Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Amsterdam to Basel
8 days from £1,495 per person
Emerald Cruises

Architecture, history and natural beauty are ever-present on this wonderful journey down the Rhine, beginning in the Dutch capital and sweeping up Cologne, Koblenz and the Black Forest on its route.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES

  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Airport transfers to and from the ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

  • A canal cruise in Amsterdam
  • Guided tour of Cologne’s old town
  • Walking tour of Koblenz & visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting
  • A guided tour of Strasbourg
  • A visit to a traditional Black Forest destination

EmeraldPLUS

  • A Black Forest gateau demonstration and tasting

DINING HIGHLIGHTS

  • 20 superb 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

DAY ITINERARY

Welcome to Amsterdam, a fantastic city to explore the many joys of Europe at Christmastime in. Here, intricate networks of picturesque canals are adorned by world class museums, theatres and quaint cafés.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board.

Meals Included: Dinner

This morning, board a glass top canal boat for a tour down Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant’s houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age and delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking hot mugs of mulled wine. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.
Included Excursion
A canal cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your guided tour of the city, you will have the opportunity to explore independently, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s old town
DiscoverMORE
Visit to Eau de Cologne Museum (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, relax on board as we cruise into Koblenz, a town that sits straddling the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your guided tour of Koblenz will include Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
This afternoon, return to your comfortable Star-Ship to sail through the Rhine Gorge, passing countless castles, vineyards and ruined monasteries.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz & visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
DiscoverMORE
A Moselle Valley and Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, continue enjoying your time spent on board as we cruise towards Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. Here, you will have the chance to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg.
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting
DiscoverMORE
Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we will dock in Kehl and you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace Region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the Grande Île, the historical centre of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that is known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings and charming canal system.
After your guided tour of Strasbourg, you will have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets.
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Strasbourg
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Riquewihr (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the black Germany’s Black Forest and witness the cultural charm of the region known for its thick forests, ravines, lakes, cuckoo clocks and traditional costumes. Alternatively, embark on a guided active walk through the Black Forest region, weaving through the woodland and admiring the lush canopy of evergreens.
Included Excursion
A visit to a traditional Black Forest destination
EmeraldPLUS
A Black Forest gateau demonstration and tasting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and emerald canopies with you.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change

Meals Included: Breakfast

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