Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine
8 Day River Cruise
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this delightful winter cruise on the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic architecture—will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. While you’re there, why not try a locally-brewed Kölsch beer?
Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine river cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle towering magnificently over the city.
In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. The city’s Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Stop in Breisach, Germany, located on the French-German border, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest—an area of unrivaled natural beauty—best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. At every stop, you’ll experience the magical charm of this time of year, with the towns decked out in festive lights and décor, and the Christmas markets waiting to be explored.
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River(s): Rhine
Pricing
River cruise starting at $4,159* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
8 Days – Amsterdam to Basel (reverse itinerary available)
Your stateroom includes
- Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L’Occitane bath products
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- USB Ports
Onboard amenities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Panoramic windows
- Elegant, contemporary design & décor
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Excursions
- CLASSIC – Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
- DISCOVERY – We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests – from cooking classes, to painting workshops – to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
- ACTIVE – Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go!
Health & Fitness
- Bikes
- Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
- Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
- Fitness and wellness activities
- Fitbits®
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Meals
Dinner
Description
With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition or join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
Overnight Docking in Amsterdam
Day 2
Amsterdam
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
Classic – Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
Afternoon/Overnight Cruise to Cologne
Day 3
Cologne, Germany
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Discovery – Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne’s Christmas markets.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Overnight Cruise to Rüdesheim
Day 4
Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Sail through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim and past the legendary rock of the Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.
Discovery – Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Overnight Docking in Rüdesheim
Day 5
Mainz – excursion to Heidelberg
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Printing Halls, Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
Discovery – Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel”, OR:
Classic – Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Strasbourg
Day 6
Strasbourg, France
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg
Classic – Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season.
You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit Alsace’s wine country today.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Breisach
Day 7
Breisach, Germany – excursion to Black Forest
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Discovery – Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
Discovery – Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.
After your visit to the winery, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Basel
Day 8
Basel, Switzerland
Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Reverse Itinerary
This trip also runs in reverse from Basel to Amsterdam.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
Similar Trips
France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland along the Rhine River
8 day river cruise
France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland along the Rhine River
8 day premium river cruise
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.