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Christmas Markets Along the Rhine

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Visits to Christmas Markets in Rüdesheim, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and Strasbourg*

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors & Tauck Cruise Director

All private Tauck shore excursions – $1,536 Value!

Walking tours of market cities and towns with local guides

Visits to Old Town Heidelberg and historic Heidelberger Schlöss (Heidelberg Castle)

* Please note: Operating dates for the Christmas Markets could be subject to change; every effort will be made to visit as scheduled.

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

Travel along the Rhine for the holiday season, from Basel to Köln and Düsseldorf aboard ms Inspire,  both perfect ways to capture all the magic of Christmas Markets in Germany and France.

Old world europe – rhine river cruises, siegfried's magical music machines, discovering siegfried's whimsical musical legacy in rüdesheim.

Housed in a centuries-old castle in the charming Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim, Siegfried's Mechanisches Musikkabinett really must be seen – and heard – to be believed. It's the legacy of the late Siegfried Wendel, who founded his first museum dedicated to antique self-playing musical instruments in the 1970s. The current Musikkabinett in the 14th-century Brömserhof display's Siegfried's mesmerizing collection of mechanized musical clocks, player pianos, fairground organs, self-playing violins and many more... including the world's largest automated doll orchestra!

After several land tours with Tauck, this was our first on one of their riverboats. Even with our very high expectations, this trip exceeded them by a wide margin!

Tauck Traveler Review

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Ship Specifications

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Northbound: Basel → Dusseldorf

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Southbound: Dusseldorf → Basel

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a  passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Germany, France and Switzerland. You are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this cruise.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries we visit on this cruise to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and inform us at time of booking.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally , no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to Germany, France or Switzerland. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Info Center at 800-232-4636/800-CDC-INFO (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally ,  please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries we visit on this tour to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

While a cruise on the Rhine is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the cruise has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our visits to the Christmas markets, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator runs between the Diamond, Ruby and Emerald decks. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency, we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking (including e-Cigarettes) is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate in December along the Rhine is seasonably cold. The average high and low temperatures are 42/33 °F (6/1 °C). The amount of precipitation is approximately 1.8 in (45.72 mm).

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa. gov, by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A coat and sweater for the sun deck and touring is also recommended. Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps. For the welcome and farewell dinners, you may wish to dress more formally – jacket and tie for men, casually elegant attire for ladies (not required).

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each cabin on board the riverboat.

The riverboat provides limited valet laundry services but no dry cleaning. Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. Ironing facilities are available by request to the front desk. Category 7 cabins feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise on the Rhine:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
• Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
• Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Slacks and jeans
• Medium-weight socks
• Medium-weight sweater
• Winter coat
• Raincoat and rain hat
• Lightweight gloves
• Collapsible umbrella
• Sun protection
• Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film and/or memory cards
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Travel clock with alarm
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your cabin while traveling

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Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Ports of call include: Basel | Breisach | Kehl | Mannheim | Koblenz | Cologne | Amsterdam

Cruise Details

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Basel, Switzerland Welcome to Switzerland. You will be met at the airport by an Emerald Waterways representative and transferred to your luxurious Star-Ship in Basel, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

2 Breisach Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the black Germany’s Black Forest and witness the cultural charm of the region known for its thick forests, ravines, lakes, cuckoo clocks and traditional costumes. Alternatively, embark on a guided active walk through the Black Forest region, weaving through the woodland and admiring the lush canopy of evergreens.

3 Kehl / Strasbourg This morning, we will dock in Kehl and you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace Region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the Grande Île, the historical centre of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that is known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings and charming canal system. After your guided tour of Strasbourg, you will have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets.

4 Mannheim / Heidelberg This morning, relax on board as we cruise along the Rhine River, passing Mannheim on our way to Heidelberg. The streets of Mannheim are laid out in a traditional grid system, which is why it is also known as the “City of Squares”. Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes a wine tasting, and a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Rhine River and a red-roofed skyline. Some of the most successful painters of the Romantic era drew inspiration from Heidelberg Castle, including British artist William Turner, who depicted images of the ruins in several of his paintings. Afterwards, stroll down the cobbled streets of the old town, touching on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany.

5 Koblenz Today, we will take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city that looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a German fairytale. Enjoy a picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets. Your tour will include the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle at the German Corner and idyllic panoramic views of the Rhine from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

6 Cologne Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your guided tour of the city, you will have the opportunity to explore independently, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.

7 Amsterdam, Netherlands After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and emerald canopies with you. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

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Christmas on the Rhine River Cruise

Christmas on the rhine.

8 days from only $3,049pp

Price Includes

• Useful Info

Ships Available

The price you see is the price you pay

• Discover the historic city of Koblenz through its patchwork of cobbled streets and wander the promenade of Boppard on our guided tours.
• Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim, the perfect chocolate box setting for a Christmas atmosphere.
• Explore the historic city of Speyer with its breathtaking Imperial Cathedral and the charming old town of Strasbourg, visiting the Petite France quarter, the famous covered bridged, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and The Great Christmas Tree.
• Explore Cologne, where Christmas creates an unforgettable atmosphere through the streets.
• Enjoy Glühwein and Stollen, an excellent Christmas Gala dinner, a violin duo performance and a Rhenish folklore show on board our festively decorated ship.

Get ready to embark on a delightful journey through serene villages, charming riverside towns with twinkling lights.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the festive Yuletide markets. Embrace the captivating traditions of a German Christmas, where you can indulge in a lavish gala dinner to commemorate the joyous occasion of Christmas Day. As you sail through the remarkable Main-Danube Canal, prepare to uncover hidden medieval gems along the fabled Romantic Road, and savour the unparalleled beauty of Germany's renowned winemaking regions.

This holiday is ideal for the traveler looking to do something truly unique for the festive period.

Your Itinerary

• DAY 1 Embark in Cologne
• DAY 2 Koblenz
• DAY 3 Rüdesheim
• DAY 4 Speyer
• DAY 5 Strasbourg
• DAY 6 Boppard
• DAY 7 Cologne
• DAY 8 Disembark in Cologne

Embark in Cologne

Fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels. On arrival, transfer by coach to your cruise ship moored in the heart of picturesque Cologne. The city will look quite magnificent at this very special time of year, with fairy lights twinkling along the harbourside and the monumental Christmas tree standing proudly against a historic backdrop.

The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you aboard your first-class floating hotel, ensuring you settle into your luxurious, well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship. Marvel at the elegant décor at every turn: lush garlands, baubles in jewelled tones and a grandiose Christmas tree.

Cruise towards Koblenz

To really get in the Christmas mood, nothing beats waking up on board to find you’re already cruising through an entrancing winter wonderland. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and relax while a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their seasonal glory. 

The festive period is a magical time to visit this picturesque part of Germany, and no country does it better. The historic Yuletide markets here are the ideal places to soak up the spellbinding atmosphere while seeking out unusual presents for friends and family back home.

After lunch on board we arrive in the historic city of Koblenz. Strategically situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, this 2,000-year-old city with its mighty fortress towering above, is full of appeal. Forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, whilst the lower slopes are strewn with the pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland.

Koblenz is also known for the Deutches Eck, translating as German Corner, a point between the Rhine and Moselle with a spectacular view.  Enjoy a guided tour, seeing the principal monuments, discovering ancient squares, admiring beautifully restored historic house frontages and quaint hidden passageways.

Located in the atmospheric old town, Koblenz’s Christmas market is one of the largest in the Rhineland. As you browse its enticing stalls, the aroma of hot chestnuts and mouth-watering sausages fills the air; don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas bakery, making the famous Stollen – the delicious bread made with candied and dried fruit, nuts and marzipan, traditionally eaten at this time of year.

As the Christmas lights glow brighter in the cool evening air, it’s time to head back to the inviting warmth of the ship’s lounge for welcome cocktails and canapés before a delicious dinner and a festive folklore show.

Included experiences:

Guided tour of Koblenz, visit to the Christmas market & festive folklore show.

Rhine Gorge

During breakfast the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence a spectacular morning’s cruising, sailing upstream. One of the cruise highlights will be our passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge; wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air as we pass through the outstandingly beautiful scenery, where the river flows a little faster, the vineyard-covered valley sides are steeper and ruined castles sit atop rocky crags. Here where the swifter current sweeps between the narrowing valley sides that tower above, the river twists and turns towards the famous Loreley Rock, where legend has it, unsuspecting sailors were lured to their deaths by enchanting maidens.

After lunch on board, we arrive in Rüdesheim. If you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it. Narrow crooked streets lead down to the sweeping river, providing the perfect chocolate box setting for this festive time. As you wander, stop perhaps for a slice of gingerbread or a warming Rüdesheim coffee with its fortifying shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas shop: it’s a treasure trove of all things seasonal, from tree decorations and music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and handcrafted figurines. Rüdesheim also has many atmospheric Weinstuben where you can sample local wines produced from the surrounding vineyards.

As the evening light fades, amble back on board to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the ship’s excellent restaurant.

Cruise through the Rhine Gorge & guided tour of Rüdesheim.

Cruise towards Speyer

Unwind after breakfast this morning as the ship gently cruises to Speyer. As you lounge back and enjoy a relaxing Christmas Eve, the landscape becomes much wider and flatter, with gently rolling hills and vineyards that are home to the Liebfraumilch wines. Take to the deck and enjoy the bracing as we continue our Christmas journey upstream.

We berth in historic Speyer, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past, for an afternoon walking tour. The breath-taking Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the largest Romanesque churches in the world; it’s also one of the finest. Its beautiful four-roomed crypt is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings.

Another landmark is the magnificent neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built at the turn of the 20th-century to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a significant event when a group of Martin Luther’s followers protested against his imperial ban – henceforth Luther’s religious followers were known as ‘Protestants’.

There’s free time to explore before stepping back on board. If Christmas day falls on day 4 of your cruise, tonight's dinner will be an excellent Christmas Gala dinner.

Included experience:

Guided tour of Speyer.

Cruise towards Strasbourg

This morning we cruise gently upstream, passing through two spectacular locks, whose elaborate engineering never ceases to fascinate. After breakfast why not find a comfortable chair in the lounge and enjoy a relaxing morning.

