2025 CHRISTMAS MARKETS
ON THE RHINE

2 nights hotel in Amsterdam at the Barbizon Palace or Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (or similar), including walking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfast. Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)

Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Take a scenic cruise to Düsseldorf, followed by a guided tour of Cologne's Old Town in the afternoon. Explore historic sites like Cologne Rathaus and the Fishmarkt. Visit one of Europe's largest Christmas Markets or opt for a walking tour of Düsseldorf with a local guide. Enjoy a tasting of Altbier, a traditional Düsseldorf beer, and conclude the day at the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, embark on an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)

Cruise through the Rhine River Gorge, passing castles, to Rüdesheim. Choose from morning options: wine tasting and a Christmas Market visit, a vineyard hike, a serene gondola ride with the market, or a guided bike tour along the Rhine. Later, explore Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or savor Rüdesheimer coffee. Conclude your day by immersing yourself in the town's festive atmosphere and delightful culinary offerings. (B,L,D)

Explore two of Germany’s historic cities with festive Christmas Markets. Choose Heidelberg for its captivating castle, historic university, and Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, Hauptstrasse. Wander the Christmas Markets or hike the Philosopher’s Path along the Neckar River. Alternatively, bike to Ladenburg’s medieval town or visit Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and its Christmas Market at Maximilianstrasse. Enjoy the view of the Imperial cathedral. (B,L,D)

Experience the charm of Strasbourg during Advent, home to the oldest Christmas Market in France, dating back to 1570. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour past notable landmarks, followed by a stroll through the historic town center and "La Petite France" district. Visit the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and explore the Christmas Market. Optionally, explore Strasbourg's districts by bicycle. In the evening, consider visiting Gengenbach's Christmas Markets and the illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Explore medieval Colmar in the Alsace region of France with its charming half-timbered houses and Christmas Markets. Alternatively, visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, known for its Gothic cathedral, and enjoy free time at the Christmas Markets. For a more active option, cycle through Breisach's countryside. (B, L, D)

Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)

2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar), including walking tour, Lion Monument, Christmas Market and daily breakfast. Transfer from hotel in Lucerne to Zurich with scenic Lake Lucerne cruise en route. 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel (or similar) including city tour, Christmas Market and daily breakfast.