Itinerary
- Day 1
Basel
You'll board your ship in Basel and settle into your luxury stateroom. This is where your festive week begins, so take some time to get oriented, unpack, and familiarize yourself with the ship's amenities before the cruise officially gets underway.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Board ship in Basel
Landmarks Basel - Day 2
Breisach
The ship docks in Breisach, giving you several directions to choose from. You can head to medieval Colmar to wander through half-timbered houses and browse Christmas markets, travel to Freiburg to see the Gothic Münster cathedral, or cycle through the surrounding countryside if you prefer something more active.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour to Colmar with visit to Christmas Markets
- Visit to Freiburg and Freiburg's Münster cathedral with Christmas market
- Cycling excursion through scenic countryside
Landmarks Colmar Freiburg's Münster Freiburg - Day 3
Gengenbach
Strasbourg during Advent season offers plenty to do. A panoramic bus tour takes you past the Parc de l'Orangerie, European Parliament, and Place de la République before you walk through the historic Grande Île UNESCO site and La Petite France district. You'll see the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame with its astronomical clock and visit France's oldest Christmas market. If you prefer, cycling is an option. Later, head to Gengenbach to see its famous 24-day Advent calendar display.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Panoramic bus tour of Strasbourg
- Walking tour of Grande Île (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit to La Petite France district
- Visit to Cathédrale de Notre-Dame and astronomical clock
- Visit to Strasbourg Christmas market (Christkindelsmärik)
- Visit to Gengenbach Christmas market
Optional Activities
- Bicycle tour through Strasbourg's districts
Landmarks Parc de l'Orangerie European Parliament Place de la République Grande Île La Petite France Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Gengenbach 
- Day 4
Speyer - Rüdesheim
You have choices for how to spend this day. Visit Heidelberg on the Neckar River to explore its medieval streets and Christmas markets, hike the Philosopher's Path, or bike to Ladenburg. Alternatively, check out medieval Speyer and its markets. After that, you'll sail to Rüdesheim, a charming wine town where you can taste local sweet wine or try the regional Rüdesheimer coffee made with whipped cream and brandy.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruise to Rüdesheim
Optional Activities
- Visit to Heidelberg with Christmas markets
- Hike on Philosopher's Path
- Bike tour along river Neckar to Ladenburg
- Visit to Speyer and Christmas markets
- Wine tasting in Rüdesheim
- Rüdesheimer coffee tasting
Landmarks Heidelberg Philosopher's Path Neckar River Ladenburg Speyer Rüdesheim 
- Day 5
Lahnstein
Rüdesheim offers multiple activities to fill your day. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through town and along the Rhine, hike through the vineyards, or take a gondola ride for views over the area. Browse the Christmas markets and soak in local traditions. Later, the ship cruises through the Rhine Gorge where you'll see historic castles, then stop at Lahneck Castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruise through Rhine Gorge with castle views
- Guided tour of Lahneck Castle
Optional Activities
- Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
- Guided bike tour through Rüdesheim and along Rhine River
- Vineyard hike
- Gondola ride over Rüdesheim
- Rüdesheim Christmas market visit
Landmarks Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet Rhine River Rhine Gorge Lahneck Castle - Day 6
Cologne
When you arrive in Düsseldorf, choose an afternoon activity. Take a guided tour to nearby Cologne to walk through the Old Town's historic sites like the Rathaus and Fishmarkt, then visit one of Europe's largest Christmas markets. Or stay in Düsseldorf to explore on foot with a local guide, try an Altbier tasting at this traditional beer's source, and visit the local Christmas market. A bike tour of the city is another option.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruise into Düsseldorf
Optional Activities
- Guided tour to Cologne Old Town
- Visit to Cologne Christmas market
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf with local guide
- Altbier tasting in Düsseldorf
- Visit to Düsseldorf Christmas market
- Bike tour of Düsseldorf
Landmarks Cologne Rathaus Fishmarkt Great St. Martin Church 
- Day 7
Amsterdam
The ship cruises through Amsterdam's iconic canals, often called the 'Venice of the North,' and you'll see historic architecture lining the waterways. You can relax watching the scenery or head to one of Amsterdam's grand cafés to taste local specialties. The specific activities depend on where the ship docks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Amsterdam canals
Optional Activities
- Taste local specialties at Amsterdam grand cafés
Landmarks Amsterdam Canals 
- Day 8
Amsterdam
You'll disembark in Amsterdam and prepare for your return flight home, bringing your festive Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise to a close.