For this special day, we’re on our way to Strasbourg, hailed the capital of Christmas. You are sure to be captivated by the unique atmosphere of this captivating French city at Christmas time – its centre a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses largely unchanged since the 14th century. During its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and you see the influences of both in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual ambience.

With Strasbourg locals spending time with loved ones today, the markets, shops, cafés and attractions may not be open. Take this time to appreciate this spellbinding capital of the Alsace region and its wonderful architecture in the gentle calm of Christmas.

This afternoon we experience a walking tour with a local guide leading us to its enchanting centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, with a range of architectural inspiration from 12th-century Romanesque to 15th-century Late Gothic. Other unforgettable sights include the colourful Alsatian style Maison Kammerzell, multi-towered Ponts Couverts – covered bridges – and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses lining the canals, now looking merry and bright for the season. In the heart of Place Kleber you’ll find The Great Christmas Tree, the seasonal symbol of Strasbourg.

Back on board this evening, if Christmas day falls on day 5 of your cruise, a Christmas gala dinner is served, which is sure to be a memorable occasion.

Guided tour of Strasbourg.

After a relaxing breakfast, wrap up in your winter warmers and head to the sun deck or relax in the lounge and soak up the atmosphere of this magical river as we cruise downstream. One of the cruise highlights will be our return passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge so have your camera at the ready to capture some of the most stunning river views, as the captain skilfully navigates our passage between the narrow valley sides that tower above.

We have another delicious lunch on board before we reach Boppard, a gorgeous town on a dramatic, almost U-shaped River bend. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, the town is renowned for its storybook medieval atmosphere of captivating, cobbled streets lined by tucked-away shops, traditional houses and characterful restaurants.

Like many riverside settlements in the area, the Romans founded Boppard, and their legacy remains in the superbly preserved town walls the finest in Germany. This delightful medieval setting provides a picturesque backdrop for a crisp but cosy December day, with the bewitching lights bedecking the half-timbered buildings.

This afternoon we’ll enjoy a guided tour lead by one of our local experts, with highlights including the beautiful white stone St. Severus and Carmelite churches, the marketplace with the ruins of the fortress and the old town with its charming winding alleys and ancient houses.

This evening, you can wander along the town’s attractive Rheinallee promenade and look out to the glittering lights across the river before thoughts turn to tonight’s menu, prepared by the ship’s chef and served to your delight in the restaurant. Later, sit back to enjoy a superb classical performance on board, performed by a professional duo of violinists.

Guided tour of Boppard & Violin Duo performance on board.

Cruise towards Cologne

This morning enjoy more glorious views of dramatic, rocky vineyard-topped valley sides dotted with romantic ruined castles. Passing the last vineyards and half-timbered houses around the pretty town of Linz, it’s not long before we reach the railway bridge at Remagen, captured intact towards the end of the Second World War, thereby arguably shortening the war in Germany. What better way to spend your last morning on board than on deck or in the welcoming lounge as we progress majestically downstream. As the towering spires of Cologne’s cathedral come into view on the wintry skyline, we moor in the shadow of this ancient monument once again.

Christmas creates a special atmosphere here and this afternoon you can discover this fascinating city on our tour led by a local guide who’ll help you get the most out of your visit, which of course takes in the twin-spired cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It took six centuries to complete, and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained-glass windows and gilded sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story. This majestic building provides a superb setting for the huge Christmas tree which stands proudly in Cathedral Square. We also see the vibrant old town, beautifully restored and boasting an abundance of excellent shopping and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. With Christmas behind us, some of the Yuletide markets transformed into New Year markets, giving the opportunity to wander the stalls and absorb the  alluring aromas of hot Glühwein and roasted almonds - and even pick up some last minute gifts!

As night falls, enjoy the Chef’s Dinner, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, with a chance to reflect on the fascinating places you have discovered, poignant stories you have heard and the new friends you have made on this memorable Christmas cruise.

Guided tour of Cologne.

Disembark in Cologne

This morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark.

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:

• Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day 
• Free Superior drinks package
• Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
• Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
• All visits and excursions as mentioned 
• Coach travel as mentioned
• English-speaking expert guides 
• The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge

Useful Information

• Currency: Euro
• Language: German, French
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Country: Germany, France

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your vacation with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the vacation due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns. 

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Viking Cruises Paris to Swiss Alps Christmas Market River Cruise.

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: December 21, 2021

Home >> Destinations >> Viking Cruises Paris to Swiss Alps Christmas Market River Cruise.

With a reputation as one of the most scenic river cruises in Europe , a Rhine river cruise is the best way to visit Europe’s most enchanting Christmas Markets.

Viking Cruises Paris to the Swiss Alps river cruise itinerary is fabulous any time of year. An itinerary centred around the beauty and culture of the Rhine, incorporating some of Europe’s most beautiful and sophisticated cities and Switzerland’s unparalleled natural beauty. 

While summer, spring and fall are the most popular time to take a European river cruise, winter is a fantastic time of year to cruise the Rhine. 

We have always been big advocates of shoulder season and off-season travel. We consider, for many destinations, these are the best times to visit Europe . Cruises are no different.

Winter cruises offer unique opportunities – fewer tourist crowds than the summer, and alternative cultural experiences such as the varied Christmas celebrations and traditions. 

Table of Contents

Christmas Market Cruises

The Paris to the Swiss Alps itinerary does not change too much on a winter cruise, give or take some optional excursions. It does, however, allow the opportunity to visit some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Each day a new town or city, each with its own unique Christmas market.

The itinerary also allows plenty of free time to browse the festive markets at leisure, shop for Christmas gifts and trinkets, and soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Of course, there is always plenty of Glühwein and hearty local fare to keep you warm. 

Many of the winter river cruises, or “Christmas Market Cruises” are the same as the rest of the year. As opposed to being a dedicated Christmas market cruise, they simply incorporate the Christmas markets into the existing itinerary.

We see this as a win-win – you get to see all of the best Christmas markets in Europe and experience a fabulous river cruise itinerary.

When it comes to choosing the best Christmas market cruise, you can’t pass up Germany’s Rhine and France’s Alsace regions for some of the most authentic Christmas market experiences in Europe. After all, Christmas markets – “ Weihnachtsmarkt” originated in Germany . 

Are Christmas Cruises More expensive?

Traditionally, Christmas and New Year’s cruises can be more expensive, but this is not always the case with winter river cruises in Europe.

As summer, late spring, and early fall are the peak seasons for river cruising in Europe; it is possible to find some great deals in winter.

December heralds the last sailings for the year (there are no sailings January or February) and despite the appeal of access to so many of Europe’s best Christmas markets, you can find some great cruise deals on winter river cruises in Europe.

We always advise people to look for Viking’s Early Booking Discounts and sign up for their last-minute deals and special offers. There are some amazing discounts available.

Depending on how close to Christmas, ancillary travel such as airfares may be more expensive. In this instance, we would advise looking at a Cruise Fly package taking advantage of Viking’s Air Travel Service. You may get a better flight deal, and of course, it’s more convenient.

Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise

Paris to the Swiss Alps is not the first river cruise we have done, nor our first Viking cruise. We have sailed the length of the Danube from Bucharest to Budapest on the Passage to Eastern Europe Cruise , and on the Danube Waltz Cruise, Budapest to Passau .

We have sailed the Volga on a Russian river cruise from St Petersburg to Moscow  and explored the best of Scandinavia and northern Europe on the Viking Homelands ocean cruise . 

Why Choose Paris to The Swiss Alps for a Winter Christmas Market Cruise?

The Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise interested us for many reasons, especially in winter. It was our first time experiencing a winter river cruise – what better countries than France, Germany and Switzerland to enjoy the best aspects of winter in Europe ?

It was also the perfect itinerary for exploring so many of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Combined Cruise/Tour Itinerary

This particular cruise itinerary is more of a combined cruise/tour which we had not experienced before. The inclusion of 2 hotel nights at either side of the itinerary and some overland days appealed to us as an alternative to cruising for the entire itinerary. 

River Cruise Packing List : Wondering what to pack for a river cruise in Europe? We’ve got you covered with our Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips .

Shore Excursions

As with every Viking river cruise, the shore excursions are carefully curated to give guests the most immersive experience in each destination. Guests can connect with each destination beyond the cultural highlights through private tours and local experiences. 

The itinerary provides an included tour at every destination except Bernkastel and has an impressive selection of optional excursions to choose from at each stop. In many cases, we found the Included Tour option to be the best choice which is an indication of the quality of the shore excursions. 

Best of all, especially on a Christmas cruise where you want to enjoy the markets, there is ample time at each destination to explore on your own even after taking an Included Tour. Ease of access to most of the destinations from the ship also makes independent exploration very easy for guests. There were many opportunities to walk into town centres on our own.

Stay Safe While Visiting Europe’s Christmas Markets : Sadly, tourist attractions like Christmas markets also attract pickpockets. We’ve put together a complete guide on the Best Anti Theft Travel Bags, Gear and Devices to help you keep your gear safe while you enjoy Europe’s best Christmas markets.

Shore Excursion Tips

We have included tips on the excursions for each destination where we think it may help you decide which tours to book for your cruise. 

Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise Itinerary

As with all Viking river cruises, the itinerary packs in some very impressive and memorable destinations into the 12-day cruise tour.

Covering four countries, visiting two of Europe’s most famous and sophisticated cities – Paris and Zurich, and discovering some of the most enchanting cities and towns along the Rhine. 

This particular cruise is also a standout for the scenery along the way. Whether cruising down the Rhine or touring through  the Swiss Alps , the landscape will leave you spellbound. The scenic sailing through the Middle Rhine was a highlight of the cruise. 

While we started the cruise tour from Paris, you can also start the cruise from Zurich finishing in Paris depending on sailing dates. 

The itinerary covers four countries over 12 days.

Paris France

• Reims France

Trier Germany

Bernkastel germany, cochem germany.

