Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and 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 Lake 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 inspired 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.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
At A Glance
On our river 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 | Düsseldorf | Scenic cruising |
|
| | Cologne walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Düsseldorf Walking Tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets |
|
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Wine Tasting and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Gondola Ride and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau and Christmas Markets |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg Tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path Hike and Christmas Markets |
|
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 followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or 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 | Strasbourg City Tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | Gengenbach Christmas Markets Tour |
|
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. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Breisach | Colmar Excursion and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Freiburg Excursion and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach’s countryside. (B,L,D)
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Board your ship in Basel for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (B)
Day 2 | Breisach | Colmar Excursion and Christmas markets |
|
| | OR Freiburg Excursion & Christmas markets |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. 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 3 | Strasbourg | Strasbourg city tour and Christmas markets |
|
| | Gengenbach Christmas Market Tour |
|
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 4 | Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets |
|
| Rüdesheim | Rüdesheimer wine tasting |
|
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along German’s Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets. Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village’s sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Gondola ride |
|
| | OR Rüdesheim vineyards hike |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Cruise the castles of the Rhine Gorge |
|
| Lahnstein | Exclusive Burg Lahneck visit |
|
Visit Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards or soar high above the town by gondola and later enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take an exclusive tour of Burg Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Düsseldorf | Cologne walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Düsseldorf walking tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets |
|
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Amsterdam | Scenic Cruising into Amsterdam |
|
Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B,L,D)
*Please note an alternative tour will depend on docking location.
Day 8 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
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 | Düsseldorf | Scenic cruising |
|
| | Cologne walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Düsseldorf Walking Tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets |
|
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Wine Tasting and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Gondola Ride and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau and Christmas Markets |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg Tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path Hike and Christmas Markets |
|
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 followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or 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 | Strasbourg City Tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | Gengenbach Christmas Markets Tour |
|
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. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Breisach | Colmar Excursion and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Freiburg Excursion and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach’s countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Basel | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Lake Lucerne | Lake Lucerne Walking Tour |
|
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 11 | Lake Lucerne | Lion Monument and Medieval City Walls |
|
Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. (B)
Day 12 | Lake Lucerne | Lake Lucerne Cruise and Scenic Drive to Zurich |
|
Check out of your hotel and, before transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Once in Zurich, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 13 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
|
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 and Christmas market |
|
Join a walking tour of Zurich and experience the magic of the city dressed in her holiday
best. You’ll 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 | Lake Lucerne | Transfer to Lake Lucerne & Lake Lucerne Cruise |
|
Enjoy a scenic cruise from Vitznau across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. While cruising, enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery, marked by steep Alpine peaks, sloped forests and fertile meadows and valleys beyond. From there, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 4 | Lake Lucerne | Lake Lucerne walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
Enjoy a walking tour of Lake Lucerne. Small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and frescoed buildings typify the city. Afterwards, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem while wandering through its Christmas market, located at the Franziskanerplatz, and enjoy a mug of holiday cheer, glühwein. (B)
Day 5 | Lake Lucerne | Basel Transfer & Basel City Tour |
|
Transfer to Basel by motorcoach and then go on a highlights tour of the city before boarding your ship for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (B)
Day 6 | Breisach | Colmar Excursion and Christmas markets |
|
| | OR Freiburg Excursion & Christmas markets |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. 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 7 | Strasbourg | Strasbourg city tour and Christmas markets |
|
| | Gengenbach Christmas Market Tour |
|
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 8 | Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets |
|
| Rüdesheim | Rüdesheimer wine tasting |
|
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along German’s Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets. Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village’s sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Gondola ride |
|
| | OR Rüdesheim vineyards hike |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Cruise the castles of the Rhine Gorge |
|
| Lahnstein | Exclusive Burg Lahneck visit |
|
Visit Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards or soar high above the town by gondola and later enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take an exclusive tour of Burg Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Düsseldorf | Cologne walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Düsseldorf walking tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets |
|
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Amsterdam | Scenic Cruising into Amsterdam |
|
Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B,L,D)
*Please note an alternative tour will depend on docking location.
Day 12 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.