Christmas Markets of the Rhine 2025|2026

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Description

Summary

Starts
Amsterdam
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
12 years

Description

Embark on an enchanting multi-day tour through some of Europe's most picturesque cities and towns, each adorned with festive Christmas markets and rich in history. From the charming canals of Amsterdam to the fairy-tale ambiance of Koblenz, this journey offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and holiday magic. Enjoy guided tours, scenic drives, and delightful culinary experiences as you traverse through the heart of Europe, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

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Included

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

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Airport transfers outside Australia are included

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7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Emerald Destiny: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Panorama Suite ,Emerald Stateroom

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The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director

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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

Canal cruise

Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

Walking tour of Koblenz

Guided tour of Heidelberg

Guided tour of Strasbourg

Guided tour of Breisach

Christmas traditions in Europe lecture

Guided visit to the Christmas market at Ravenna Viaduct Shape

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

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Map

Attractions

Martin's GateMartin's Gate
Grenzau Castle
Burgruine Lützelhardt
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Triberg-Land
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
Castle Groeneveld, Baarn, Utrecht, NetherlandsCastle Groeneveld

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam - Arrival day
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Welcome to Amsterdam, a city renowned for its charming canals, cozy cafés, and innovative art galleries featuring works by Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Upon arrival, our friendly team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship (or similar). After boarding, take some time to explore the narrow cobbled streets and gabled houses of the Dutch capital at your own pace. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a delightful dinner on board.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Amsterdam's Canals

  • Amsterdam
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  • Castle Groeneveld
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Embark on a glass-top canal boat for a mesmerizing tour through Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system. Marvel at the historic merchant houses that reflect the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age. As you navigate through the city, you'll encounter delightful Christmas stalls, where locals in festive knitwear sip on hot mulled wine and savor their favorite holiday treats.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Christmas Magic in Cologne

  • Cologne
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Experience the enchanting Christmas markets of Cologne, which transform the city into a winter wonderland. After a guided tour of the city's historic Old Town, you'll have the freedom to explore the markets at your leisure. Don't miss the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can enjoy traditional glühwein in beautifully decorated mugs. Later, attend a fascinating lecture on European Christmas traditions.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Fairy Tale Koblenz

Day 4: Fairy Tale Koblenz

  • Grenzau Castle
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Step into the enchanting city of Koblenz, where ancient history meets picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a guided tour through cobbled squares and narrow streets, leading to the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers at the German Corner. Take in the idyllic panoramic views of the Rhine and immerse yourself in the fairy-tale ambiance of this charming city.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Historic Heidelberg

Day 5: Historic Heidelberg

  • Heidelberg Palace
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Discover the rich history of Heidelberg with a guided tour that includes a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Rhine River. Enjoy a wine tasting session and stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visiting landmarks such as the Church of the Holy Spirit and Germany's oldest university. Let the romantic ambiance of Heidelberg inspire you, just as it did for artists like William Turner.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg's Grande Île

  • Kehl
  • Strasbourg
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  • Burgruine Lützelhardt
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Dock in Kehl and transfer by coach to Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace region. Your guided tour will take you through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings and charming canals. Afterward, explore one of Strasbourg's delightful Christmas markets, where you can indulge in traditional German Christmas treats and shop for unique gifts.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Breisach and the Black Forest

Day 7: Breisach and the Black Forest

  • Martin's Gate
  • Triberg-Land
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Visit the 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 to the Hofgut Sternen complex at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge. Here, you'll find a charming Christmas market beneath the 40-meter-high Ravenna Viaduct, where you can savor Black Forest specialties and shop for unique handcrafted products.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell in Zurich

  • Basel
  • Zurich - Departure day
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After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and your Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport. Take with you cherished memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas. Please ensure your flight departs from Zurich after 11:30 AM.

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