• Koblenz Germany (with scenic sailing through the Middle Rhine to Mainz)

Mainz Germany

• Speyer Germany (with an optional tour to Heidelberg & Martin Luther Worms)

Strasbourg France

• Basel Switzerland (with optional “highlight of the Alps” tour to Alpine villages including Interlaken)

Zurich Switzerland

Paris to swiss alps river cruise map.

Note the overland sections via motorcoach – Paris to Trier via Luxembourg to meet the ship and Basel to Zurich. 

The Destinations

Paris Excursions Paris Highlights (4hrs) – Included The Palace of Versailles (4hrs) – Optional Montmartre Hill Tour (3.5hrs) – Optional Paris Cabaret with Dinner at the Paradis Latin (4hrs) – Optional

As Paris is the starting (or finishing) point of the cruise, it will depend on your travel arrangements as to how long you have in the magnificent City Of Light. Undoubtedly, as it is a two-night stay in Paris, you will have at least one full day, if not, one and a half – two days. 

If it is your first time visiting Paris, you may wish to arrive (or leave) a few days either side as there is so much to see and enjoy in the French Capital. Viking does offer a pre and post-cruise option for this if you don’t wish to organise it yourself.  

Our arrival in Paris coincided with the start of the worst strikes France has experienced in years with public transport shut down, and many attractions closed. However, in Paris, there is still so much to enjoy, and the city is very walkable, so it barely impacted our stay. 

Despite the strikes, the scheduled cruise excursions still went ahead as Viking use private buses and tour companies. Only the Palace of Versailles tour was cancelled due to strike closure.

Christmas also brings a unique atmosphere to Paris. Seek out the Christmas markets dotted around the city, window shop under the festive lights, or cosy up in a Parisienne cafe with a hot bowl of Soupe à l’Oignon  and a glass of French red for a typical Parisian experience.

Strikes or no strikes, winter is a surprisingly lovely time to be in Paris. 

If it is your first time visiting Paris, we highly recommend taking the welcome walk if your travel arrangements allow as well as the included Panoramic Paris Highlights tour on the second morning.

These tours are a very handy way to quickly get your bearings in the city. You can also see many of the highlights in a short time from the comfort of a coach.

If you have never seen a cabaret show in Paris, the Paris Cabaret and Dinner is one of the most memorable evenings you will have in Paris – highly recommended. 

While Paris is a very walkable city, it would be advisable to make yourself familiar with the metro system to maximise your time. A welcome walk on arrival covers this in Paris

 Luxembourg /Reims France 

Luxembourg/Reims Excursions Reims Cathedral Tour (or in our case, Luxembourg City Tour and Luxembourg Notre Dame Cathedral Visit (1hr) – Included Luxembourg American Cemetery (1hr) – Included

Making up one part of the “tour” aspect of the cruise, Paris to Luxembourg and then onto Trier to meet the ship is by coach. It is a very long travel day considering the two stops are only short. Expect to leave Paris at around 7.30 am and arrive at the boat after 5.00 pm. On a clear day, however, the bus does pass through some very scenic countryside. 

The itinerary shows a stop at Reims in France for lunch and to visit the Reims Cathedral. We’re not sure why, but our schedule did not include this stop. Perhaps to suit the season, or due to delays in leaving Paris because of the strikes. 

Instead, we had a quick truck stop lunch and continued to Luxembourg City for a quick guided city tour and visit to the Luxembourg Notre Dame Cathedral. We felt seeing Luxembourg city, albeit briefly was possibly more enjoyable than visiting Reims.

Before departing Luxembourg to Trier, a stop at the Luxembourg American Cemetery allows guests time to pay homage to the thousands of Americans who lost their lives during the World War II Battle of the Bulge. 

Trier Excursions Trier Highlights (4hrs) – Included

The oldest city in Germany, the centre of the Moselle Valley and the birthplace of Karl Marx, Trier was once an important Roman outpost rivalling Rome in influence and size.

In the historical centre, remnants of the mighty Roman city are everywhere such as the 20,000 seat Roman amphitheatre and the UNESCO listed Porta Nigra. Yet, the medieval town that seems to sprawl from the magnificent Trier Cathedral has a vibrant and modern feel. 

Trier is also our first introduction to Germany’s traditional Christmas markets. As mentioned, Christmas markets originated in Germany, so what better introduction than in Germany’s oldest city. 

We only had half a day in Trier, which was plenty of time. Transfer to and from the ship in Trier is via bus (the ship moves while you are in Trier) so you must join the tour to visit the city. 

The Trier visit starts with an included guided walking tour in the morning, finishing in time for the opening of the Trier Christmas markets in the main square.

With around 2 hours of free time, you can explore the historical centre of Trier with ample time to retrace any of the highlights pointed out on the walking tour. Explore the Christmas markets, or enjoy a leisurely coffee in any one of Trier’s quaint coffee houses. 

Bernkastel Excursions Walking Tour and Bernkastel-Kues Wine Tasting (2hrs) – Optional

An afternoon cruise down the Moselle lands us late afternoon in the charming town of Bernkastel. Bernkastel is actually one half of a twin town with Kues across the river.

The two towns were united by a bridge in 1874 and unified in 1905. Bernkastel-Kues is known as the “Pearl of the Moselle” and a world-renown premier winemaking region.  

There is only an Optional Excursion in Bernkastel, a short walking tour followed by a wine tasting. For those not wanting to take part in the Optional Tour, the boat docks in the centre, so you have easy access to the historic town centre. 

We opted for the Optional Tour. A short walking tour through the charming medieval town. The narrow cobblestone streets, brightly coloured timber houses and of course, a Christmas market in the market square. 

The highlight of this tour was the wine tasting: a fun and informative session sampling around five wines from the region. We have been to many wine tastings but found this one particularly engaging. 

In our instance, we would have gladly missed the free tasting the following morning based on:

A: We had already done a similar tasting at the Optional Tour the night before and,

B: We found it difficult to enjoy or appreciate any wine at 9.00 am.

If you are on the Zurich – Paris itinerary, this should be reversed. The wine tasting in the included tour will be in the afternoon in Cochem and the Optional Tour the following day in the morning in Bernkastel.

Cochem Excursions Cochem, Reichsburg & the Moselle Valley (4.5hrs) – Included

One of the Moselle’s prettiest villages, Cochem is characterised by the impossibly steep vineyards that surround it and the 1000-year-old Reichsburg Castle on the hill above the town.

With nearly a full day in Cochem (early morning to mid-afternoon), there is plenty of time to enjoy the included tour and explorer further on your own. The ship docks in the town centre, so it is possible to come and go as you please. There is a small Christmas market in the main square on the riverfront. 

The Included Excursion includes a guided walking tour of the town, but the highlight is a private visit to the Reichsburg Castle, also known as Cochem Castle. Our first introduction to the famous fairytale castles of the Moselle and Rhine.

The tour of Reichsburg Castle offers invaluable insight into the history of the region and sets the scene for the castles you will see on the scenic cruising down the Middle Rhine. The views from the castle over the Moselle and the village of Cochem are worth the visit alone. 

Koblenz Germany 

Koblenz Excursions Historic Koblenz (2hrs) – Included

A morning in Koblenz starts from the “German Corner” the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle. From here, for a short guided walking tour from the ship to the centre of Old Town.

The cities Roman, Napoleonic and Medieval influences are the basis for the Included Walking Tour.

The town’s charm, however, lies in the pretty riverside scenes and quaint historic centre where you will find the Christmas markets. The Koblenz Christmas markets are dotted around the historic centre in various squares so you can browse as you explore the centre. 

Koblenz also marks the start of one of the most picturesque stretches of the Rhine. 

Middle Rhine Scenic Sailing

Not just one of the most picturesque sections of the Rhine, the Middle Rhine is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise through lush hills where the world’s steepest vineyards cascade down to the river’s edge. Where centuries-old methods are still used on the sheer slopes to cultivate and pick the grapes.

Keep an eye out for the Rhines most splendid castles, and the rock that gave way to the folklore of the siren who led sailors on the river to their demise – the Lorelei Rock .  

The scenic sailing was so enjoyable, it felt like a destination or excursion in its own right. In the winter months, you can still enjoy this sailing from the top deck, providing the weather is fine.

While it was a cold afternoon, the crew provided blankets and steaming hot gluhwein to keep us warm. 

Mainz Excursions Mainz Walking Tour and Gutenberg Museum (2hrs) – Included Historic Mainz & St Stephens Church (2hrs) – Optional

To our minds, Mainz is one of the most interesting cities on this stretch of the Rhine.

In the heart of the Rhine’s wine region, Mainz is the birthplace of Gutenberg and home to the Gutenberg Museum, one of the upper Rhines most beautiful cathedrals dominates the main square and Marc Chagall’s world-famous stained glass windows at St Stephen’s Church are a must-see.    

Mainz also has one of the best Christmas markets we had been to so far on the cruise. With a full day in Mainz (early morning to late evening) there is so much time for the excursions and to explore everything Mainz has to offer. 

The Included Excursion will take you through the historical centre, the Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum . The optional tour includes a walking tour of the old town and a visit to St Stephen’s church to see Chagall’s stained glass windows .

We opted for the Included Walking Tour as it includes visits to the Gutenberg Museum and cathedral. We found St Stephens Church on our own in the spare time we had.

St Stephens is an easy 10-minute walk from the cathedral and is well signposted so easy to find. Entry to the church is free, and if you wish, the church offers guided tours. Although, it is best to check in advance to be sure of availability.  

Speyer Germany

Speyer Excursions Speyer Walking Tour (3hrs) – Included Heidelberg & Martin Luther Worms (8.5hrs) – Optional

A full day in Speyer, the ship docks an easy walking distance from the town centre. Speyer’s most prominent landmark is the massive UNESCO Romanesque Imperial  Cathedral in which eight emperors are interred. 

On the Included walking tour; you will visit the exterior of the Speyer Cathedral and learn about its history and architecture (you can visit the interior on your own after the tour).

Visit the Trinity Church, the oldest of the five Protestant churches in Speyer, and the Jewish Courtyard once home to one of the most important Jewish Synagogues and the most important medieval Jewish site in Germany. An interesting fact; Speyer is where the term Protestant originated. 

