3-Day Rhine Cruises

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3 Days Christmas Rhine River, incl. Strasbourg and Colmar
A festive 3-day cruise spans France and Germany, showcasing Strasbourg's Cathedral Christmas Market, Colmar's art district, and Breisach's midnight mass. The voyage, costing around $800, includes full-board dining aboard MS Victor Hugo, with visits to France's largest Christmas market at Place Broglie.
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- Day 1
  Strasbourg
  Board your ship in Strasbourg at 3 PM. Plan to arrive by 2:30 PM to check in and get comfortable in your cabin. The afternoon takes you to Strasbourg's famous Christmas market near the Gothic cathedral and Place Broglie. December is chilly with temperatures around 3°C (37°F). The market really comes alive after sunset at 4:30 PM when lights sparkle across the historic center. A local tip: Visit Place Broglie first since it's usually less busy than the cathedral square early in the evening.
- Day 2
  Breisach & Colmar
  Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Colmar. The 2-3 hour journey gives you great views of the Black Forest on one side and the Vosges Mountains on the other. Colmar's beautifully preserved old town hosts six different Christmas markets, each with its own special focus. Make time for the Petite Venise neighborhood where historic half-timbered houses reflect in the quiet canals. "The covered market in Colmar's old customs house had the most amazing selection of local gingerbread and Alsatian wines. Go hungry - the samples are generous!" Your evening includes a special Christmas Eve dinner on the ship before an optional midnight mass in Breisach. The St. Stephansmünster cathedral sits on top of a hill. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight for the walk up since the cobblestone steps can get slippery.
- Day 3
  Return to Strasbourg
  Spend your final morning cruising back to Strasbourg, arriving between 3-4 PM. This last stretch lets you take in the Rhine's winter scenery and small medieval villages along the way. While disembarkation is smooth, remember that taxis are limited on Christmas Day. Book your transportation ahead of time if needed.
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3 Day Rhine River Christmas Markets Itinerary, incl. Strasbourg and Colmar
The enchanting Rhine celebration connects Strasbourg's Cathedral Market, cultural Colmar, and historic Breisach. Special moments include Christmas Eve dinner, midnight mass, and France's largest Christmas market at Place Broglie. MS Victor Hugo provides all-inclusive comfort with daily excursions.
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- Day 1
  Strasbourg, France
  Plan to board your ship in Strasbourg around 3 PM but arrive a bit early to avoid holiday traffic near the port. Once you're settled in your cabin you can explore Strasbourg's famous Christkindelsmärik, one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets from 1570. The main market sits around the Gothic cathedral but make time for the Place Broglie market too. Local Alsatian vendors sell traditional bredele cookies and hand-blown glass ornaments there. It's best to visit the cathedral market first since it gets very busy after 5 PM when people finish work.
- Day 2
  Colmar & Breisach
  Your morning stop is Colmar with its beautiful half-timbered houses that look like they're from a storybook. The Christmas market in the Petite Venise quarter is especially charming. Get there before 10 AM if you want photos without the crowds. Next you'll cruise to Breisach, Germany for Christmas Eve celebrations. Many people attend midnight mass at St. Stephansmünster cathedral but bring warm clothes since the old church gets cold. The walk up takes about 15 minutes and you'll want a flashlight for the walk back.
- Day 3
  Return to Strasbourg
  The morning cruise back gives you nice views of the Rhine in winter. Your ship gets in between 3-4 PM which works well if you need to catch a train or flight. If you're staying longer look for a hotel in the Petite France area where you can enjoy the holiday decorations through early January.
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3 Day Rhine River New Year Itinerary, incl. Strasbourg and Breisach
A remarkable Rhine voyage links Strasbourg and Breisach aboard MS Victor Hugo. The cruise offers 9 inclusive elements from gourmet dining to entertainment, plus special New Year's celebrations. Passengers glide through key Rhine segments with scenic cruising and festive onboard activities.
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- Days 1 - Strasbourg, France
  Board the ship in Strasbourg at 6 PM.
  Before boarding, spend the afternoon exploring Strasbourg's Christmas markets which usually stay open until December 30th. The historic center (Grande Île) is beautiful in winter. Take time to walk through the Petite France district with its half-timbered houses. The cathedral is about 15 minutes on foot from the river dock. Make sure to pack warm clothes since December temperatures along the Rhine can drop below freezing.
- Days 2 - Breisach, Germany (New Year's Eve)
  The morning cruise up the Rhine takes 4-5 hours.
  Breisach is set on a hill above the Rhine. Bring good walking shoes for the cobblestone streets that lead up to St. Stephen's Cathedral. You'll have free time to explore this German town before the New Year celebration on the ship. The river location gives you a great spot to watch any fireworks displays.
- Days 3 - Return to Strasbourg
  The return cruise to Strasbourg fills most of the morning.
  You'll disembark at 3 PM, with enough time for late afternoon travel connections. If you're staying longer, remember that most Strasbourg attractions and restaurants close on January 1st. Book any New Year's Day meals ahead of time.
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