Call Us 800.528.9300
Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Basel to Amsterdam)
Tour Description:
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From Germany’s glittery cities to the iconic canals of Amsterdam, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
Click for larger view.
Dates & Pricing
| Thursday 26 Nov 26 — Thursday 03 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,249 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 03 Dec 26 — Thursday 10 Dec 26 | Starting at $5,449 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 05 Dec 26 — Saturday 12 Dec 26 | Starting at $5,449 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 16 Dec 26 — Wednesday 23 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,349 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 24 Nov 27 — Wednesday 01 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 28 Nov 27 — Sunday 05 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,979 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 02 Dec 27 — Thursday 09 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,979 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 04 Dec 27 — Saturday 11 Dec 27 | Starting at $5,779 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 05 Dec 27 — Sunday 12 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,779 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 08 Dec 27 — Wednesday 15 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,979 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 11 Dec 27 — Saturday 18 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,979 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 16 Dec 27 — Thursday 23 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,779 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 18 Dec 27 — Saturday 25 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,579 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - EMBARKATION. Board your ship in Basel for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise.
Day 2
BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside.
Day 3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy walking through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Baden-Baden and take in the town’s romantic Christmas Markets.
Day 4
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY. You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along German’s Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets. Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village’s sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy.
Day 5
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE SCENIC CRUISING – LAHNSTEIN, GERMANY. Visit Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards or soar high above the town by gondola. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique tour of Lahneck Castle.
Day 6
DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY. Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.
Day 7
UTRECHT – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Begin your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide to Amsterdam. Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés.
Day 8
AMSTERDAM - DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