While not large, Speyer is a charming town worth exploring. The Christmas market is easy to find near the cathedral, and in summer, you may discover artisan and farmers markets on the main thoroughfare.

If you decide to take the Optional Excursion to Heidelberg, you will not have the opportunity to explore Speyer. 

Strasbourg Excursions Strasbourg Highlights (4hrs) – Included Taste the Best of Alsace: Christmas Markets (7 hrs) – Optional Mercedes Benz factory (4hrs) – Optional Alsatian Wine Tasting (4.5hrs) – Optional

Strasbourg is one of the most delightful cities we have visited, especially at Christmas. The Strasbourg stop has quite a lot of excursions on offer. Unless you had a specific interest in Mercedes Benz or were a wine buff, we found the included tour was a fabulous choice for the day, if not the best choice.  

Docking in Kehl Germany we were a mere bridge crossing from Strasbourg France and a short scenic coach tour from Strasbourg Old Town for a guided walking tour. 

The walking tour through the island Old Town gives you a good overview of the highlights of the city including Petit France, the old Tanner’s District, and Cathedral Square. It also includes a visit to the cathedral for a fascinating explanation of the astronomical clock. 

If you choose, you can return to the ship for lunch with the option of a return shuttle to Strasbourg at 1.30. We believe opting to stay in town is a better option as it allows much more time to explore the incredibly beautiful city before returning at 4.30 pm.

Also, there are so many charming restaurants in Strasbourg where you can enjoy some delicious Alsatian cuisine. 

Strasbourg, dubbed “The Capital of Christmas” has nine Christmas markets in the historic centre so there is a lot to do and see in Strasbourg at Christmas time.

Comparable to taking the Included Tour in the morning, then, strolling the markets at your own pace, I am not sure how much more value the “Taste the Best of Alsace: Christmas Markets” Optional Tour would be. Other than sampling some local foods around the markets.

Basel Switzerland 

Basel Excursions Basel Highlights (2.5hrs) – Included Highlights of the Alps (10.5hrs) – Optional

Basel, the intersection of three countries is where we farewell the ship and embark on the last “tour” part of the trip.

In Basel, you have a choice of joining the Included walking tour around Basel Old Town followed by a coach transfer to Zurich to your hotel.

The Optional Tour from Basel, we felt, would be the stand out tour of the trip – Highlights of the Alps. A scenic drive through Switzerland’s alpine country to visit the villages of Brienz and Interlaken. The highlight: take the cogwheel train from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg for lunch overlooking some of the world’s most stunning mountain vistas. 

Unfortunately, such is the nature of alpine weather; our tour was somewhat hit and miss. Due to heavy storms, the cogwheel train was not running, so the highlight of the day had to be cancelled.

However, as the weather is so changeable, we still pressed on in the hope the train line might open. Sadly, it did not.

Regardless, we still enjoyed a beautiful day visiting Interlaken and Brienz. Travelling along the magnificent Brünig Pass skirting Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. We were treated to some superb views, and dramatic weather changes. 

We would highly recommend the highlights of the Alps Optional Tour but do bear in mind; the weather will dictate how it plays out, especially in winter. 

Zurich Excursions Zurich Walking Tour and Lake Cruise (4hrs) – Included Lindt Exclusive Chocolate Workshop (3hrs) – Optional

The last stop on the cruise tour, Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich. Again, depending on your travel arrangements and optional tour choices, you may only have one full day in Zurich.

Got More Time in Zurich? Try These 5 Fantastic Day Trips From Zurich

Still, we felt the Included Tour is a fabulous overview of the city, leaving you more than half a day to explore further on your own. (In summer, you would have a lot more time with the extended daylight hours.) 

The Included Tour incorporates a comprehensive walking tour of the Old Town with a cruise of Lake Zurich. Using the Lake Zurich ferry system, the 2hr cruise takes you around the entire route of Lake Zurich.

At the same time, your tour guide provides the commentary of each stop. Keep a lookout for the lakeside Zurich home of a certain famous American singer (Ahem, Tina Turner).

Ideally, on a clear day, the backdrop to the cruise is the  magnificent Swiss Alps . Unfortunately, the storm of the previous day was keeping them enshrouded in cloud. 

The tours finish before lunch, leaving plenty of time to explore the Zurich Christmas markets scattered around the city. Including one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe at the Zurich train station.

We found it interesting to note the difference in Christmas markets compared with those of Germany and France. Switzerland’s Christmas markets , while undeniably Swiss (raclette or fondue anyone?), had a modern flair with a very multicultural offering in the stalls. It was quite refreshing.  

On arrival at the hotel, the Viking staff will do a short welcome walk around the hotel to show you how to navigate the public transport system.

Take the Time to Explore West Quarter in Zurich

We found the area around the hotel in the West Quarter well worth exploring as well. The former industrial area has been reclaimed and repurposed into Zurich’s most vibrant and happening inner-city neighbourhood. Expect to find a hotspot for food, culture, art, and design in West Quarter. 

You Might Also Like: Ride the Famous Golden Pass Line.

A trip on the Golden Pass Line, one of the world’s most scenic rail routes, is a wonderful addition to your Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise itinerary. Read our guide on everything you need to know about the Golden Pass Train Lucerne to Montreux .

Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise Facts

We have always said, a river cruise offers a sampling of destinations you may not have otherwise visited. Giving you a cultural overview of one, or maybe more regions in Europe. As well as the possibility for experiences you may not have found or organised for yourself.

The Paris to the Swiss Alps cruise immerses you in the Rhine region and gives you a taste of some of the world’s most spectacular cities and experiences. However, to do this cruise in winter offers a rare opportunity, to easily experience not just one, but a good sampling of Europe’s best Christmas markets.

An itinerary we would recommend any time of year for the experiences it offers, and world-class destinations visited. But for those seeking out Europe’s quintessential Christmas experience, this is the ideal Christmas Market river cruise. 

We travelled from Paris – Zurich as guests of Viking Cruises on the Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise.

The 12-day cruise includes 4 countries and 10 guided tours.

Prices start from  $2,899 pp.

We recommend checking  Viking Cruises official site  for promotional deals such as Early Bird Specials or Two for One Air.

We want to thank Viking Cruises for hosting us on the Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise. As always, all opinions are our own. 

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

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10 Best Rhine River Cruises

Sail past stunning castles, quaint towns, and vineyards on these Rhine River cruises.

Courtesy of Riverside Luxury Cruises

River cruising has grown in popularity in recent years, with new lines offering unique ways to experience Europe’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, Douro, Seine, and, of course, the Rhine. “The Rhine River is famous for castles, cathedrals, historic sites, and medieval towns, offering majestic scenery as you travel through several European countries. You feel as if you’ve traveled back to a different time in our world,” Travel + Leisure A-list advisor Olga Placeres says.

On most Rhine River cruises, guests can explore on their terms, making this a great trip idea for multi-generational travel. From family-friendly trips to beer-focused itineraries to festive holiday cruises, here are 10 of the best Rhine River cruises for every type of traveler.

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

7-night Enchanting Rhine Cruise

Cruise expert Placeres named AmaWaterways one of her favorite river cruise lines. This family-owned and operated line offers all-inclusive river cruises with a range of shore excursions for both active and relaxed travelers. Several Rhine River cruises are available, and a few include the Moselle and Main Rivers. Christmas market cruises and wine-focused itineraries are also offered.

The Enchanting Rhine cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland, where passengers board their vessel (while the specific ship varies depending on the dates, all carry fewer than 170 guests). In Breisach, Germany, guests can choose a wine country bike tour, walking tour, or hike in the Black Forest. The cruise continues to Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and Rüdesheim, with options each day for active or relaxed excursions. The scenic Rhine River Gorge area is a highlight, and there are visits to Cologne and Düsseldorf before arriving in Amsterdam.

Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

11-day Rhine and Main Explorer Cruise

Placeres also recommends Viking Cruises, which was established by Torstein Hagen in 1997 and operates river, ocean, and expedition cruises across all seven continents. Viking’s Rhine River cruises range from eight to 15 days, and itineraries go beyond the Rhine to include the Main, Moselle, and a voyage that goes across the North Sea to Norway’s fjords.

The Rhine and Main Explorer begins in Nuremberg and continues to Bamberg for a walking tour through the winding streets of the medieval city. Cruise highlights include palace tours in Würzburg, local Bavarian culture and food in Marktheidenfeld, scenic sailing on the Main River, touring the charming French city of Strasbourg, and admiring Germany's famous Black Forest. The tour ends with two nights in Basel, where you can take a tour of the city and enjoy cheese fondue.

Adventures by Disney

8-day rhine river cruise.

Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, but they also offer adults-only (18+) experiences on Europe’s rivers. Instead of setting sail on a Disney Cruise Line mega ship, these itineraries use AmaWaterways river ships for a more intimate experience with a maximum of 156 guests. Travel writer Terry Ward took her six and seven year olds and her 18-year-old niece on the Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise in July. “I can confirm it’s a trip with total multigenerational appeal,” Ward says. “There were always multiple options for shore excursions — something to interest passengers across the board.”

“During a port of call in Germany’s Black Forest region, for example, we could choose a toboggan run through the forest with time spent carving wooden toys and learning to make butter, visiting Europa Park, or enjoying the medieval old town of Riquewihr.” Ward tells T+L, “On several nights, Disney’s Adventure Guides whisked the kids off to the lounge for their own fun — maybe a Disney movie and dinner or games — so the adults could try the chef’s tasting table or enjoy a quieter dinner. Teens had their own tables for dinner if they wished.” Ward added, “The Adventure Guides hailed from some of the countries we sailed through, so traveling with them in Europe felt a bit like being along for the ride with an in-the-know friend.”

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

8-day Tulip Time for Beer Enthusiasts Cruise

After nearly a century in European tourism, the Globus family of brands launched Avalon Waterways in 2004, and it was ranked among the top river cruise lines in the world by T+L readers in 2024. Avalon’s Rhine River cruises range from five days to 11 days; several include the Moselle, and they offer seasonal Christmas market cruises.

