Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, experiencing the magic of Christmas in some of the continent’s most picturesque destinations. From the charming streets of Basel to the festive markets of Amsterdam, this journey promises unforgettable moments and delightful discoveries. Enjoy luxurious accommodation on board a contemporary Star-Ship, savor exquisite meals, and partake in guided tours and unique activities that showcase the rich history and vibrant culture of each destination. Join us for a holiday adventure filled with warmth, wonder, and the spirit of the season.
Included
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Airport transfers outside Australia are included
7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Emerald Sun: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Panorama Suite ,Emerald Stateroom, Emerald Destiny: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Panorama Suite ,Emerald Stateroom
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Guided tour of Breisach
Guided tour of Strasbourg
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Walking tour of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
Canal cruise
Guided visit to the Christmas market at Ravenna Viaduct
20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Basel
- Basel - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Switzerland and the start of your enchanting Christmas cruise journey. Upon arrival in Basel, you will be warmly greeted by a member of the Emerald Cruises team and transferred to your luxurious Star-Ship. Settle in and meet your friendly captain and crew. This evening, enjoy a delightful dinner on board as you get to know your fellow guests.
Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach
Day 2: Breisach
- Martin's Gate
- Holbeinpferd
- Triberg-Land
- More
Today, embark on a journey to the charming Rhine town of Breisach, known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands, leading to the historic Hofgut Sternen complex at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge. Here, explore the enchanting Christmas market beneath the 40-metre-high Ravenna Viaduct, where the aroma of Black Forest specialties and unique handcrafted products fills the air.
Day 3 – Day 3: Kehl and Strasbourg
- Kehl
- Strasbourg
- More
- Burgruine Lützelhardt
- Sulzbach Wasserpfad
- More
This morning, dock in Kehl and transfer by coach to Strasbourg, the captivating capital of France’s Alsace region. Enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings and charming canals. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at one of Strasbourg’s delightful Christmas markets, where you can savor traditional German Christmas treats and shop for unique gifts.
Day 4 – Day 4: Heidelberg
Day 4: Heidelberg
- Church of the Holy Spirit
- Old Bridge Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Palace
- More
Explore the rich history of Heidelberg with a guided tour that includes a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, offering stunning views of the Rhine River and the city’s red-roofed skyline. Enjoy a wine tasting session and stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visiting the Church of the Holy Spirit and Germany’s oldest university.
Day 5 – Day 5: Koblenz
Day 5: Koblenz
- Grenzau Castle
- Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
- More
Today, delve into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city that seems to have leapt from the pages of a fairy tale. Your local guide will lead you through picturesque vineyards and snow-capped mountains, exploring cobbled squares and narrow streets. Visit the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers at the German Corner and enjoy panoramic views from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cologne
- Cologne
- More
- Cologne Cathedral
- Cologne Zoological Garden
- More
Experience the festive magic of Cologne, where seven Christmas markets transform the city into a winter wonderland. Following a guided tour of the city, explore the markets at your leisure, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. Savor traditional glühwein from beautifully decorated mugs as you soak in the holiday spirit.
Day 7 – Day 7: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
- More
- Amsterdamse Poort, Haarlem
- Amsterdam Museum
- More
Board a glass-top canal boat for a scenic tour of Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses from the Dutch Golden Age. Explore the city’s festive Christmas stalls, enjoying hot mugs of mulled wine and traditional festive foods as you soak in the holiday atmosphere.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
- More
After a delightful breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and the Star-Ship crew. You will be transferred to the airport, taking with you cherished memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas.
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