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.
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 (Taste of 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.
Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (D)
Day 2 | 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 to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)
*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.
Day 3 | 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 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. 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 |
|
| | 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 5 | Rüdesheim | Wine Tasting |
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| | OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Exclusive festive celebration |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. 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 an exclusive festive celebration. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cologne | "Holy City" walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the 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. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. 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 7 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise tour |
|
Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jordaan tour. (B,L,D)
*Depending on docking location, Jordaan Tour may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 8 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Day 1 | Zurich | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Zurich and check in to your hotel.
Day 2 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
|
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 |
|
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 visit the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Later, head to Basel. Before boarding the ship, you’ll go on a highlights tour of the city. (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 to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)
*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.
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 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. 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 | Wine Tasting |
|
| | OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Exclusive festive celebration |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. 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 an exclusive festive celebration. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Cologne | "Holy City" walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the 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. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. 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 11 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise tour |
|
Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jordaan tour. (B,L,D)
*Depending on docking location, Jordaan Tour may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 12 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)