Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Amsterdam, Embark ship
Day 2 – Amsterdam
With historic houses lining its banks and studded with low bridges, Amsterdam’s network of 17th-century canals lends the city its nickname: ‘The Venice of the North’. You’ll board a glass-top boat and glide past the city’s waterside sights with a local guide. Back on land, enjoy some free time to explore before saying goodbye to Amsterdam. Later on tonight, enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Dinner on board.
Day 3 – Cologne
As we sail into Cologne you will be met by the magnificent Cologne Cathedral on the bank of the Rhine. You will disembark your ship joining a guided tour to learn about the famous twin spires of this landmark cathedral, which took over six centuries to complete.
Insider Experience – Cologne Christmas Market
Be immersed in the festive spirit with a visit to the city’s impressive Christmas market, backdropped by the iconic Kolner Dom Cathedral where you will have the chance to sample mulled wine and some local delicacies.
Day 4 – Cochem
Sit back and soak up the scenery as your ship gently meanders through some of prettiest stretches along the Moselle River. Pass landscapes of lush vineyards and rolling hills, and disembark in the pretty town of Cochem in the Moselle Valley.
Explore the narrow alleyways with their half-timbered houses and visit the magnificent Cochem Castle. Perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful Moselle River, this castle could be straight from the pages of a fairytale. Cochem’s Christmas market is just as idyllic as the town itself. The town goes to great length to decorate festively and create seasonal flair for those that visit.
Day 5 – Rüdesheim
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Dock in Rüdesheim and ride the Winzerexpress mini-train through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover a magnificent collection of automated musical instruments.
Follow the scent of gingerbread to the Old Town where you’ll find Rüdesheim’s charming Christmas market in full swing. Be sure to call in on the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store for decorations and gifts.
Day 6 – Strasbourg
Arrive in Strasbourg, the Alsatian city that straddles the border between France and Germany.
Discover the picturesque sites on a guided tour and enjoy the pretty scenery. You will also have time to explore the Christkindelsmärik Christmas market, the oldest in France. More than 300 chalet-style stalls are strung throughout the city’s historic district with a towering Christmas tree at its centre.
Day 7 – Breisach
Disembark in Breisach to explore the Black Forest region. Travel by coach, on a scenic drive through Kaiserstuhl and Karlsplatz to the Freiburg Christmas Markets where you will enjoy a gingerbread tasting.
Return to your river ship where the gourmet delights continue as you indulge in a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.
Day 8 – Disembark Ship, Depart Basel
After breakfast on board, you will disembark and be transferred to Basel airport for your return flight to Ireland.
