X

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Resort:Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Operator: Emerald Waterways
Destination:
Price From: £2195.00

Overview

With the spirit of Christmas hanging in the air, youll explore the heritage treasures of the Rhine, from Cologne to the Black Forest whilst visiting Germanys world-famous Christkindlmarkts.

Itinerary

Day 1 – UK > Amsterdam

Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. Please call us to check if we can offer your local airport. If youd prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available.

Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafs. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 – Amsterdam

This morning you can decide to either enjoy a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdams canal or a guided bike tour. Return to the ship for your first day sailing through the Dutch countryside passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Tonight, the Captain will be delighted to host a gala dinner.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Cologne

Seven markets transform picturesque Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Be sure to pay a visit to the stalls around the Alter Markt, Neumarkt, Rudolfplatz and the cathedral, beneath which youll locate the Christmas tree. Decorated mugs hold steaming hot Glhwein, and local vendors sell handmade sweets and local delicacies. Be sure not to miss the mesmerising Stars at Night theme adopted around the Neumarkt, where looking up unveils a beautiful light display above your head.

DiscoverMORE: Football Stadium Tour (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Koblenz

Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. You will have a tour of Koblenz and visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river. This fortress was part of the Prussian defences against the French in the 19th century and later used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII. In the afternoon, sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, passing countless castles and vineyards as well as the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, which was built on an island in the middle of the river as a medieval toll station. Countless vineyards and medieval castles line the shores of this section of the river, with photo opportunities at every bend.

DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem Castle Visit (extra expense)

*** Please note, you can only choose either included tour of Koblenz or the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Mannheim Heidelberg

Continue upstream to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. There you will have a chance to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg including the impressive castle which overlooks the town, or take part on an active hike to Heidelberg Hill.
EmeraldACTIVE: Active Hike to Heidelberg Hill
EmeraldPLUS: Wine Tasting in Heidelberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Kehl – Strasbourg

Once docked in Kehl you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. Your guided walking tour will include the Grande le, the historical city centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval black and white timber framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstones buildings, canals and river locks. Strasbourg is home of one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, which you will have time to visit during your free time.
EmeraldPLUS: Guided Tour of Strasbourg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Breisach

Today you will visit a typical black forest village, full of charm and many Cuckoo clocks and other German specialties. Alternatively, take part on a guided hike through some of the black forest trails.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike through some of the Black Forest trails
EmeraldPLUS: Black Forest Cake Assembling presentation and tasting

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Basel > UK

Welcome to Switzerland and the Rhineside town of Basel, the centre for Switzerlands pharmaceutical industry. After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday. Please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport. If youd prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available.

Meals Included: Breakfast