Christmas Markets of the Rhine - Breisach

Welcome to the beautiful city of Amsterdam, a place where artistic heritage meets picturesque canals. Upon your arrival at the airport, our friendly team will greet you and escort you to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After settling in, take some time to wander through the city's narrow, cobbled streets and admire the gabled houses. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a delightful dinner on board.

Today, you'll embark on a glass-top canal boat and cruise down Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system. As you glide past historic merchant houses, you'll be transported back to the Dutch Golden Age. After the cruise, immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the delightful Christmas stalls, where you can enjoy hot mugs of mulled wine and indulge in festive foods.

On day three, you'll explore the enchanting city of Cologne, adorned with seven idyllic Christmas markets. After a guided tour of the city, you'll have the opportunity to wander the markets at your leisure. Don't miss the chance to visit the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can sip traditional glühwein from beautifully decorated mugs.

Today, we'll journey into the heart of Koblenz, a city that seems to have leapt straight out of a German fairy tale. A local guide will lead you through open cobbled squares and narrow streets, offering breathtaking views of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges. The tour includes a visit to the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers at the German Corner and panoramic views of the Rhine from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. For those seeking more adventure, an optional visit to the Moselle Valley and Cochem Castle is available at an extra expense.

On day five, you'll delve into the rich history of Heidelberg, a city that has inspired many artists with its romantic charm. Your guided tour includes a wine tasting session and a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which offers spectacular views of the Rhine River and the city's red-roofed skyline. After the tour, take a leisurely stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visiting the Church of the Holy Spirit and Germany's oldest university.

On the sixth day, we'll dock in Kehl, and you'll be transferred to Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace region. A guided tour will take you through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings, and charming canal system. After the tour, visit one of the city's charming Christmas markets to shop for presents and enjoy traditional German Christmas treats. Optional activities include an evening concert at Bruchsal Palace and a wine tasting session along the Alsace wine route, available at an extra expense.

Today, you'll have the opportunity to visit the charming 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, where history and tradition merge. As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you'll visit the Christmas market situated underneath the 40-metre-high Ravenna Viaduct, where you can enjoy the magical aroma of Black Forest specialties and shop for unique handcrafted regional products.

After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and your Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport. As you depart, you'll carry with you memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas. Please ensure your flight departs from Zurich after 11:30 AM.