lucerne Excursion |
|
Visit Basel, one of Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan cities. On your walking tour, admire the city’s 40 museums, a picturesque Old Town and richly decorated Market Square and a 500-year-old Rathaus (town hall). Alternatively, those wishing a more active excursion will want to bike along the Rhône River. Explore whimsical Lucerne, situated where the Reuss River flows into Lake Lucerne, where you can admire its small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and frescoed buildings. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Basel | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lucerne, visit the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
| Day 11 | Lucerne | Lucerne City Tour & medieval city walls |
|
Discover Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes
the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. (B)
| Day 12 | Lucerne | Transfer to Zurich |
|
Check out of your hotel and transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, traveling past scenic landscapes and Alpine lakes. Once in Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise before checking into your hotel. (B)
| Day 13 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour and Christmas Market |
|
Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. (B)
| Day 14 | Zurich | Return flight home |
|
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Zurich | Transfer to hotel |
|
Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
|
Set alongside a gleaming lake and framed by the Alps, Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. See Grossmünster Abbey; St. Peter, which boasts the world’s largest church clock face; Old Town; Town Hall; and Fraumünster Abbey. Experience the magic of Zurich dressed in her holiday best. Visit Zurich’s Christmas Markets, including the largest indoor Christmas Market in Europe located in Zurich's Main Train Station. An absolute highlight is a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. (B)
| Day 3 | Lucerne | Scenic drive to Vitznau |
|
| Vitznau | Scenic Lake Lucerne cruise |
|
Check out of your hotel for a scenic drive past three lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Afterwards, check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 4 | Lucerne | Walking tour, Lion Monument, the medieval city walls and Christmas
Markets |
|
Take a walking tour of Lucerne soaking up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem. The iconic Lion Monument, which you’ll visit was sculpted in memory for the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. It has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries, including Mark Twain who praised it as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. Located around the Musegg Wall area, the towers rise high over the city, giving great panoramic views of Lucerne, the Reuss River and the surrounding mountain scenery. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. Afterwards, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem wandering through its Christmas Market located at the Franziskanerplatz and enjoy the festive atmosphere with a mug of holiday cheer, glühwein. (B)
| Day 5 | Lucerne | Transfer to Basel |
|
Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Before boarding the ship, you’ll go on a highlights tour of the city. One of Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan cities, Basel is home to 40 museums (the highest concentration in the nation), a picturesque Old Town and richly decorated Market Square, a 500-year-old Rathaus (town hall) and Switzerland’s oldest zoo (built in 1870 and home to 600 animal species and exotic flora). (B,D)
| Day 6 | Breisach | Riquewihr walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Freiburg excursion with Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
| | OR Black Forest excursion |
|
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 historical 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; or go on an excursion to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles and quaint towns. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour and Christmas Market |
|
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 countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour and Christmas Market |
|
| Rüdesheim | OR Rüdesheimer Wine tasting |
|
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). Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can taste local wine or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum & Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Rüdesheim Vineyards Hike |
|
| | OR Gondola ride & Christmas Markets |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Burg Lahneck Tour |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of excursions. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg; or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Cologne | “Holy City” tour with cathedral and Christmas Market |
|
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 and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise and city tour |
|
Begin your discovery of Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise, followed by a walking tour to the Begijnhof, known for its historic Middle Ages building and concluding with a panoramic city tour that includes the Royal Palace and Westerkerk. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)