Welcome to the start of your Christmas cruise journey. You’ll be met at the airport by a member of the Emerald Cruises team and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Huningue/Basel, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Please book your flight to arrive into Basel prior to 03:00 PM.

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Rhine town of Breisach. Entrenched between two countries, it’s also known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. In the afternoon, we will take you to the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg. This city has lovely sights that will amaze you with postcard worthy Christmas Markets.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Breisach & Christmas Market Visit in Freiburg

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl, and you’ll be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, the historical centre of the city, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings and charming canal system. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets, where you can enjoy traditional German Christmas treats and shop for presents and stocking-fillers. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Strasbourg

Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which overlooks the Rhine River and a red-roofed skyline. Some of the most successful painters of the Romantic era drew inspiration from Heidelberg Castle, including British artist William Turner, who depicted images of the ruins in several of his paintings. Afterwards, stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, touching on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg

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Rudesheim with specialty coffee (extra expense)

Today, we’ll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets. Your tour will include the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers at the German Corner and idyllic panoramic views of the Rhine.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your guided tour of the city, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the markets at your leisure, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.  

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

EmeraldPLUS
Christmas traditions in Europe lecture

Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Dutch empire was considered one of the most influential in the world. Throughout the city, you’ll explore the delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking hot mugs of mulled wine and enjoying traditional festive foods. 

Included Excursion
Canal cruise

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Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas with you. 

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.