11 Day Christmas Markets River Cruise with Amsterdam - Frankfurt to Amsterdam Monarch Queen
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- Day 1DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for GermanySun, Dec 06, 2026Depart for Germany
- Day 2DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Frankfurt, Cruise EmbarkationMon, Dec 07, 2026Arrive 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, Tuesday - Frankfurt City Tour & Christmas MarketTue, Dec 08, 2026This 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 to the historic town center, 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 before you set sail for Mainz
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 4DAY 4, Wednesday - Mainz City Tour & Christmas MarketWed, Dec 09, 2026This afternoon, explore the city of Mainz. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany's oldest, 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, Thursday - Koblenz City Tour & Christmas MarketThu, Dec 10, 2026Continue 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, Friday - Cologne City Tour & Christmas MarketFri, Dec 11, 2026Depart 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, Saturday - Dusseldorf City Tour & Christmas MarketSat, Dec 12, 2026This morning, while cruising to Dusseldorf, admire the quaint scenery along the banks of the Rhine River. Dusseldorf is a bustling city, with more than 100 galleries, numerous museums, and a renowned opera house. It's also 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 before setting sail this evening
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 8DAY 8, Sunday - Amsterdam City TourSun, Dec 13, 2026Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. 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, Monday - Disembarkation, Rijksmuseum TourMon, Dec 14, 2026Meet your local host as you disembark from the river cruise. Begin with a visit to the world-famous Rijksmuseum. On the guided tour you will explore the vast collection of works from some of the world's greatest artists including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. This afternoon is free for personal exploration. As you walk through the city, sample some of the much-loved local dishes like fresh herring, salty fries, local cheeses, or stop at a lively pub for a sampling of some of the renowned Dutch beers
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast - Day 10DAY 10, Tuesday - Full Day in AmsterdamTue, Dec 15, 2026Today is free to further explore Amsterdam on your own. Perhaps, experience a taste of real Dutch life by renting a bike to discover the little alleyways, hidden courtyards, and canal-side treasures, or shop for some last-minute Dutch souvenirs. Tonight, treat yourself to dinner at a fabulous restaurant, or join the effervescent night scene in this city filled with theaters, nightclubs, and spirited cafes
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast - Day 11DAY 11, Wednesday - Depart The NetherlandsWed, Dec 16, 2026Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Countries Visited
Rivers 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: Land/Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers. 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.
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.
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.