Christmas Markets Cruise on the Romantic Rhine

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals and cafés. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, enjoy free time to independently explore the narrow cobbled streets and gabled houses of the Dutch capital. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard. Meal: D

Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour along Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage canal system. Pass historic merchant’s houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, as well as delightful Christmas stalls, surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking mugs of hot mulled wine. Meals: B, L, D

Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Following a guided walking tour of the old town, enjoy free time to visit the ornate stalls of the Christmas market around the UNESCO World Heritage cathedral. Decorated mugs hold steaming hot Glühwein, and local vendors sell handmade sweets and local delicacies. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Christmas traditions in Europe lecture onboard by Cruise Director

Arrive in the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, an ancient city that looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a German fairytale. Enjoy a picturesque backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you on a walk through open cobbled squares and along narrow streets. Your tour will include the German Corner at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and idyllic panoramic views of the Rhine from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. In the city center you’ll find festive, cottage-style stalls of the Christmas market and Lebkuchenherzen (traditional gingerbread hearts) to create a magical European Christmas experience. This afternoon, cruise along the Rhine River and be sure to have your camera’s ready as you cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge. Countless medieval castles, perched atop hills, line this section of the river with photo opportunities around every bend. See the infamous Lorelei statue and hear of her legend. Meals: B, L, D DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem Castle Visit (additional expense)

From the port of Ludwigshafen, depart by coach for Heidelberg. Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes a wine tasting and a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Neckar River and a red-roofed skyline. A stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town touches on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany, further enhancing your visit to this historic city. Meals: B, L, D

This morning, dock in Kehl for the short journey by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. A local guide leads you on a walking tour through this picturesque town. Stroll along the Grand Île and through the charming Old Quarter, ‘La Petit France’. Admire the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals, and river locks, along with its centerpiece, the gothic cathedral. Enjoy free time to visit the stalls of Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest in Europe, before returning to the ship. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening. Meals: B, L, D

Begin the day with a guided tour of Breisach, also known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands on your way to the Hofgut Sternen complex located at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge. This was the site where, in 1770, Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI. During this holiday season, see the picture-perfect Christmas market situated underneath the 130’ high Ravenna Viaduct where unique handcrafted regional items await your perusal. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct

It’s time to bid farewell to the captain and crew as you disembark the vessel and transfer to the Zurich airport, bringing memories of quintessential German villages adorned in holiday splendor, and souvenir treasures from your Christmas markets cruise along the Rhine River. Flights to depart Zurich after 11:30am. Meal: B