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Sail through the heart of Europe on a festive journey along the Rhine. Explore storybook towns, twinkling Christmas markets and local traditions from Düsseldorf to Basel. With guided walks, seasonal tastes and optional adventures along the way, this river cruise blends cultural highlights with the magic of the holidays.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Hallo Düsseldorf
Join your ship in Düsseldorf and settle in ahead of your Rhine river cruise. After meeting your crew and fellow travellers, enjoy your first dinner on board as the ship begins its leisurely journey.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Discover cultural Cologne
Explore Cologne’s old town on a walking tour with your Experience Director and Experience Manager. You’ll see the city’s UNESCO-listed cathedral and visit its Christmas markets, known for their regional crafts, hearty food and local traditions. There’s time to discover more on your own or join an optional visit to the Michael Schumacher Private Collection. Another option takes you behind the scenes of Cologne’s Kölsch beer culture. Back in the heart of the city, the markets offer plenty to experience – from seasonal snacks to local music and handmade gifts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Cologne Walking Tour and Christmas Market
Optional Experience: Visit Michael Schumacher’s Private Collection, Experience Kölsch Beer
Day 3
Koblenz & Rüdesheim
Get to know Koblenz with a Local Specialist who’ll guide you through the city’s old town and landmarks, including the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle meet. The Christmas market fills the streets with its twinkling lights, perfect for browsing local treats and gifts. Later, relax on board as the ship sails through the scenic Middle Rhine, passing castles and vineyard-covered hills. Arrive in Rüdesheim in time to join an Optional Experience wine tasting at Eberbach Monastery, a chance to sample local vintages in one of the region’s most atmospheric historic settings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Koblenz Walking Tour and Christmas Market
Optional Experience: Eberbach Monastery Wine Tasting
Day 4
Rüdesheim and Mainz
Climb aboard the Winzerexpress, a mini train that winds through the vineyards and cobbled lanes of Rüdesheim. Travel past timber-framed houses dressed for the season as you ride from the old town to panoramic hilltop views. At the Rüdesheim Christmas Market, stalls showcase local crafts, handmade ornaments and festive treats from across Europe. Then join the Breuer family at their traditional weingasthaus for a Be My Guest experience featuring a lunch of seasonal dishes, local wine and live music. After a scenic sail from Rüdesheim, enjoy a guided stroll through Mainz Christmas market with your Experience Director and Experience Manager, a chance to explore traditional chalets, warming drinks and seasonal stalls set against the backdrop of the city’s cathedral.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Ride a Mini Train to Rüdesheim’s Christmas Market, Mainz Christmas Market Stroll, Be My Guest - Lunch and Live Music at Breuer's Rüdesheimer Schloss
Day 5
Explore Speyer
Spend the day your way in Speyer, with two included experiences to choose from, depending on your interests. You can join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Romanesque cathedral and charming Christmas market. Or choose a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to Doktorenhof, a private vinegar estate where centuries-old methods meet local passion. Taste artisan vinegars and learn how this family-run operation supports biodiversity and tradition. In the afternoon, you can enjoy an Optional Experience visit to Heidelberg. Its riverside setting, historic old town and festive market stalls make it a seasonal favourite. Back on board, the ship sets course for Strasbourg.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Option: Speyer Walking Tour with Christmas Market, Learn About Vinegar Production at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof
Optional Experience: Christmas in Heidelberg
Day 6
Down the Rhine to Strasbourg
Get to know Strasbourg on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. From half-timbered houses to the city’s soaring cathedral, the old town blends history with festive cheer. Explore the Strasbourg Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, known for its handcrafted ornaments and regional delicacies. If you’d like to venture further, choose between two Optional Experiences. Join a guided visit to Colmar, where medieval streets come alive with Christmas charm, or explore the Black Forest’s markets in Freiburg, surrounded by pine-covered hills.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Strasbourg Walking Tour with Christmas Market
Optional Experience: Christmas Markets of Colmar, Black Forest Christmas Markets in Freiburg
Day 7
Get to Know Basel
Discover Basel’s riverside elegance and seasonal spirit. Wander through the Christmas market in the historic old town, filled with Swiss crafts, warming drinks and festive stalls beneath the spires of Barfüsserkirche. For those keen to see more, an Optional Experience to Lucerne reveals one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. See the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, stroll through the old town’s painted facades and browse for classic Swiss souvenirs – from fine chocolate to precision watches.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Experience: Christmas Magic in Lakeside Lucerne
Day 8
Disembark in Basel
Your festive journey along the Rhine comes to an end in Basel. After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your crew and fellow travellers as you disembark, taking home special memories of Europe’s Christmas markets and riverside charm.
Meals: Breakfast
Day X
Your Plan
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- A welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal greeting from the Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
- Special themed menus on your first and last night on board
- Afternoon tea service during one festive scenic sailing
- Wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water included with all lunches and dinners
- Farewell reception with sparkling wine
On-land experiences:
- Guided sightseeing in each port with English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts
- Optional experiences available to enhance your journey and Christmas market visits
- Audio headset systems provided for guided walking tours
- Bicycles available on shore for independent exploration
Notes: Airfares are additional. Optional tours may incur extra cost. Pricing, inclusions and availability are subject to change and should be confirmed at time of booking.
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
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While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
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