The Tulip Time for Beer Enthusiasts cruise is a round-trip cruise from Amsterdam offered in the spring, with a beer expert on board to host lectures, beer tastings, and food and beer pairings. The ship heads to Rotterdam for a walking tour, bike ride, or a guided excursion to Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe” with over seven million tulips. In Antwerp and Ghent, guests can choose between bike or walking tours, while guided tours in Willemstad take guests among centuries-old buildings. In Amsterdam, guests can take a guided canal cruise followed by a Dutch beer experience.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

8-day Rhine River Valley Cruise

Founded in 1976, Uniworld is a luxurious, all-inclusive cruise line that offers itineraries on Europe's famous rivers. Uniworld's Rhine River cruises start at eight days, but travelers with more time can combine the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers on a 25-day, eight-country cruise.

The eight-day Rhine River Valley cruise boards in Nuremberg and cruises to Bamberg where guests can choose a walking tour, nature park hike, or brewery tour. In Würzburg, an 18th-century palace tour or wine tasting are options; additional stops include Miltenberg, Mainz, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg, and Breisach, before disembarking in Basel.

8-day Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure Cruise

This century-old, family-owned company offers travel experiences in more than 100 destinations, ranging from small-group tours to river cruises. Tauck’s Rhine River cruise itineraries range from eight days to the 15-day Grand European Cruise that covers nine countries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.

The eight-day Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure is a Tauck Bridges family cruise designed for guests of all ages. The cruise departs from Basel, and the next day, guests travel by rail to Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne to ride the world’s steepest cog-wheel train. In Strasbourg, there’s a French sing along and chocolate tasting. The family-focused fun continues at stops in Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, and Cologne before the ship reaches its final stop. In Amsterdam, guests can take a canal cruise, visit a windmill, or taste local cheeses.

Courtesy of Scenic

8-day Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise

This Australian-founded company established in 1986 offers river cruises, ocean voyages, and expeditions to the polar regions. Billed as an ultra-luxury, five-star cruise line, Scenic offers special Rhine River itineraries that feature Christmas markets or focus on topics like wine and food.

The Rhine Christmas Markets cruise begins in Amsterdam with options of a walking, biking, or canal tour before setting off for Cologne, where guests can see the magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral, visit a brewery, and browse the Christmas markets. In Baden-Baden, a famed German spa town, browse the markets or soak in thermal waters. Koblenz, Mannheim, and Strasbourg are additional stops on this holiday-themed itinerary.

Emerald Cruises

Courtesy of Emerald Cruises

8-day Jewels of the Rhine Cruise

Emerald, founded in 2013, specializes in luxury river and yacht cruises. Emerald's Rhine River cruises include an eight-day voyage and an 11-day cruise that includes the Moselle.

The Jewels of the Rhine cruise starts with two nights in Amsterdam, where guests can take a bicycle tour or canal cruise before the captain’s dinner. Then, it's off to Cologne and the charming cities of Koblenz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Freiburg, where castles, historic churches, and half-timbered buildings await. The ship arrives in Basel for the end of the cruise the next day.

CroisiEurope

Courtesy of CroisiEurope

5-day Rhine in Flames Cruise

Founded in 1976 in France, CroisiEurope is the largest European-based river cruise line. The company also offers sea voyages and canal barge cruises. Their budget-friendly river cruises include some shore excursions, and Rhine River cruises vary in length from three days to two weeks or longer.

The five-day Rhine in Flames cruise boards in Strasbourg for a night of cruising. The next day in Rüdesheim, excursion options include a train ride to a wine cellar followed by a visit to the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments or a gondola lift to the Niederwalddenkmal and vineyard hike. The next day is the main event as the ship sails towards Trechtingshausen for the famous Rhine in Flames fireworks show. The ship arrives in Mannheim for an optional visit to Heidelberg and later a gala evening before sailing back towards Strasbourg.

A-Rosa Cruises

Courtesy of A-ROSA Cruises

6-day Rhine Legends Cruise

This German company has been cruising the Rhine River and its tributaries since 2009. The family-friendly line has a kids club and family suites with plenty of room to spread out. Their river cruises range from four to seven days, and there is a fee for most excursions.

The five-day Rhine Legends cruises the Middle Rhine round-trip from Cologne. In Rüdesheim, guests can tour the countryside on a bike or train tour. Stops in Speyer, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Koblenz provide more ways to explore the beautiful region, before the ship returns to Cologne for disembarkation.

Related Articles

Rhine Christmas Markets 2024

Highlights of the Rhine River Cruise

On a-rosa clea.

From Cologne to Rüdesheim, Mainz, Frankfurt and Koblenz to Cologne.

Magical Christmas markets huddle together in narrow timber-framed streets. Rüdesheim is in the Christmas mood. Celebrate with a glass of punch! Or perhaps with one of the world-famous local wines? Frankfurt’s towering Christmas tree proves that the city is as good at Christmas as it is at finance. One of Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets takes place every winter between the old Römerberg area and the historical St. Paul’s Church. The market and the rest of the city are overflowing with Christmas gift ideas for loved ones. And for yourself. Mainz’s Nikolose Market has a history stretching back more than 200 years. Today you can enjoy a mulled wine and Christmas baking in the market square in front of the mighty cathedral. As you do so, admire the lights twinkling around the colourful Renaissance façades of the historical buildings surrounding the market. The panorama of the Middle Rhine Valley – which, with its enchanting valleys and mountains dotted with knight’s castles, itself calls for a celebration – will accompany you onwards to Koblenz. Wrap up with a scarf and hat, and head out onto the ice! Experience the aroma of sugared almonds as you skate around the romantic rink in this old Roman city, with Christmas music accompanying the clip-clop of picturesque horse-drawn carriages. More Christmassy even than in Santa's grotto.

During your Christmas cruise you will visit the center of Rhine Romanticism, which once inspired poets and musicians. For example, Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. From a cultural point of view, the most famous place in the Rheingau has a lot to offer, including historic aristocratic estates and fortifications. And of course, the coffee speciality "Rüdesheimer Kaffee", invented here, should not be missed on this day on the Rhine.

Frankfurt proves that it can do Christmas as well as business with its tall Christmas tree. Between Römerberg and the historic Paulskirche down to the banks of the Main, one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in Germany takes place every winter. Market and metropolis offer on this Rhine cruise plenty of material for the gift shopping. Regional products such as Bethmännchen, a marzipan pastry with almonds, or hot apple wine are particularly popular.

The panorama of the Middle Rhine Valley, which is a celebration on its own with its enchanted valleys and medieval castle-adorned mountains, accompanies you all the way to Koblenz. Snuggle up in your scarf and hat - and hit the ice! On the romantic skating rink in the old Roman city, the smell of roasted almonds wafts through the air, and the patter of picturesque horse-drawn carriages mingles with the sounds of Christmas. We think: It doesn't get any more christmassy than on this Rhine cruise.

1st Day Cologne Dep 05:00 pm

Here we start the contemplative Christmas cruise on the Rhine. But you should also get to know the cathedral city with its many buildings and attractions. The best way is to arrive already relaxed one day before your cruise or simply extend your stay after the cruise.

2nd Day Rüdesheim Arr 08:00 am Dep 04:00 pm Mainz Arr 07:00 pm Dep 11:59 pm

Just before Christmas, the city of Rüdesheim glitters in matchless splendour. Come with us and stroll along the atmospheric Christmas market to the largest nativity scene in Germany and try the local mulled wine. During the guided tour, you will also experience the marketplace, the Oberstraße, the world-famous Drosselgasse and the Rhine promenade. And if you do not want to return to your A-ROSA cruise ship just yet, you can simply stay in the old town and enjoy the peaceful bustle.

€ 25 per person

approx. 2 h

With 2,000 years of city history, Mainz is not only one of the oldest cities in Germany, but also a place where great history comes alive at every turn. Traditions are also fully celebrated at Christmastime! Be sure to visit the historic Christmas market on the Domplatz. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral will surely enchant you.

3rd Day Frankfurt Arr 06:00 am

Frankfurt am Main is known as a financial and banking metropolis. The Frankfurt skyline is graced by skyscrapers, but Frankfurt has much more to offer. Explore the old town with your English-speaking tour guide, past the Römer and the Paulskirche. Or stroll along the Museum Riverbank and discover Frankfurt's museums. You determine the programme and we implement it for you!

€ 329 per reservation for max. 4 people

approx. 3 h

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Let the skyline of Frankfurt with its skyscrapers pass by and experience the financial and banking metropolis. Enjoy a fantastic view over Frankfurt from the approx. 200 metre high Main Tower or discover the old town. We will take you to the highlights of the city in a relaxed atmosphere and according to your wishes!

€ 459 per reservation for max. 4 people

Private Minivan

Known as a financial and banking metropolis, with a beautiful old town and the old opera house, Frankfurt has more to offer than skyscrapers. Explore the centre of Frankfurt at the Römer and the Paulskirche or drive to Alt-Sachsenhausen, where apple wine and historic half-timbered houses await you. Get to know the city in cosy togetherness!

€ 429 per reservation for max. 2 people

Private car

We take you on a private culinary excursion in Frankfurt am Main. The name La Fleur is reminiscent of the famous Château Lafleur vineyard in Pomerol. In this gourmet restaurant, you will get to enjoy a 5-course menu of international standard with wine accompaniment, combined with Mediterranean aspects and regional products. An evening of high-quality dishes prepared by star chef Andreas Krolik, as well as vistas of the Siesmayer flower parterre await you.

€ 1699 per reservation for max. 2 people

approx. 4 h

Private car and walking

Let the Frankfurt skyline pass by without much effort and marvel at the mighty bank skyscrapers and the quaint old town. Enjoy a relaxed rickshaw ride past Frankfurt's sights and learn interesting facts about the old opera house, St. Paul's Church and life in Frankfurt am Main.

€ 219 per reservation for max. 2 people

Rickshaw and walking

No rain protection. This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

With its modern skyline, handsome old town and traditional apple wine, Frankfurt doesn’t fit into any one category. And that’s a good thing, since this city’s contrasts are what makes it so interesting. This combined bus and walking tour will take you along modern boulevards, past imposing skyscrapers, into the quaint Sachsenhausen neighbourhood with its apple wine taverns, and to the historic Römerberg market square. The square is named after the Römer building complex, which has served as Frankfurt’s city hall since the 15th century. Other impressive sights include the baroque Hauptwache building, the splendid Alte Oper concert hall and the round, neoclassical Saint Paul’s Church, which forms part of the backdrop to Frankfurt’s largest Christmas market every year.

