Christmas Markets On The Rhine from $2,649

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine & fresh juice with breakfast
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail & Dinner
  • Internet & Wi-Fi access
  • Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news & music
  • Personalized service from a Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Fitness room, massage services & hair salon
  • Mini-fridge, desk & sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Christmas Markets On The Rhine

Experience an enchanting 7-night Christmas Rhine River cruise that takes you through the fabled Black Forest region and the Alsace region. You will also visit Heidelberg and Cologne, famous for its majestic Cathedral and bustling Christmas markets. Conclude your winter adventure in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s legendary canals and colorful holiday surroundings.

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. Cologne’s Christmas Market with its impressive Gothic cathedral backdrop; the “Capital of Noël,” Strasbourg, with its magnificent great Christmas tree; and Heidelberg’s Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town; are all timeless traditions handed down through the centuries. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

 

 

VIEW ITINERARY

BASEL TO AMSTERDAM or AMSTERDAM TO BASEL

*(Itinerary may be in reverse depending on embarkation date)

DAY 1
ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)

 

DAY 2
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, GERMANY

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 – RÜDESHEIM

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

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, FRANCE

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, SWITZERLAND

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 8
BASEL – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

 

Pricing & departures:

2020 Departures

Embark date From
Nov 22, 2020 $2,849
Nov 25, 2020 $3,099
Nov 30, 2020 $3,049
Dec 2, 2020 $2,799
Dec 16,  2020 $2,799
Dec 20, 21, 2020 $3,299

 

 

2021 Departures

Embark date From
Nov 25, 2021 $3,299
Nov 30; Dec 2, 2021 $3,399
Nov 30, 2021 $3,399
Dec 2, 7, 2021 $3,399
Dec 9, 13,, 2021 $3,399
Dec 16, 21, 30, 2021 $3,399

 

2022 Departures

Embark date From
Nov 29, 2022 $3,499
Dec 1, 2022 $3,499
Dec 6, 2022 $3,499
Dec 8, 2022 $3,499
Dec 13,, 2022 $3,399
Dec 20, 2022 $3,499

 

 

 

 

*Additional departure days are available; ask a Travel Team agent at 

1-800-788-0829 for details.Your Travel Team agent can easily add extra days or even cities to this package.

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Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.
Notes:
  • Cruise & Land only package, add airfare by asking a Travel Team Agent
  • Based on double occupancy
  • Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
  • We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
  • All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
  • Prices reflect cash discount
  • Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
  • Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
  • Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
  • UBI-600-307-872-WA