Dramatic rivers yielding to fairytale towns and iconic cities all come alive as you discover four countries along the storied Rhine and Moselle rivers at Europe’s most festive time of year. Grand Baroque palaces, whimsical gardens and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, provide lovers of enchantment, artists and architectures, historians and connoisseurs of fine wine, beer and food with the best these regions offer. Let your inner adventurer out as you hike through vineyards and bike along the rivers and take in the festive lights and decorations of the holiday season. Wander through the stalls of the Christmas Markets in postcard-perfect towns such as Freiburg, Bernkastel, Cochem and Colmar, located along the Alsatian Wine Route. Rejoice in the festivities of the season as you sail along the Rhine and Moselle in the magical wintertime!
Dramatic rivers yielding to fairytale towns and iconic cities all come alive as you discover four countries along the storied Rhine and Moselle rivers at Europe’s most festive time of year. Grand Baroque palaces, whimsical gardens and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, provide lovers of enchantment, artists and architectures, historians and connoisseurs of fine wine, beer and food with the best these regions offer. Let your inner adventurer out as you hike through vineyards and bike along the rivers and take in the festive lights and decorations of the holiday season. Wander through the stalls of the Christmas Markets in postcard-perfect towns such as Freiburg, Bernkastel, Cochem and Colmar, located along the Alsatian Wine Route. Rejoice in the festivities of the season as you sail along the Rhine and Moselle in the magical wintertime!
Rhine & Moselle Delights (Christmas)
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.
Board the ship for your Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Breisach | Colmar walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Freiburg excursion and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Breisach Wine Country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, renowned for its picturesque Old Town brimming with historic architecture, such as the restored 16th-century Mason Pfister with its octagonal turret, plus enjoy free time to visit the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Your time in Freiburg also includes time to browse the Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour and Christmas Markets |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Following your tour, you’ll have free time to visit the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg excursion and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Mannheim Baroque Palace |
|
| Rüdesheim | Evening wine tasting in Rüdesheim |
|
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 Germany’s Castle Road. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on a tour of the glorious Schwetzingen Baroque Palace. Or, you may decide to visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens with more than 100 sculptures and an assortment of whimsical buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and the most spectacular, the Türkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can or taste one of the town’s special delights, Riesling wine or Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with 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 Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of four excursions. Enjoy a whimsical visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, treating your senses to the delight of historic instruments, followed either by a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue or by a visit to the Christmas Markets. 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 | Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Sail to Bernkastel, located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the shores of the Moselle River, and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Moselle Valley | Scenic Cruising |
|
| Trier | “Rome of the North” tour |
|
| | OR “Ancient Tales of the Porta Nigra” |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise along the Moselle River to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a city tour why it has been called the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
Discover how the castle has been an integral part of the town’s history, and afterwards, go on a walking tour along Cochem’s narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses. For a more active excursion, hike to the castle or go on a biking tour along the Moselle River. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Cologne | Cologne Walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. Or taste the local flavor on a guided walk past the city’s iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats, tasting Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam cafe. (B,L,D)
**May be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour based on docking location
Day 11 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Zurich | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.
Day 2 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour and Christmas market |
|
Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)
Day 3 | Zurich | Transfer to Lake Lucerne and Lake Lucerne cruise |
|
| Lake Lucerne | Hotel check-in |
|
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lake Lucerne, where you’ll enjoy a scenic lake cruise before checking into your hotel. (B)
Day 4 | Lake Lucerne | Lake Lucerne walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
Lake Lucerne’s beauty and charm is unrivaled. You’ll discover this beauty on a walking tour, during which you will stop at the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)
Day 5 | Lake Lucerne | Depart Hotel |
|
Check out of your hotel and before boarding the ship, go on a highlights tour of Switzerland’s third largest city. (B,D)
Day 6 | Breisach | Colmar walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Freiburg excursion and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Breisach Wine Country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, renowned for its picturesque Old Town brimming with historic architecture, such as the restored 16th-century Mason Pfister with its octagonal turret, plus enjoy free time to visit the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Your time in Freiburg also includes time to browse the Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour and Christmas Markets |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Following your tour, you’ll have free time to visit the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg excursion and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Mannheim Baroque Palace |
|
| Rüdesheim | Evening wine tasting in Rüdesheim |
|
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 Germany’s Castle Road. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on a tour of the glorious Schwetzingen Baroque Palace. Or, you may decide to visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens with more than 100 sculptures and an assortment of whimsical buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and the most spectacular, the Türkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can or taste one of the town’s special delights, Riesling wine or Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with 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 Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of four excursions. Enjoy a whimsical visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, treating your senses to the delight of historic instruments, followed either by a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue or by a visit to the Christmas Markets. 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 | Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Sail to Bernkastel, located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the shores of the Moselle River, and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Moselle Valley | Scenic Cruising |
|
| Trier | “Rome of the North” tour |
|
| | OR “Ancient Tales of the Porta Nigra” |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise along the Moselle River to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a city tour why it has been called the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
Discover how the castle has been an integral part of the town’s history, and afterwards, go on a walking tour along Cochem’s narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses. For a more active excursion, hike to the castle or go on a biking tour along the Moselle River. (B,L,D)
Day 13 | Cologne | Cologne Walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. Or taste the local flavor on a guided walk past the city’s iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats, tasting Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam cafe. (B,L,D)
**May be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour based on docking location
Day 15 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home. (B)