Rhine Holiday Markets (2025) (Cologne to Basel, 2025)
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Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day tour that takes you through the heart of Europe during the festive season. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and holiday cheer, as you traverse through charming towns and cities, each adorned with their own distinct Christmas markets. From the artistic powerhouse of Basel to the quaint city of Strasbourg, and from the storied city of Baden-Baden to the historical treasures of Koblenz, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and indulge in local treats and traditions. This tour is a perfect blend of sightseeing, shopping, and savoring the festive spirit, making it an unforgettable holiday experience.
Included
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
The exquisite S.S. Antoinette or the elegant S.S. Elisabeth
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the exquisite
S.S. Antoinette
or the elegant
S.S. Elisabeth
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
Free Wi-Fi
S.S. Elisabeth: Royal Suite ,Suite, S.S. Antoinette: Grand Suite ,Suite
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
3 countries: France, Germany, Switzerland
3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
Excursions included:
- Cologne Walking Tour with Old Town Visit and Christmas Markets
- Koblenz Walking Tour with Christmas Market
- Basel Walking Tour with Christmas Market
Additional excursions to choose from:
- Rüdesheim Walk with Local Treats and Christmas Market
- Rheinweinwelten Visit - The Best Rhine Rieslings
- Mainz Christmas Market Stroll
- Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate Visit and Tasting
- Baden-Baden Walking Tour with Christmas Market
- Strasbourg Walking Tour with Christmas Market
- “Taste of Christmas” Strasbourg Walking Tour
Destinations
Mainz
Kehl
Mulhouse
Basel
Strasbourg
Freiburg im Breisgau
Cologne
Wiesbaden
Baden-BadenMap
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Attractions
Studentenkarzer
Basel Town Hall
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Chocolate Museum
Mainz CathedralDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Basel
- Cologne - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to the start of your festive journey! Upon arrival at the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your luxurious ship.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Basel
- Cologne
- More
- Basel Town Hall
- More
Today, immerse yourself in the cultural and artistic richness of Basel. Visit the city's Christmas Market, one of the most sought-after in Europe, and stroll down the Christmas Street adorned with beautifully decorated trees. Don't forget to make a wish in the Wish Book at Basel's 17th-century Town Hall.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Strasbourg
- Basel
- More
Bid farewell to Basel as we set sail for the quaint city of Strasbourg, known as the 'Crossroads of Europe'. Explore the city's cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, and irresistible pastry shops. Visit the city's Christmas Market and indulge in holiday treats like bûche de Noël, a delicious Christmas cake.
Day 4 – Day 4: Voyage to Baden-Baden
- Mainz
- Wiesbaden
- Strasbourg
- More
Today, we sail into Germany and visit the storied city of Baden-Baden, known for its hot springs, spas, and unspoiled nature. Choose between a visit to the Doktorenhof vinegar estate for a unique vinegar tasting or a stroll through Baden-Baden's Christmas Market.
Day 5 – Day 5: Mainz and Rüdesheim
- Baden-Baden
- More
- Museum of Ancient Seafaring
- Mainz Cathedral
- More
Today, explore the Old Town of Mainz, brimming with specialty shops, or opt to visit Wiesbaden's Christmas Market. Later, we cruise to Rüdesheim, a city famous for its beauty and its entertaining alley of shops and wine bars, the Drosselgasse.
Day 6 – Day 6: Sailing to Koblenz
- Kehl
- Strasbourg
- More
Spend a spectacular morning onboard as you sail the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adorned with castles and quaint villages. Arrive in Koblenz, located at the famous intersection of the Rhine and the Moselle, and embark on a walking tour of the city's historical treasures.
Day 7 – Day 7: Cologne's Old Town
- Basel
- More
- Cologne Chocolate Museum
- More
Today, a local expert will guide you through the Old Town of Cologne, sharing intriguing and magical secrets of the city's cathedral. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city's Christmas markets.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Cologne
- Basel
- Mulhouse
- Freiburg im Breisgau
- Cologne - Departure day
- More
As your festive journey comes to an end, you will be transferred to the Cologne Bonn Airport for your flight home. Take back memories of a unique holiday experience, filled with the spirit of Christmas and the charm of Europe.
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