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Captivating Rhine (Festive Delights) (Amsterdam to Basel)
Tour Description:
Aglow with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Discover Breisach, the twinkling Christmas lights strung throughout the charming town, and Freiburg, one of Germany’s picturesque cities and gateway to the Black Forest. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Christmas Markets’ glühwein—and to touch history up close with guided walking tour and active excursions. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive in select markets along the Rhine during this Taste of Christmas Markets cruise. Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city
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Dates & Pricing
| Wednesday 19 Nov 25 — Wednesday 26 Nov 25 | Starting at $3,839 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 20 Nov 25 — Thursday 27 Nov 25 | Starting at $3,839 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 22 Nov 25 — Saturday 29 Nov 25 | Starting at $3,839 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 20 Dec 25 — Saturday 27 Dec 25 | Starting at $4,139 | Get a Quote | |
| Wednesday 18 Nov 26 — Wednesday 25 Nov 26 | Starting at $4,049 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 19 Nov 26 — Thursday 26 Nov 26 | Starting at $4,049 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 21 Nov 26 — Saturday 28 Nov 26 | Starting at $4,149 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 24 Dec 26 — Thursday 31 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,249 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Captivating Rhine cruise.
Day 2
AMSTERDAM. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.
Day 3
DÜSSELDORF. As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the 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.
Day 4
RHINE GORGE - RÜDESHEIM. Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.
Day 5
LUDWIGSHAFEN. Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg.
Day 6
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 7
BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights. Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity.
Day 8
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home.