€ 49 per person

Bus and walking

4th Day Frankfurt Dep 02:00 am Koblenz Arr 01:00 pm Dep 09:30 pm

On your journey to the most beautiful Christmas markets on the Rhine, you will explore Koblenz today. You can expect a variety of delicacies, the Christmas romance of the city and, of course, the smell of mulled wine. Delightful!

5th Day Cologne Arr 03:00 am

Your contemplative Christmas cruise on the Rhine comes to an end in Cologne. However, before you start your journey home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not use the day to look around further in North Rhine-Westphalia or to explore the cathedral city. Once in Kölle, you should also have visited the cathedral. Have a happy new year, see you soon and Ahoy!

A-ROSA Premium all inclusive

Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium all inclusive.

Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus all transfers and many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.

Included Services

• Full Board Plus: breakfast and lunch buffets, in the evening you choose your starters and desserts from the delicious buffet, the main courses are served at the table.
• High-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks. Also besides the lunch and dinner hours. Exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges and champagne.
• Super Early Booking Discount for bookings made until 31 August 2024; Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 29 February 2024 or 31 August 2024.
• A-ROSA travel cancellation insurance (booking until 30 November 2023)
• English-speaking travel and hotel management on our international ships.
• Children up to and including 15 years accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount.¹
• Change booking one time free of charge up to 30 days prior to departure
• Half-day excursion included (from 7-night cruises)
• Comprehensive service concept with guest relations management
• Free use of the on-board facilities such as whirlpool and fitness room
• Free WiFi (excluding streaming services)
• A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
• Transfer between airport and ship when booked via A-ROSA
• 15 % discount on treatments in our SPA-ROSA
• Bathroom amenities and bathrobe at the reception
• On-board entertainment
• Port charges
• many other services

¹The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises. ²Guests receive a voucher, only for embarkation and/or debarkation in Cologne.

Super Early Booking Discount

Book now your trip with the Premium all inclusive package until  31 August 2024  and you will benefit from our attractive Super Early Booking Discount (limited contingent).

Your desired Cabin

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices

25. nov 2024 - 29. nov 2024 a-rosa clea from € 654 pp select cabin from € 654 pp.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

29. Nov 2024 - 03. Dec 2024 A-ROSA CLEA from € 698 pp select cabin from € 698 pp

03. dec 2024 - 07. dec 2024 a-rosa clea from € 754 pp select cabin from € 754 pp, 07. dec 2024 - 11. dec 2024 a-rosa clea from € 754 pp select cabin from € 754 pp, 11. dec 2024 - 15. dec 2024 a-rosa clea from € 848 pp select cabin from € 848 pp, 15. dec 2024 - 19. dec 2024 a-rosa clea from € 698 pp select cabin from € 698 pp, 19. dec 2024 - 23. dec 2024 a-rosa clea from € 654 pp select cabin from € 654 pp, arrival & hotel, travel yourself - park safely, e. g. with lufthansa, austrian airlines, eurowings, klm, swiss, suitable accommodation for their arrival and departure, by train to cologne - rail & cruise.

Train operated by Deutsche Bahn from all German train stations to Cologne.

Train from € 179 per person  (without BahnCard 2nd Class)

ARRIVE ON YOUR OWN - AND PARK SAFELY!

If you plan your arrival individually, we offer you a parking space in a guarded car park for the length of your cruise.

Price from € 81 per car  (fenced parking lot) Price from € 99 per car  (roofed parking space)

OUTBOUND & RETURN FLIGHT TO/FROM COLOGNE, E.G. WITH LUFTHANSA, AIR FRANCE, SWISS

From Munich, Berlin, Vienna or Zurich incl. transfer Airport – Ship – Airport (incl. taxes).

Flights from € 309 per person

You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.

Maritim Hotel Cologne 2024 from € 119 pp

The Maritim Hotel Cologne is located directly on the Rhine, only a few steps away from the charming old town, the cathedral and the city centre as well as the central station. The hotel impresses with its extraordinary architecture and has 454 rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with a bathroom/toilet, mini fridge (unfilled), safe, radio, TV and a telephone. In the spacious, glass-roofed hotel lobby you will find a variety of boutiques and restaurants.

Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.

Included services Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Double occupancy

€ 119   pp

Single occupancy

€ 179   pp

€ 129   pp

€ 209   pp

Juniorsuite

€ 159   pp

€ 279   pp

Dorint Hotel Cologne 2024 from € 129 pp

Luxury in the middle of the city center is what the Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Cologne offers you. The panoramic elevator with a view of the cathedral takes you to your chic room, which includes everything you need to work and relax. In addition, an exclusive fitness and wellness area (fee required) with glass-roofed pool and the chic Harry's New-York Bar await you.

€ 189   pp

€ 169   pp

Family (2 Rooms with connecting Door)

Excelsior hotel ernst cologne 2024 on request.

Excelsior Hotel Ernst – Cologne's only member of The Leading Hotels of the World – offers a unique combination of tradition and innovation. The hotel’s prominent location near Cologne Cathedral means that it is easy to get to, while the harmonious colour scheme and classic yet modern furnishings create a timeless atmosphere. All rooms and suites have free Wi-Fi for mobile devices and are equipped with SuitePad, the hotel’s digital concierge service. The Michelin-starred restaurant "taku" welcomes you with deliciously authentic East Asian masterpieces. And in the gourmet restaurant "Hanse Stube" you can experience French cuisine with local influences. Access to the hotel gym, sauna and steam bath, use of your hotel room’s minibar and a shoeshine service are all included in the price. Prices include culture tax. Offer not valid during certain trade fairs in Cologne.

We would be pleased to make you an offer based on daily updated rates. For further information, please contact  [email protected]

Steigenberger Hotel Cologne 2024 on request

The listed Steigenberger Hotel is located in the heart of the Rhine metropolis Cologne, just a few minutes away from historic sights. Within a few minutes you can reach Cologne Cathedral as well as the famous Rhine river promenade and other hotspots of the city.

The 305 modern rooms, some of which even have a view over the city Cologne, are more than just a hotel room. The comfortable furnishings of all rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, desk, free local calls, safe, minibar as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle for making tea. The bathrooms are equipped with shower or bathtub.

The Bar Bistro 19NullZwo offers the perfect atmosphere with modern colours and shapes for short breaks with delicious coffee specialities, snacks or a treat for body and soul.

Ships on this cruise

A-rosa clea.

• River Cruising

Christmas Markets

By F19810 , January 1, 2021 in River Cruising

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It might be weird that I love the Christmas season when I don't celebrate the holiday!  The european Christmas Markets look interesting but are they different enough that  a cruise would be worth while?  Which river would be best?

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Not weird at all. Different enough from what? Markets in the states? The European Christmas markets are wonderful - they are very different from what one would fine in the USA. I love the smells, the stalls, the food, the  Glühwein (I tend to favor the German markets but the Austrian, Hungarian & Czech are also great).

Our favorite Christmas river cruise was on the Danube (ended in Budapest which also has a fantastic market).

Canal archive

In England we also have an ancient tradition of Christmas Markets although they were called Goose Fairs. The geese were raised in the country and coming up to Christmas were walked to the nearest city the most famous is most probably the Nottingham Goose Fair. I used to enjoy the Bath Christmas Fair but as with a lot of things it has become far to touristy, we don’t go in now during the tourist season, so similar to some of the towns along the European rivers, but still a beautiful city. CA

I love the UK and think London is lovely all decked out during the holidays but prefer Bath in December (they have a market). We also visited Edinburgh during December and loved their Christmas market - the Ferris wheel in the Princes street gardens was a sight to behold.

The French also put on a fantastic Christmas market in Strasbourg. There are many Christmas markets throughout Europe. Even Moscow (Red Square) puts on a fantastic Christmas market.

@F19810 : if you are contemplating a river cruise, I would think that a Danube or Rhine cruise would offer one the most "bang for the buck". JMHO

9 hours ago, dogs4fun said: Not weird at all. Different enough from what? Markets in the states? The European Christmas markets are wonderful - they are very different from what one would fine in the USA. I love the smells, the stalls, the food, the  Glühwein (I tend to favor the German markets but the Austrian, Hungarian & Czech are also great). Our favorite Christmas river cruise was on the Danube (ended in Budapest which also has a fantastic market).

Are the christmas markets in each of the towns/cities on the Danube/Rhine different from each other?

Each is unique in its own way but they are similar in what they sell, etc. The variety in locations is wonderful - some are  held in charming, small villages & others are held in vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. For example, on the Danube with Viking, you would visit Christmas markets in Passau, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest. 

A Google search will reveal photos and descriptions of Europe’s Christmas markets. Maybe start with something like “the best Christmas markets in Europe”.

I recommend checking-out the offerings on Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon & the like. You might also want to contact a TA that specializes in river cruises.

I’ve enjoyed all of our river cruises - it’s a great way to get a ‘taste’ of the offerings of some spectacular, historic European cities. Good luck!  🙂

1 hour ago, F19810 said: Are the christmas markets in each of the towns/cities on the Danube/Rhine different from each other?  

I did the Danube and I think they were each a little different. I enjoyed going to them and even gave up an exclusive/early entry into a museum to go to them. I found the food a little different in different ones. I am one that absolutely loved the food from the markets. There were times where I saw something at one market early on and didn't buy it and then never saw it again. Other items, you saw at all the markets. 

6 hours ago, dogs4fun said: Even Moscow (Red Square) puts on a fantastic Christmas market.

I had no idea! I just googled images from it and it is truly beautiful.

https://tsar-events.com/calendar/moscow-christmas-fair-festival-on-the-red-square-2020-2021/

2 minutes ago, Coral said: I had no idea! I just googled images from it and it is truly beautiful.   https://tsar-events.com/calendar/moscow-christmas-fair-festival-on-the-red-square-2020-2021/  

I agree, it is beautiful. My fondness for Russia stems from my love of music & literature. However, after my first visit I became fascinated with Russian history & architecture. Love the Russian people I have met - just wish the political situation was different.

