Christmas Markets on the Rhine- Basel to Amsterdam

Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner.

Breisach is a town with approximately 16,500 inhabitants, situated along the Rhine in the Rhine Valley, in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about halfway between Freiburg and Colmar — 20 kilometres away from each — and about 60 kilometres north of Basel near the Kaiserstuhl.

This morning, the ship cruises to the capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg, a picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. Here you may choose to take a walking tour along the town’s narrow cobbled streets to see the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, with its sandstone Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to shop or perhaps visit the famous Christmas Market in Strasbourg. The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg.

Early this afternoon, arrive in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Cathedral, churches, and the Altpörtel – a 13th-century gate tow

Early this afternoon, arrive in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Cathedral, churches, and the Altpörtel – a 13th-century gate tow

This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Museum and its collection of robotic and self-playing musical instruments, made during the 18th- 20th centuries.. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants, before heading to a wine tasting with a local vintner. You will also visit the town’s massive Christmas Market, with more than 120 stands of German delicacies and unique gifts guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. This afternoon your ship departs for Koblenz, passing through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river with numerous vineyards, castles, and picturesque hamlets. After arriving in Koblenz this evening, your Cruise Manager will lead you on a walking tour through this charming town. We overnight in Koblenz.

The Rhine Gorge is a popular name for the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65 km section of the Rhine between Koblenz and Bingen in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse in Germany.

This morning, the ship cruises to Cologne, where we will spend the entire day. You will have a walking tour through the old part of the city and visit Cologne’s fabled Gothic cathedral. During your free time, you may return to the cathedral square to browse through Cologne’s impressive Christmas Market or explore other areas of the city on your own. The ship departs tonight for Amsterdam.

Arrive mid-day and take a guided canal boat tour past the city’s beautiful bridges, churches and centuries-old merchant houses. Later, enjoy a panoramic motor coach tour of Amsterdam. You will also have some free time to explore on your own. The ship moors in Amsterdam overnight.

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.