9 Day Christmas Markets River Cruise - Frankfurt to Amsterdam, Monarch Queen
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Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
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Exclusive, $800 Off European River Cruises
Exclusive, $800 Off European River Cruises
Promotion Details
Offer applies to new bookings made through April 30, 2025 and is valid on 2025/2026 departures. $400 per person savings is valid on European River Cruises. Promotion is not combinable with any other offer. Additional restrictions may apply.
Save 5% - Cash Payment Discount
Save 5% - Cash Payment Discount
Promotion Details
Gate 1 offers the flexibility of paying for your vacation by credit card or check. Choose check for your final payment to save 5% off of your remaining balance. Full details will be sent with your invoice.
- Day 1DAY 1, Monday - Depart for GermanyMon, Dec 15, 2025Depart for Germany
- Day 2DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Frankfurt, Cruise EmbarkationTue, Dec 16, 2025Arrive in Frankfurt and transfer to the port. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. Earlier arrivals have access to the ship lounge or can drop off luggage prior to check-in. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director, and enjoy a dinner as it sets the festive mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner - Day 3DAY 3, Wednesday - Frankfurt City Tour & Christmas MarketWed, Dec 17, 2025This morning, take a walking tour of the city with your local guide. Frankfurt is home of the European Central Bank and financial heart of Germany. Situated on the banks of the River Main, Frankfurt is a city of contrasts. Its famous modern skyline is a striking backdrop of the historic town center, or Römerberg, where you'll find wonderful examples of traditional half-timbered houses. Spend the afternoon at the Frankfurt Christmas market. Held for over 600 years, this traditional market is the highlight of the holiday season. A variety of stalls feature unique decorations and holiday gifts. A visit to the market is not complete without a glass of mulled wine and some local delicacies
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 4DAY 4, Thursday - Mainz City Tour & Christmas MarketThu, Dec 18, 2025This afternoon, explore the city of Mainz. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany's oldest cities with a history spanning almost 2000 years. Walk through the restored historic center, site of the market square. Free time to explore the local Christmas markets
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 5DAY 5, Friday - Koblenz City Tour & Christmas MarketFri, Dec 19, 2025Continue cruising this morning, and take in the tranquil scenery of the iconic Rhine River. Upon arrival to Koblenz in the early afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour of the city. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, French influence is evident in the architecture and culture of the area. Before returning to the ship, be sure to check Koblenz's picturesque Christmas market, located in the Old Town
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 6DAY 6, Saturday - Cologne City Tour & Christmas MarketSat, Dec 20, 2025Depart for dynamic Cologne, with its 2000 year-old history, often called the capital of the Rhineland. Embark on a walking tour of the city, most famous for its Roman origins. Linger at the striking 13th century Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its soaring twin spires. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. Later, discover the delights of Cologne on your own. A perfect opportunity to visit the city's Christmas market. In the evening, enjoy some well known Christmas tunes, by a popular local artist
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 7DAY 7, Sunday - Dusseldorf City Tour & Christmas MarketSun, Dec 21, 2025Admire the quaint scenery along the banks of the Rhine River, before arriving in Dusseldorf this morning. Dusseldorf is a bustling city, with more than 100 galleries and numerous museums, a renowned opera house and famous for its carnival, nightlife and shopping. See symbolic Rheinturm Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the city's lively Christmas markets
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 8DAY 8, Monday - Amsterdam City TourMon, Dec 22, 2025Cruise into Amsterdam as you enjoy breakfast on board and join a panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. This evening bid farewell to your Cruise Director on your final night on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 9DAY 9, Tuesday - Depart The NetherlandsTue, Dec 23, 2025This morning transfer to the airport in Amsterdam for your departure flight. The airport is approximately a 30 minute drive from the port. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast
Countries Visited
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Inclusions
Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
River Cruise Package Includes
Other departure cities available.
Special Features
River Cruise Features & Amenities
Know Before You Book - High & Low Water
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge. †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates Not Included: Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers. Monarch Queen: Passengers arriving to Frankfurt on day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 2 PM. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information. While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: . Know Before You Book - High & Low Water European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge. Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Christmas markets opening vary, and are seasonal. OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
Questions & Answers Ask A Question
Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
The trip was beyond expectations. This is the 2nd time we have used Gate 1 as our tour operator and we will continue to use them in future trips……very memorable experiences on both occasions.
The tour exceeded our expectations.
We really enjoyed the river cruise. The accommodations were as expected, and we were very happy with that. It had enough closet space and the rooms were very comfortable.
Tour Director was excellent, very professional, helpful, knowledgeable and delightful. Activities Director, also excellent. The whole staff could not have been better. Best tour I've been on. Food was very good. One thing I found is all the guides give too much information/details, the non stop commentary whether on the bus or at the visiting sites is too long and tiring.
Rhine river cruise was excellent. Staff on the Monarch Queen was friendly and service was great. Cruise director and local guides were very knowledgeable. Overall wonderful experience.
I don't remember seeing the room options and would have considered a cabin on a higher floor for more of a view. There is a lot of details and for an inexperienced traveler it can be overwhelming. Perhaps a mention of how the rooms work on a cruise would have been helpful.
This River Cruise was wonderful we will book one again.
Second experience with Gate1 and on both occasions we had very knowledgeable guides and effective tour managers. The tour stops were well timed so we did not spend a lot of time in line anywhere. The service on the river ship was excellent, the food very good and we really enjoyed the somewhat casual dinner dress code and atmosphere.
am a long-term traveler with gate 1 so i obviously consider they provide a good program; amsterdam tour pretrip couldn't have been better, river ship staff & services great; however, the 2 gate 1 tour directors on board the river ship could have provided better service--local guides did most of the am local tours, afternoons were largely free, only extra activities provided was an hour game program in the afternoon & a morning exercise program along with early bird breakfast--both provided by the male tour director; the ship's pianist only played briefly; several travelers who were new to gate 1 were complaining about too much free time & i went out of my way to explain that this was unusual; i need to mention that, along with being a gate 1 traveler, we have also taken 5 other river boat cruises;
We were delighted with the Gate1 River cruise. staff was professional, competent, courteous and friendly. food and service excellent. cabin efficient and clean. Itinerary was the right balance between guided tours and free time. we loved the small towns more than the large cities. many people on board were sick and the crew handled this expertly. space on board the ship is limited since the upper deck was off limits for much of the time but we were sailing mostly in the evenings after a full day's activities so it did not feel restrictive. we would definitely consider another river cruise and will definitely go on other tours with Gate1.
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My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip with Affordable Tours/Gate 1. Having a direct flight as opposed to one stop over would have been welcomed as we arrived at Warsaw thoroughly exhausted. Also I would have welcomed the tours starting a little later in the morning. Overall the food, staff and accommodations were great.