Have you visited Russia yet?

17 minutes ago, dogs4fun said: I agree, it is beautiful. My fondness for Russia stems from my love of music & literature. However, after my first visit I became fascinated with Russian history & architecture. Love the Russian people I have met - just wish the political situation was different. Have you visited Russia yet?

Yes - 2x. First time I was 18 and it was a high school trip, one of those 7 countries in 6 weeks. It was 1988 and we spent probably 4 days in both Moscow and Leningrad. I had a high school teacher who had sparked my interest in Russia and had taught a Russian history class before I left. I was in ahhww.. the entire time. It was during Gorbachev's leadership.

I later minored in Slavic studies and took Russian. When I returned probably 20 years later, my Russian speaking was pathetic though I could still read some. I hate to think what it would be like now.

I returned later on a river cruise and was greatly disappointed in the river cruise but still enjoyed my time in Moscow and St. Petersburg. I wished I had just done the hotel thing but that year, Moscow was the most expensive city in the world. I couldn't believe how much things had changed.

My high school tour did a much better job of showing us around than the river cruise did.

I have always been intrigued by their history and architecture also. I loved standing in Red Square, the Kremlin, I love the museums, the people are very kind...... Yes -the politics are bizarre.

8 hours ago, F19810 said: Are the christmas markets in each of the towns/cities on the Danube/Rhine different from each other?

Along the Danube river (starting out on the Canal in Nuremberg) you will find the more traditional markets. Each of them has its own specialties and is different. Here in my home town Munich we have at least 30 different markets. In Bavaria and Austria markets are a long time tradition.

The markets have not such a long tradition in most of the towns along the Rhine river. So you will find a lot of more commercial stalls and some of the goods are sold on each market.

notamermaid

I think you need to decide for yourself if you want to experience the Christmas markets more as a DIY land trip or as a more "regulated" river cruise that determines exactly when you can be at a market. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. For me on the plus side could be the decoration and activities on a river cruise ship. You may learn about traditions in a talk, bake biscuits, etc. You may not see much of a market in lights if the cruise ship leaves early in the evening, though. Really look at the various companies and details. Look for spread sheets and info among the previous years' roll calls.

While I basically agree with steamboats assessment, you can experience old and/or traditional Christmas markets along the Rhine - and the Main river - it just depends on where you are. The age ranges from around 600 years to 40 years tradition...

On a river cruise I would definitely include a German-speaking country.

Unfortunately, there are not that many options for a river cruise on the Elbe in Winter, but check. Dresden is one of the oldest markets in Germany. To end a dispute, Dresden and Bautzen (which is in the Sorbian speaking area of East Germany) both have such a title but the wording varies!

Here in Germany coach tour operators offer very good trips to markets, perhaps a travel agent in your country can help you with that.

You can have a look here to give you an overview of German ones: http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/

The large cities will have their own websites and probably pages on the Christmas markets in English.

20 minutes ago, notamermaid said: I think you need to decide for yourself if you want to experience the Christmas markets more as a DIY land trip or as a more "regulated" river cruise that determines exactly when you can be at a market. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. For me on the plus side could be the decoration and activities on a river cruise ship. You may learn about traditions in a talk, bake biscuits, etc. You may not see much of a market in lights if the cruise ship leaves early in the evening, though. Really look at the various companies and details. Look for spread sheets and info among the previous years' roll calls.    

I think I lucked out big time on mine. It was booked on a whim but we had overnights in Vienna, Linz and Passau. It was an unusual itinerary (with some overnights) and then even more so had more overnights due to low water levels. I completely agree that it is worth going at night.

We didn't have talks on markets or baking of biscuits. Just the usual learning of how to make wonderful apple strudel. 

Thinking of land trip next time 🙂

8 minutes ago, Coral said: Just the usual learning of how to make wonderful apple strudel.   

Oh, that is nice as well.

Your comments reminded me that I should mention the timing. To see all the markets open one should go after Sunday of the Dead (last Sunday before first of Advent). I find a cruise between the dates 4 December - it is darker and you may experience the gift-giving tradition on Nikolaus, that is 5/6 December and 18 December - stalls are still stocked well and the vendors are not tired and grumpy yet (not a standard, but can happen, I am sure they are almost always the embodiment of Christmas spirit) best.

travelingman

13 hours ago, steamboats said:   Along the Danube river (starting out on the Canal in Nuremberg) you will find the more traditional markets. Each of them has its own specialties and is different. Here in my home town Munich we have at least 30 different markets. In Bavaria and Austria markets are a long time tradition.   The markets have not such a long tradition in most of the towns along the Rhine river. So you will find a lot of more commercial stalls and some of the goods are sold on each market.   steamboats

Now that you have brought up the Munich Christmas Markets let me ask a few questions please.  And I know the answer is subjective based on who one asks the question to.  #notamermaid might want to give an answer to this also.  Wife and I are scheduled to do a B2B Celestyal cruise out of Athens (with 3 - 4 days pre-cruise) beggining on Nov. 13 and terminating back in Athens on Nov. 27 2021.  We are then planning to fly to Vienna arriving late afternoon.  We will be there the evening of the 27 (night time lights) and 1/2 of next day.  Then take the train to Regensburg arriving late afternoon (again night time lights) and 1/2 of next day.  Then take the train to Munich arriving late afternoon (night time lights) and be there at least part of the next day, if not all of it, depending on flight schedules.

I know this is a short period of time in each city but we will have been gone for 18 days already not including the Christmas markets.

Our plans of Vienna - Regensburg - Munich is mainly due to coming from Athens and good flights out of Munich along with closeness of Munich and Regensburg..

Question 1.  Does the above make sense - city wise and schedule wise.  Would it make more sense to do Vienna - Munich - Regensburg with a direct train from Regensburg to the Munich airport.

Question 2. - When do the markets normally open up?  Is it morning or after lunch?  To see the markets in the day time and night time would we need to stay all day and travel the second evening.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

A lot of the markets I went to opened at 11 am and stayed open until 9-10 pm.  You can often google each city and Christmas Market and find information - here is an example of Vienna's.

https://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/skiing-and-winter/christmas-markets/vienna . 

travelingman, that is a tight schedule I think. Not sure that I would want to cram all this into so few days. I am not familiar with the markets in the area, but have been to Vienna and Munich. The cities are kind of compact and easy to navigate with public transport but nevertheless big; you still need to travel to and from airports. Regensburg is much smaller. Train stations will be in the heart of the cities and one or two markets nearby. That could work out okay.

As regards opening hours: they will be 10am or 11am to between 7pm and 10pm in the big cities. But steamboats and others can tell you more about that. Also check the cities' websites.

For distances and logistics I will happily hand over to steamboats who I know will be happy to tell you about Munich especially.

Have fun planning.

notamermaid, do you think it would be better if we plan on spending 2 nights in each town.  The day we arrive and the next night and then the next morning to the traveling to the next town.  This would give is approximately 1 1/2 days in each town versus an evening and 1/2 day.

@travelingman  I agree with notamermaid... markets open 10/11 am and stay open til 8 - 10 pm (depends on the market and location).

The schedule is really pretty tight. For Vienna and Munich I really suggest at least two nights. For Regensburg it´s pretty much o.k. to spend the afternoon and leave early the next morning or so.

It definitely doesn´t make much sense to go Vienna - Munich - Regensburg - Munich Airport. Although our airport is not within the city limits it´s at least 1:20 h by train from Regensburg (and that´s the direct train). It´s 40 min from downtown Munich (20 min from my home).

Regensburg has the main market in the city which is spread over the whole downtown area. There´s the other market at the castle of Thurn und Taxis (which has an entrance fee).

Munich has the main market downtown at Marienplatz and adjoining streets (pedestrian zone). Close to this you have at least two nice smaller markets like the one in the Residenz and the Medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz. The other one I highly suggest is Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt at Münchner Freiheit (4 stops by subway from Marienplatz). This is all artists and no commercial vendors. One big one is  Tollwood at the Oktoberfest grounds. Big tents, mix of artists and commerical vendors plus concerts and food from all over the world. But that one is not that traditional.

Thank you steamboats and notamermaid for your comments on our Christmas market plans.  The one thing I did not mention is that we have been to Vienna and Munich on previous trips but not to Regensburg.  If we get to make our August/September Danube river trip we will have an additional visit to Vienna and our first visit to Regensburg.  So the planned Christmas market trip will be strictly for the markets.  I will extend our time in each city to 2 nights so that we will have more time to enjoy the markets.  Again thanks for your input.

6 hours ago, steamboats said: @travelingman  I agree with notamermaid... markets open 10/11 am and stay open til 8 - 10 pm (depends on the market and location).   The schedule is really pretty tight. For Vienna and Munich I really suggest at least two nights. For Regensburg it´s pretty much o.k. to spend the afternoon and leave early the next morning or so.   It definitely doesn´t make much sense to go Vienna - Munich - Regensburg - Munich Airport. Although our airport is not within the city limits it´s at least 1:20 h by train from Regensburg (and that´s the direct train). It´s 40 min from downtown Munich (20 min from my home).   Regensburg has the main market in the city which is spread over the whole downtown area. There´s the other market at the castle of Thurn und Taxis (which has an entrance fee).   Munich has the main market downtown at Marienplatz and adjoining streets (pedestrian zone). Close to this you have at least two nice smaller markets like the one in the Residenz and the Medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz. The other one I highly suggest is Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt at Münchner Freiheit (4 stops by subway from Marienplatz). This is all artists and no commercial vendors. One big one is  Tollwood at the Oktoberfest grounds. Big tents, mix of artists and commerical vendors plus concerts and food from all over the world. But that one is not that traditional.   steamboats

Ah Steamboats, you forgot the Pink Markt. Quite interesting.

9 minutes ago, rcaruso said: Ah Steamboats, you forgot the Pink Markt. Quite interesting.

Never been to that one.

