Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From Germany’s glittery cities to the iconic canals of Amsterdam, 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. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
Schöni Wiehnachte, Joyeux Noël, Froehliche Weihnachten and Zalig Kerstfeest—mean Merry Christmas in Swiss, French, German and Dutch, so get ready to hear these sincere greetings as you experience the deep-rooted traditions of the Christmas season in the most idyllic and historic settings. Brimming with seasonal spirit, cities and towns dazzle. Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, delights with fairytale half-timbered houses dressed in giant red-and-white hearts. Heidelberg with its romantic backdrop of a castle offers a warming glow of light along one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe. Zurich glitters even more with a spectacular 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals, and Gengenbach is the setting of the world's biggest Advent calendar. Join together with friends and loved ones, and do what the Europeans have been doing for centuries—gather at the timeless Christmas Markets, warm up with a mug of steamy vin chaud in France or glühwein in Germany, shop for one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasures and celebrate the true spirit of the season.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Wine Cruise)
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 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 |
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| | Gengenbach Advent Calendar |
|
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 walking 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 |
|
| | OR Philosopher's Path Hike |
|
| 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 Gondola ride and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Rüdesheim vineyards hike |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
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| Lahnstein | Exclusive Burg Lahneck Tour |
|
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 a unique tour of Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Christmas Market |
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| | OR Düsseldorf walking tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets |
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| Düsseldorf | OR Guided bike tour |
|
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 operate 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 | Zurich | Transfer to hotel |
|
Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.
Day 2 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour and Christmas Markets |
|
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 | Zurich | Transfer to Lake Lucerne |
|
| | “Queen of the Mountains” excursion |
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| Lake Lucerne | Lake Lucerne Cruise |
|
Begin your transfer to Lake Lucerne. As part of your included excursions, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains," on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Then, enjoy a scenic cruise 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 Markets |
|
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 Advent Calendar |
|
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 walking 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 |
|
| | OR Philosopher's Path Hike |
|
| 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 Gondola ride and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Rüdesheim vineyards hike |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Exclusive Burg Lahneck Tour |
|
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 a unique tour of Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Düsseldorf walking tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets |
|
| Düsseldorf | OR Guided bike tour |
|
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 operate depend on docking location.
Day 12 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.