Rhine Holiday Markets (2025) (Cologne to Basel, 2025)

Conditional cancellation
24/7 customer support
Best price guarantee

Description

Summary

Starts
Cologne
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
18 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and festive cheer intertwine. From the majestic Cologne Cathedral to the charming streets of Strasbourg, each day promises new discoveries and enchanting experiences. Delight in the warmth of Christmas Markets, savor local delicacies, and explore picturesque towns along the Rhine. With luxurious accommodations and expert guides, this journey offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, ensuring a holiday season to remember.

Read more

Included

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

Read more

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

- Nights Out: Cologne 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

- Wiesbaden Twinkling Star Christmas Market

- Mainz Christmas Market Stroll

- Baden-Baden Walking Tour with Christmas Market

- Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate Visit and Tasting

- Strasbourg Walking Tour with Christmas Market

- “Taste of Christmas” Strasbourg Walking Tour

Read more

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

Read more

Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager

Read more

The exquisite S.S. Antoinette or the elegant S.S. Elisabeth

Read more

Destinations

Mainz - city in GermanyMainz
Photo of Panoramic aerial view of Kehl village with river in Germany.Kehl
Mulhouse - city in FranceMulhouse
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
Photo of aerial view of the historic city center of Freiburg im Breisgau from famous old Freiburger Minster in beautiful evening light at sunset, Germany.Freiburg im Breisgau
Cologne Aerial view with trains move on a bridge over the Rhine River on which cargo barges and passenger ships ply. Majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background.Cologne
Hesse - state in GermanyWiesbaden
Baden-Baden - city in GermanyBaden-Baden

Map

Attractions

Studentenkarzer, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyKarzer (Heidelberg)
photo of Rathaus, the Town Hall of Basel in Basel, Switzerland.Basel Town Hall
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Chocolate Museum, Altstadt-Süd, Innenstadt, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Chocolate Museum
photo of view Mainz Cathedral at evening. Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.Mainz Cathedral

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Cologne

  • Cologne - Arrival day
  • More
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • More

Begin your enchanting journey as you arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport. A warm welcome awaits you as a representative escorts you to your luxurious cruise ship, your home for the next few days. Settle into your comfortable cabin and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Read more
Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Explore Cologne's Charms

  • Cologne
  • More
  • Old Market
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Fischmarkt
  • More

Dive into the heart of Cologne with a guided walking tour. Discover the secrets of the majestic Cologne Cathedral and wander through the charming Old Town. As the evening descends, immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the city's renowned Christmas Markets.

Read more
Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Koblenz and the Rhine

  • Basel
  • More
  • Grenzau Castle
  • Koblenzer Kanten: Aussichtsplattform Rhein-Mosel-Blick
  • More

Witness the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers at the iconic German Corner in Koblenz. Embark on a historical walking tour and explore the town's festive Christmas Market. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise through the breathtaking Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Read more
Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Rüdesheim to Mainz

  • Mainz
  • Wiesbaden
  • More
  • Roseninsel
  • Mainz Cathedral
  • More

Start your day in the picturesque town of Rüdesheim, famous for its vibrant Drosselgasse. Savor local treats and explore the lively Christmas Market. Continue your journey to Mainz, where the Old Town's festive atmosphere and unique shops await.

Read more
Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Baden-Baden or Vinegar Tasting

  • Baden-Baden
  • More
  • Botanical Garden of KIT
  • Palatinate Museum of Natural History
  • More

Choose your adventure today: explore the elegant city of Baden-Baden, renowned for its spas and Christmas Market, or indulge in a unique vinegar tasting at the atmospheric Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate.

Read more
Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg's Festive Spirit

  • Kehl
  • Strasbourg
  • More
  • Sulzbach Wasserpfad
  • More

Discover the enchanting city of Strasbourg, known as the 'Crossroads of Europe.' Stroll through cobbled lanes and admire half-timbered homes. Delight in the city's renowned Christmas Market and savor holiday treats.

Read more
Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Basel's Cultural Delights

  • Basel
  • More
  • Basel Town Hall
  • More

Immerse yourself in Basel's vibrant cultural scene. Visit the city's Christmas Market and explore the historic Town Hall. Write your holiday wishes in the Wish Book, a cherished tradition during Advent.

Read more
Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Basel

  • Basel
  • Mulhouse
  • Freiburg im Breisgau - Departure day
  • More
  • Old Arsenal Museum
  • More

Conclude your magical journey as you disembark in Basel. If your package includes a transfer, you'll be escorted to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg for your flight home, carrying cherished memories of your festive adventure.

Read more

Similar tours

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.