Get ready to embark on a delightful journey through serene villages and riverside towns aglow with festive twinkling lights. Step aboard for a festive escape filled with warmth, charm and scenic splendour.As the Rhine winds past storybook villages and dramatic castle-topped hillsides, soak in the seasonal beauty of the Rhine Gorge and the historic elegance of Strasbourg and Cologne. On board, the ship glows with festive decorations and cosy comforts, offering a welcoming retreat from the crisp winter air. Enjoy a lavish Christmas Day gala dinner, classical music performances, and folklore entertainment in the lounge. This is a celebration of the season wrapped in river views, cultural treasures, and the joy of doing something truly special for Christmas.

1. Day 1
   Cologne, Germany

   Tue, Dec 22, 2026

   Arrival in Cologne - On arrival, see your cruise ship moored picturesque heart of Cologne. The city will look quite magnificent at this very special time of year, with fairy lights twinkling along the harbourside and the monumental Christmas tree standing proudly against a historic backdrop.The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you aboard your first-class floating hotel, ensuring you settle into your luxurious, well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship. Marvel at the elegant décor at every turn: lush garlands, baubles in jewelled tones and a grandiose Christmas tree.
2. Day 2
   Cologne, Germany

   Wed, Dec 23, 2026

   Koblenz - To really get in the Christmas mood, nothing beats waking up on board to find you’re already cruising through an entrancing winter wonderland. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and relax while a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their seasonal glory. The festive period is a magical time to visit this picturesque part of Germany, and no country does it better. As we sail through the Rhine’s storybook landscapes, soak up the festive glow of twinkling lights and seasonal decorations that transform riverside towns into winter wonderlands.After lunch on board we arrive in the historic city of Koblenz. Strategically situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, this 2,000-year-old city with its mighty fortress towering above, is full of appeal. Forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, whilst the lower slopes are strewn with the pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland.Koblenz is also known for the Deutsches Eck, translating as German Corner, a point between the Rhine and Moselle with a spectacular view.  Enjoy a guided tour, seeing the principal monuments, discovering ancient squares, admiring beautifully restored historic house frontages and quaint hidden passageways.During time at leisure after our tour, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas bakery, making the famous Stollen – the delicious bread made with candied and dried fruit, nuts and marzipan, traditionally eaten at this time of year.As the Christmas lights glow brighter in the cool evening air, it’s time to head back to the inviting warmth of the ship’s lounge for welcome cocktails and canapés before a delicious dinner and a festive folklore show.
3. Day 3
   Koblenz, Germany

   Thu, Dec 24, 2026

   Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim - During breakfast the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence a spectacular morning’s cruising, sailing upstream. One of the cruise highlights will be our passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge; wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air as we pass through the outstandingly beautiful scenery, where the river flows a little faster, the vineyard-covered valley sides are steeper and ruined castles sit atop rocky crags. Here where the swifter current sweeps between the narrowing valley sides that tower above, the river twists and turns towards the famous Loreley Rock, where legend has it, unsuspecting sailors were lured to their deaths by enchanting maidens.As the ship glides through this legendary stretch of river, take a moment to savour the experience with a steaming mug of Glühwein in hand. Surrounded by twinkling festive decorations and wrapped in the cosy atmosphere on board, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Rhine Gorge and the mythical Loreley Rock.After lunch on board, we arrive in Rüdesheim. If you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it. Narrow crooked streets lead down to the sweeping river, providing the perfect chocolate box setting for this festive time. As you wander, stop perhaps for a slice of gingerbread at a local bakery or a warming Rüdesheim coffee with its fortifying shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream in a cosy café. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas shop: it’s a treasure trove of all things seasonal, from tree decorations and music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and handcrafted figurines. Rüdesheim also has many atmospheric Weinstuben where you can sample local wines produced from the surrounding vineyards.As the evening light fades, amble back on board to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the ship’s excellent restaurant.
4. Day 4
   Rhine River

   Fri, Dec 25, 2026

   Speyer on Christmas Eve - Unwind after breakfast this morning as the ship gently cruises to Speyer. As you lounge back and enjoy a relaxing Christmas Eve, the landscape becomes much wider and flatter, with gently rolling hills and vineyards that are home to the Liebfraumilch wines. Take to the deck and enjoy the bracing air as we continue our Christmas journey upstream.Later this morning, gather for a delightful onboard demonstration of traditional Stollen-making. With the scent of festive spices filling the air and the ship adorned in seasonal decorations, it’s a cosy and engaging way to embrace the spirit of Christmas on the Rhine.We berth in historic Speyer, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past, for an afternoon walking tour. The breath-taking Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the largest Romanesque churches in the world; it’s also one of the finest. Its beautiful four-roomed crypt is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings.Another landmark is the magnificent neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built at the turn of the 20th-century to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a significant event when a group of Martin Luther’s followers protested against his imperial ban – henceforth Luther’s religious followers were known as ‘Protestants’.There’s free time to explore Speyer before stepping back on board for another delicious dinner. As you dine, the ship quietly departs, continuing its journey towards Strasbourg under the soft glow of festive lights.
5. Day 5
   Strasbourg, France

