Celebrate joyous holiday traditions in Germany and France on this festive Rhine River cruise! Explore Old-World markets aglow with twinkling lights and good cheer, stroll through medieval towns and personalize your journey with a choice of excursions, such as wine tastings, culinary tours or cultural experiences, in the ports of Breisach, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim and Düsseldorf.
Arrive at Zürich International Airport and meet your AHI Travel Representative who will escort you to the ship docked in Basel. Later, enjoy a Welcome Reception and Dinner and get better acquainted with your fellow travelers while cruising to Breisach, Germany.
Head to Freiburg, a vibrant university city, to see medieval landmarks on a guided stroll and visit the merry Christkindlmarkt. After lunch on board, choose from excursions in France’s Alsace region: (1) a walking tour and winery visit in Riquewihr, a charming medieval village set in a small valley near the Vosges Mountains or (2) a trip to Colmar, where four magical holiday markets brighten the intimate Old Town. The ship sails to Strasbourg, France.
In the Alsatian capital, select from (1) a scenic/walking tour that highlights Strasbourg’s unique mix of German and French architecture, including a visit to the splendid Notre Dame Cathedral or (2) a delectable culinary tour of Strasbourg’s small winstubs, wine pubs, and other local cafés and shops. Later, on your own, meander within Strasbourg’s luminous marché de Noël, established in 1570 and one of France’s oldest holiday markets. Back on board, learn about cherished German holiday traditions.
Disembark in Mannheim and journey to nearby Heidelberg. Tour the red sandstone hilltop castle over the Neckar river valley, then stroll through the romantic historic center. Relax afterward over a lunch of traditional dishes and delight in the cozy atmosphere that Germans call gemütlichkeit. Spend some time exploring on your own before an exclusive musical treat, a performance of holiday songs, arias and contemporary songs by a trio. This evening, the ship cruises to Rüdesheim.
In Rüdesheim, choose from (1) a guided Old Town tour and a visit to a captivating museum of mechanical musical instruments or (2) a trip to the beautiful Abbey of St. Hildegard and a winery tasting. After lunch on board, sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a gently curving section dotted with some 40 castles and fortress ruins. Then gather together to savor Glühwein, a warm wintertime favorite made with spices, citrus and red wine.
Topped by two ornate spires, Cologne’s awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral was under construction for more than 630 years. During a guided walking tour, marvel at its impressive exterior, and then step inside to see the stone columns soaring toward the vaulted ceiling. Enjoy lunch on the ship, then take a complimentary shuttle to explore more on your own. At the Christmas market outside the cathedral, shop for blown-glass ornaments, colorfully painted nutcrackers and handcrafted decorations.
Your choices today include (1) a scenic/walking tour of Düsseldorf’s old town, famed for a half-mile stretch of more than 250 bars, cafés and breweries, followed by free time at the seven themed Christkindlmarkts or (2) a trip to Aachen, Emperor Charlemagne’s historic capital, to visit the richly decorated cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the holiday market. Spend the afternoon at leisure, then celebrate your yuletide journey at tonight’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport in Düsseldorf for your return flight home.
