DETAILS
Celebrate joyous holiday traditions in Germany and France on this festive Rhine River cruise! Explore Old-World markets aglow with twinkling lights and good cheer, stroll through medieval towns and personalize your journey with a choice of excursions, such as wine tastings, culinary tours or cultural experiences, in the ports of Breisach, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim and Düsseldorf.
- Pricing from
- $2,995
No Single Supplement! Call 800-323-7373 or click here to reserve.
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International River Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Dec 11, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024
Aboard the stylish, 82-cabin MS Amadeus Imperial, part of the innovative Lueftner Cruises fleet, savor attentive, friendly service from a professional crew ready to pamper you throughout your journey. Travelers can relax on the River Terrace, or gather in the Amadeus Club or Panorama Bar for entertainment. Savor delectable breakfast buffets and regional and international specialties for lunch and dinner served with wine, beer and soft drinks. Shipboard amenities include a sun deck, fitness center and massage room. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Category Description Amadeus Imperial
Berlin 3-nights pre trip
Get to know one of Europe’s most exciting cities over three nights at a first-class hotel in the heart of the action. See Berlin’s top highlights, including the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, on a scenic tour and spend free time exploring some of the city’s 80 holiday markets! Also includes the services of an AHI Travel Director and AHI Hospitality desk; transfer between the hotel and ship via ICE high speed train; baggage handling; gratuities for the guides and driver; and all taxes and service charges.
$1,095 pp $1,390 Single
Interlaken 2 nights post trip
Soak up Switzerland’s enchanting beauty over two nights in the Bernese Oberland, plus delight in Bern, the Swiss capital! Enjoy two nights at the deluxe Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa and a guided walk in Bern’s charming medieval quarter. Also includes the services of an AHI Travel Director and Hospitality desk; guide and driver gratuities; deluxe motor coach transfer and baggage handling between the hotel and ship; and all taxes and service charges.
$1,195 pp $1,590 Single
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Christine Guyot
Born in Poitiers, France, Christine Guyot now lives in Nice. With more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, Christine brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm to your program. She has directed countless travel programs and has been a cruise director for Dutch, Italian, Swiss, and Greek travel companies. She also was a travel director for incentive travel agencies in Paris. Christine is fluent in French, English, German, Italian and Chinese, which she learned while studying at the University of Guilin. She also speaks Spanish and Dutch.
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TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
Düsseldorf, Germany
Arrive at Düsseldorf Airport, where your AHI Travel Representative will be waiting to escort you to the ship. After settling into your cabin, get acquainted with your fellow travelers during tonight’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.
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day 3
Düsseldorf
Your choices today include (1) a scenic/walking tour of Düsseldorf’s old town, famous for a half-mile stretch of more than 250 bars, cafés and breweries, followed by free time at the city’s seven themed Christkindlmarkts or (2) a trip to Aachen, Emperor Charlemagne’s historic capital, to visit the richly decorated cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the holiday market. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure in Düsseldorf.
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day 4
Cologne
This morning, learn about cherished German holiday traditions. Then, on a guided walking tour in the old town, see Cologne’s landmarks and marvel at the awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral. Topped by two ornate spires, it was under construction for more than 630 years. Step inside to see the stone columns soaring toward the vaulted ceiling. After lunch on the ship, take a complimentary shuttle to the city center and make your own plans. At the holiday market outside the cathedral, shop for blown-glass ornaments, colorfully painted nutcrackers and handcrafted decorations.
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day 5
Rhine Gorge | Rüdesheim | Personalize Your Journey
Stand at the ship’s rail and take in the stunning Rhine Gorge, a gently curving section dotted with some 40 castles and fortress ruins. In the port of Rüdesheim, choose from (1) a guided old town tour and a visit to a captivating museum of mechanical musical instruments or (2) a trip to the beautiful Abbey of St. Hildegard and a tasting at a winery. The ship cruises to Mannheim tonight.
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day 6
Mannheim | Heidelberg
Disembark in Mannheim and journey to nearby Heidelberg. Tour hilltop Heidelberg Castle overlooking the Neckar River valley, then stroll through the romantic historic center and along the banks of the river. Relax afterward over a lunch of traditional dishes and delight in the cozy atmosphere that Germans call gemütlichkeit. Spend some time exploring on your own before relishing a wonderful musical treat, an exclusive performance of holiday songs, arias and contemporary songs by a trio. This evening, the ship cruises to Strasbourg.
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day 7
Strasbourg, France | Personalize Your Journey
In the Alsatian capital, select from (1) a scenic/walking tour that highlights Strasbourg’s unique mix of German and French architecture and includes a visit to the splendid Notre Dame Cathedral or (2) a delectable culinary tour of Strasbourg’s small winstubs, wine pubs, and other local cafés and shops. During free time, meander within Strasbourg’s luminous marché de Noël, one of France’s oldest holiday markets established in 1570. Later, back on the ship, learn about cherished German holiday traditions. Then, gather together to savor a mug of Glühwein, a warm wintertime favorite made with red wine, spices and citrus.
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day 8
Breisach, Germany | Freiburg | Personalize Your Journey
Head to Freiburg, a vibrant university city, to see its medieval landmarks on a guided stroll and visit the merry Christkindlmarkt. Return to the ship for a refreshing lunch. Next, choose an excursion in France’s Alsace region: (1) a walking tour and winery visit in Riquewihr, a charming medieval village set in a small valley near the Vosges Mountains or (2) a trip to Colmar, where four magical holiday markets brighten the intimate old town. Celebrate your yuletide journey at tonight’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.
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day 9
Basel, Switzerland | Depart for home city
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Disembark the ship in Basel and transfer to the airport in Zürich for your return flight home.
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