   Sat, Dec 26, 2026

   Strasbourg on Christmas Day - For this special day, we’re in Strasbourg, hailed the capital of Christmas. You are sure to be captivated by the unique atmosphere of this captivating French city at Christmas time — its centre a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses largely unchanged since the 14th century. During its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and you see the influences of both in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual ambience.This morning we experience a walking tour with a local guide leading us to its enchanting centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, with a range of architectural inspiration from 12th-century Romanesque to 15th-century Late Gothic. Other unforgettable sights include the colourful Alsatian style Maison Kammerzell, multi-towered Ponts Couverts — covered bridges — and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses lining the canals, now looking merry and bright for the season. In the heart of Place Kleber you’ll find The Great Christmas Tree, the seasonal symbol of Strasbourg. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Strasbourg’s charming old town, admiring festive lights and soaking up the seasonal atmosphere.With Strasbourg locals spending time with loved ones today, the markets, shops, cafés and attractions may not be open. Take this time to appreciate this spellbinding capital of the Alsace region and its wonderful architecture in the gentle calm of Christmas.You’re in for a truly magical evening tonight. As the ship glides along the wintry waters of the Rhine, you’ll gather with your fellow travellers in the beautifully decorated onboard restaurant for a special Christmas Gala Dinner. Expect a festive atmosphere filled with seasonal cheer, exquisite cuisine prepared by our talented chefs, and the joy of celebrating this most wonderful time of year in unforgettable surroundings. 
6. Day 6
   Rhine River

   Sun, Dec 27, 2026

   Boppard on Boxing Day - After a light breakfast in the lounge, wrap up in your winter warmers and head to the sun deck or relax in the lounge and soak up the atmosphere of this magical river as we cruise downstream. One of the cruise highlights will be our return passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge so have your camera at the ready to capture some of the most stunning river views, as the captain skilfully navigates our passage between the narrow valley sides that tower above.Later this morning, enjoy a festive Boxing Day brunch in the restaurant, a relaxed and indulgent way to continue your Christmas celebrations as the scenic beauty of the Rhine unfolds around you.This afternoon we reach Boppard, a gorgeous town on a dramatic, almost U-shaped River bend. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, the town is renowned for its storybook medieval atmosphere of captivating, cobbled streets lined by tucked-away shops, traditional houses and characterful restaurants.Like many riverside settlements in the area, the Romans founded Boppard, and their legacy remains in the superbly preserved town walls the finest in Germany. This delightful medieval setting provides a picturesque backdrop for a crisp but cosy December day, with the bewitching lights bedecking the half-timbered buildings.We’ll enjoy a guided tour lead by one of our local experts, with highlights including the beautiful white stone St. Severus and Carmelite churches, the marketplace with the ruins of the fortress and the old town with its charming winding alleys and ancient houses.This evening, you can wander along the town’s attractive Rheinallee promenade and look out to the glittering lights across the river before thoughts turn to tonight’s menu, prepared by the ship’s chef and served to your delight in the restaurant. Later, sit back in the lounge to enjoy a superb classical performance by a professional duo of violinists.
7. Day 7
   Rhine River

   Mon, Dec 28, 2026

   Cologne - This morning we pass the last vineyards and half-timbered houses around the pretty town of Linz, it’s not long before we reach the railway bridge at Remagen, captured intact towards the end of the Second World War, thereby arguably shortening the war in Germany. What better way to spend your last morning on board than on deck or in the welcoming lounge as we progress majestically downstream. As the towering spires of Cologne’s cathedral come into view on the wintry skyline, we moor in Cologne once again.Christmas creates a special atmosphere here and this afternoon you can discover this fascinating city on our tour led by a local guide who’ll help you get the most out of your visit, which of course takes in the twin-spired cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.It took six centuries to complete, and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained-glass windows and gilded sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story. This majestic building provides a superb setting for the huge Christmas tree which stands proudly in Cathedral Square. We also see the vibrant old town, beautifully restored and boasting an abundance of excellent shopping and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. With Christmas behind us, some of the Yuletide markets transformed into New Year markets, giving the opportunity to wander the stalls and absorb the alluring aromas of hot Glühwein and roasted almonds - and even pick up some last-minute gifts!As night falls, enjoy the Chef’s Dinner, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, with a chance to reflect on the fascinating places you have discovered, poignant stories you have heard and the new friends you have made on this memorable Christmas cruise.
8. Day 8
   Cologne, Germany

   Tue, Dec 29, 2026

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