Coming to life with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters at the start of the holiday season. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste seasonal flavors such as glühwein, and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. From the majestic Swiss Alps to Amsterdam’s colorful canals, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive on board and on shore along the Rhine during this Festive Delights river cruise.
Coming to life with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters at the start of the holiday season. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste seasonal flavors such as the Christmas Market staple, glühwein, and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. From the majestic Swiss Alps to Amsterdam’s colorful canals, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive in select markets along the Rhine during this Taste of Christmas Markets cruise.
Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city.
Enchanting Rhine (Festive Delights)
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.
Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (D)
Day 2 | Breisach | Colmar excursion |
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| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
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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, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
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Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the 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. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
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| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike |
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| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
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| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
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Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
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| | OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour |
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| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
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| Lahnstein | Exclusive Burg Lahneck visit |
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Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. 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. If you prefer a more active adventure, 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 to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Monheim | Cologne walking tour |
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| | OR Full-day Cologne excursion*
*Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available. |
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| Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf walking tour |
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Monheim is your gateway to the nearby city of Cologne, where you may join 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. If you would like more time in Cologne, you may opt for a full-day excursion, which includes ample free time to explore independently. In the afternoon, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide.. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)
| | OR A Taste of Amsterdam**
**Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead. |
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Begin your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide to Amsterdam. During your afternoon in Amsterdam, you may embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D)
Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 8 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
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Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Day 1 | Zurich | Hotel check-in |
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Arrive in Zurich and check in to your hotel.
Day 2 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
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Set alongside a glistening lake and framed by the Alps, 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. 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, a mile-long street featuring exclusive fashion boutiques, stores and street cafés. (B)
Day 3 | Zurich | Transfer from Zurich |
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| Lucerne | Scenic Lake Lucerne cruise |
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Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lucerne, where you’ll enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. (B)
Day 4 | Lucerne | Lucerne City Tour & medieval city walls |
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Discover Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)
Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Upon arrival in Basel, enjoy a highlights tour of Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th century patrician homes. Then enjoy free time for lunch on your own before the drive to the ship. (B,D)
Day 6 | Breisach | Colmar excursion |
|
| | 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, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the 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. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Exclusive Burg Lahneck visit |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. 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. If you prefer a more active adventure, 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 to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Monheim | Cologne walking tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Cologne excursion*
*Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available. |
|
| Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf walking tour |
|
Monheim is your gateway to the nearby city of Cologne, where you may join 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. If you would like more time in Cologne, you may opt for a full-day excursion, which includes ample free time to explore independently. In the afternoon, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide.. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Utrecht | Walking Tour |
|
| | OR A Taste of Amsterdam**
**Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead. |
|
Begin your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide to Amsterdam. During your afternoon in Amsterdam, you may embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D)
Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 12 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
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Disembark from your ship, then enjoy a visit to Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. Later in the day, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 13 | Amsterdam | Walking tour |
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Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
Day 14 | Amsterdam | Return flight home |
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Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)