Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Overview

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to Switzerlands glittery cities, Lucerne and Zurich, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the worlds most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glhwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the “Capital of Nol,” Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelbergs majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the worlds 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.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Amsterdam

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

Day 2 – Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and youll 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

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germanys 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 Europes 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 Colognes traditional Klsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmuspotato pancakes served with applesauce. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Rhine Gorge & Rudesheim

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rdesheim. Once in Rdesheim, 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 Rdesheims gondola. Later in the evening, you can visit Siegfrieds Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the towns special delights, Rdesheimer coffee. Youll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rdesheim Christmas market. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Ludwigshafen

You have the choice to explore two of Germanys 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 Europes longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the towns Christmas markets. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosophers Path. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germanys oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europea UNESCO World Heritage Site. Youll also have time to visit its Christmas market in front of the Old Mint (Alten Mnze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Strasbourg

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmrik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de lOrangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande le, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely La Petite France district, where you will see the Cathdrale de Ntre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the towns famous Christmas market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourgs different districts by bicycle. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Basel

Visit Basel, one of Switzerlands most cosmopolitan cities. On your walking tour, admire the citys 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 Rhne 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

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