Sail through the heart of Europe on a festive journey along the Rhine. Explore storybook towns, twinkling Christmas markets and local traditions from Düsseldorf to Basel. With guided walks, seasonal tastes and optional adventures along the way, this river cruise blends cultural highlights with the magic of the holidays.

1. Day 1
   Welcome to Basel

   Wed, Dec 09, 2026

   Join your ship in Basel and settle in as your festive journey begins. Meet your Experience Director and Experience Manager, then relax and get to know your surroundings. Enjoy dinner on board and start soaking up the seasonal atmosphere of your Christmas market cruise.
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Get to know Basel

   Thu, Dec 10, 2026

   Explore the Swiss city of Basel with a Local Specialist, discovering a mix of medieval architecture, riverside elegance and seasonal spirit. Wander through the Christmas market in the historic old town, filled with Swiss crafts, warming drinks and festive stalls beneath the spires of Barfüsserkirche. For those keen to see more, an Optional Experience to Lucerne reveals one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. See the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, stroll through the old town’s painted facades, and browse for classic Swiss souvenirs – from fine chocolate to precision watches.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Sail to Strasbourg

   Fri, Dec 11, 2026

   Get to know Strasbourg on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. From half-timbered houses to the city’s soaring cathedral, the old town blends history with festive cheer. Explore the Strasbourg Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, known for its handcrafted ornaments and regional delicacies. If you’d like to venture further, choose between two Optional Experiences. Join a guided visit to Colmar, where medieval streets come alive with Christmas charm, or explore the Black Forest’s markets in Freiburg, surrounded by pine-covered hills.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Discover Speyer & Mannheim

   Sat, Dec 12, 2026

   Spend the day your way in Speyer. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Romanesque cathedral and charming Christmas market. Or choose a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to Doktorenhof, a private vinegar estate where centuries-old methods meet local passion. Taste artisan vinegars in candlelit cellars and learn how this family-run operation supports biodiversity and tradition. In the afternoon, you can opt to visit Mannheim. A city where grand 18th-century architecture meets a modern cultural scene. Join a guided walk through the city’s Baroque squares and see the impressive palace complex before exploring local shops and festive market stalls at your own pace.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Explore Mainz and Rüdesheim

   Sun, Dec 13, 2026

   Enjoy a guided stroll through Mainz Christmas market with your Experience Manager and Experience Director – a chance to explore traditional stalls set against the backdrop of the city’s grand cathedral. Then join the Breuer family at their traditional weingasthaus for a Be My Guest experience featuring a lunch with seasonal dishes, local wine and live music. Climb aboard the Winzerexpress, a miniature train that winds through the vineyards and cobbled lanes of Rüdesheim. Travel past timber-framed houses dressed for the season as you ride from the old town to panoramic hilltop views. At the Rüdesheim Christmas Market, stalls showcase local crafts and festive treats from across Europe.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Scenic sailing Middle Rhine-Koblenz

   Mon, Dec 14, 2026

   Leave Rüdesheim behind this morning as the ship sails through the scenic Middle Rhine, passing castles and vineyard-covered hills. Get to know Koblenz with a Local Specialist who’ll guide you through the city’s old town and landmarks, including the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle meet. The Christmas market fills the streets with colour and tradition, perfect for browsing local treats and gifts.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Discover cultural Cologne

   Tue, Dec 15, 2026

   Explore Cologne’s old town on a walking tour with your Experience Director and Experience Manager. You’ll see the city’s famous cathedral and visit its Christmas markets, known for their regional crafts, hearty food and local traditions. There’s time to discover more on your own or join an optional visit to the Michael Schumacher Private Collection. Another option takes you behind the scenes of Cologne’s Kölsch beer culture. Back in the heart of the city, the markets offer plenty to experience – from seasonal snacks to local music and handmade gifts.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Tschüss Düsseldorf

   Wed, Dec 16, 2026

   Your Christmas market cruise ends in Düsseldorf, where it’s time to say goodbye to your ship crew, Experience Director, Experience Manager and fellow guests. Disembark with festive memories, new friendships and a true taste of Europe’s holiday traditions.
   Meals: Breakfast