It's the LGBTQ Christmas Markt at  Glockenbachviertel.  I discovered it many years ago when the Sturm der Liebe shauspielers were at the Teddy Bear Verkauf for the Munchen Aids Society.  I bought quite a few Teddy Bears for the folks back home, all for a good cause, and was able to see my favorite Sturm der Liebe actress, Mona Seefried.

11 hours ago, travelingman said:   notamermaid, do you think it would be better if we plan on spending 2 nights in each town.  The day we arrive and the next night and then the next morning to the traveling to the next town.  This would give is approximately 1 1/2 days in each town versus an evening and 1/2 day.   Stan

Before you mentioned the fact that you had been to Vienna and Munich I would have said two nights in each and one night in Regensburg sounds best. Not so sure now, but I still think for calm enjoyment of the atmosphere and seeing more than one market in the large cities 2, 2, 1 nights respectively is good.

@rcaruso  Such a market exists in Cologne as well, Hamburg is another great town for such a theme. Teddy bears, sounds nice, even if it is not "traditional".

At markets in the past I have bought anything from high class frying pans and socks to glass baubles and chocolate.

The choices are endless these days. If you see it and are happy with quality and price, buy it. The chances are high you will not see it again elsewhere.

I have a Yuletide cruise booked for this coming December thru The Netherlands and Belgium.  We will be visiting some of their Christmas markets.  That really wasn't my interest or objective when I was looking for cruises, but the price was right and it was far enough away that I thought it had a good chance of going.  I was looking for a cruise thru those 2 countries that wasn't a tulip cruise.  

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Christmas markets of the rhine choose your departure, select departure month, 30 nov 2024 > 7 dec 2024, 7 dec 2024 > 14 dec 2024, stay up to date and be inspired.

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Ten Reasons Why Guys Love a Viking River Cruises Rhine Getaway

I tend to be a major advocate for a cruise lifestyle. Simply put, I LOVE the experience of being on a boat, but I know a lot of guys who aren't convinced that a cruise is for them and not every line or itinerary is. However, last fall I had the chance to explore the Rhine thanks to Viking Cruises and I still can't believe how many opportunities there are for guys to have an amazing time on this route!

As you know I tend to live a pretty privileged life and have been exploring a lot of amazing destinations but this cruise with Viking was one I still think about constantly. For many of you, this might be a once in a lifetime adventure ... but it's an experience you will cherish forever.

Our Viking River cruise took us from Basel Switzerland up the Rhine River to Amsterdam on their " Rhine Getaway " tour. These are just a few of the reasons why I can't wait to go back again!

Tour Medieval Castles

Virtually every city has ancient fortifications and guard towers that could be considered castles by American standards. However, during this journey you'll be able to see some fantastic examples of medieval castles. These include the ruins of  Heidelburg Castle  where among other things, you'll be able to see a 220,000 liter wine barrel that dates back to 1751 when it was built to collect taxes paid to the the castle in the form of wine. Further up the river, you'll be able to tour the 800 year old  Marksburg Castle , one of the only castles that escaped destruction during the numerous wars between French and German armies.

As you cruise up the river from Heidelburg to Marksburg castles, you'll also be able to see dozens more medieval castles along the route. It's hard to describe but for an entire morning guests will be able to sit up on the top deck and watch as you pass medeival towns with castles perched above them. Prior to this adventure, I just assumed you'd see one or two. Instead, there's one at every turn of the river - though most pale in comparison to the two above.

Go Coo Coo in The Black Forest

While I'd love to come back and explore this region of Germany, the excursion to explore the Black Forest is a must do. You'll be able to learn about this unique cultural area of the country including seeing an example of a traditional Vogtsbauernhof building, sample Black Forest cake, drink schnaps, and buy hand-made coo coo clocks produced by local artisans. While most of the clocks are traditional in nature, I did see one themed for the ultimate Porche fan! It's a great deal at only €2,399 too.

German Beer

Any guy that enjoys beer deserves to one day visit Germany. For me, I'm a big fan of Kolsh and so the opportunity to visit Cologne and drink true Kolsh ... and not just Kolsh-style beer was one of the highlights. Truthfully though, the American brewers have surpassed the beers we had on this trip and I can't honestly say that any of the beers were "the best I've ever had" that doesn't matter. It's about the experience and the memories of sitting in a pub with a half dozen empty glasses on the table and sharing memories of the day with a good friend. Well, that and the guy who yelled at me about his "cloak", making me for a moment think that I had been transported to a Tolkien novel.

French (and German!) Wine

Beer isn't the only game in town and this route takes you through one of the world's best wine regions - Alsace France. Alsace wineries are French - but with Germanic influence and you'll find a variety of primarily white wines including Riesling and Gewurztraminer but also many other varietals. Each at lunch and dinner, wine is included with the meal and so even if you don't venture into a wine shop during the day, you'll be able to explore the bounty of wines from the region. 

However, I absolutely do encourage you to take the opportunity to explore wine shops in town and seek out small, local gems that you can't get back home. Unlike a typical "ocean cruise", Viking doesn't have a naughty room. This means that there is no reason to smuggle wine back on board. They just ask that you don't drink the wine in public spaces.

Top Shelf Drinks in the Viking Bar

Viking's bar is extremely well stocked with premium whiskey, cognac, and eau-de-vie as well as beer and wine of course. I was very impressed with their ability to whip up cocktails as well as the fact that even those with the "alcohol package" were served very promptly without skimping. On one evening, the gentleman next to me seemingly had a bottomless dram of Scotch and that's always a great thing! It is also surprisingly affordable compared to what you might find elsewhere. On Viking River Cruises the cost is $150 per seven-day cruise and Viking Ocean also offers their version for $139 per seven-day cruise. (Like all similar offers though, both parties sharing the cabin must purchase the package.) 

Amazing Historic Cities to Explore

There's something magical about walking through medieval towns surrounded by buildings that are hundreds - or in the case of cathedrals and castles, thousands of years old. That's to say nothing of shopping, exploring sidewalk cafes, or simply standing on the corner listening to some street music. Each one of the cities you stop at has it's own personality, from Colmar - said to have inspired Beauty and the Beast to Cologne - where you can clearly see the changes due to the ravages of World War II, and Strasbourg - the home of the EU Parliament and a hub of modern Europe. Of course, even smaller towns such as Rudesheim am Rhein which have their own totally unique personality too!

Seasonal Festivals - (Yes Guys - Christmas Markets are Awesome!)

Each of these cities has fantastic seasonal festivals including Carnival in Cologne and the Amsterdam Dance Event - a five-day electronic music festival held each October. However, for Christmas - everyone has a Christmas market ... or multiple different ones spread across the city. Honestly, at first I didn't think I would dig this since back home, I HATE the experience of being dragged to a Christmas market. Instead of just cheap trinkets and a handful of food vendors there are hundreds of artisans and an equal number of vendors serving amazing food and drink.

From eating fondu out of a hollowed out baguette in Basel to sausages and Kolsh in Cologne, and hot spiced gluehwein at pretty much every stop you aren't going to go hungry here. For the more adventurous though, make sure to try escargot in Strasbourg and pickled herring in Amsterdam!

One thing to watch out for though is that unlike in the United States, bathrooms aren't exactly publicly available. Some of the larger festivals had pay-toilets but otherwise you need to visit a pub and buy a drink to use the bathroom so plan accordingly.

Awesome Excursion Options

In case you haven't figured this out yet, a Viking River Cruise is far from your typical "Caribbean Cruise" that you might have taken with the family. Excursions here are clearly designed with adults in mind and while we didn't get a chance to do everything, here are some of the awesome excursion options that guys will love on Rhine Getaway Cruise. 

Explore Basel's Watch Industry -  Each year, Basel plays host to one of the top watch conventions in the world. While this is not an official Viking tour, we think it would be awesome to sneak into the conference and see the latest and greatest watches being produced today. Even if you aren't there in March, don't worry. There are plenty of fantastic watch stores for your shopping pleasure. 

Colmar World War II Tour -  Viking offers a tour to see the Colmar Pocket, where American and French forces pushed back the Nazi troops during the winter of 1944-1945.

Mercedes-Benz Factory Tour in Strasbourg -  Tour a Mercedes factory and see how some of our favorite cars are built.

Wine Tasting and Dinner at Eberbach Monastery -  Remember what I was saying about the wine? Here's your chance to have a fantastic dinner and tasting in a 900 year old former Cistercian monastery surrounded by lush vineyards.

Climb to the Roof of Cologne's Cathedral -  This 800 year old cathedral is one of the few buildings left standing after the Allied forces leveled most of the rest of the city. The cathedral remains the tallest twin-spired church in the world at 515 feet tall!

Dutch Cheese Making in Kinderdijk -  Throughout your adventure, you're going to be enjoying some of the best cheeses in the world but now you'll be able to learn more about how the Dutch make theirs. Just don't cut the cheese - or if you do, apologize to your neighbor.

I can't say enough about how great of a destination Amsterdam is for guys to visit. Depending on which direction your cruise takes you, this city will be your start or finish and it's worth adding a couple extra days. It's among the most progressive cities in the world and literally anything goes. There are fantastic museums here ranging from the  Van Gogh Museum  to the hemp museum and everything in between.

This city also hosts a variety of distilleries and of course is the home of  Heineken Brewery  as well. On top of all that, the city has an incredibly diverse food scene reflecting its history of global trade so make sure to check out various options from an Indonesian Rice Table to classic Dutch cuisine. You'll also want to stop and get some fries at one of the hundreds of street stands scattered across the city and check out the different toppings.

You'll be Waited On Hand and Foot 

I can't say enough about how amazing the staff is on  Viking River Cruises . Typically, the entire sector is known for great service but the officers and crew here are top notch. From remembering your breakfast order to welcoming you back to the boat by name with a fresh towel, there was never a moment when I didn't feel special.    

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From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in South East Asia, a Scenic 5-star river cruise is in a class of its own. Every detail has been taken care of to the Nth Degree by our world-class crew so you can enjoy the benefits of a truly all-inclusive journey.

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Christmas Markets Notice:   Most Christmas Markets open during the last week of November and remain open until approximately Dec. 22. Check with each country’s tourist office for more information.

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Bedding:   Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

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