Holiday Markets Cruise: The Festive Rhine River

Holiday Markets Cruise: The Festive Rhine River

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DETAILS

Embrace the joyous Old-World holiday spirit in Germany and France on a seven-night, first-class Rhine River cruise! Explore enchanting, festive markets decked out for the holidays, complete with twinkling lights, and shop for handmade treasures. Stroll through charming medieval towns, enjoy a special musical performance in Heidelberg’s romantic old town and taste delicious seasonal treats. Plus, customize 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
$3,795

No single supplement, limited availability! Call 800-323-7373or click HERE for more information.

Trip Type
International River Voyages
Departure Dates
Dec 3, 2027 - Dec 11, 2027

SHIP

Cruise in exceptional comfort and style aboard this sophisticated, 81-cabin ship reminiscent of a grand European hotel while enjoying warm hospitality and personalized attention from its seasoned crew. The ship features tastefully appointed public spaces with large windows for expansive, scenic views and an indoor pool with a retractable roof. Savor delicious breakfast and luncheon buffets and indulge in expertly prepared, regionally inspired dinners. Wine, beer and soft drinks complement both lunch and dinner. Each evening, relax in your inviting cabin or suite, which includes a private bathroom with a shower, satellite TV and complimentary Wi-Fi.

EXTENSIONS

Delve into the historic grandeur of vibrant Mainz, Germany’s wine capital, on this engaging, three-night experience! Visit its impressive cathedral and Christmas market on a guided tour, plus venture off to explore the famous spa city of Wiesbaden. In Bonn, learn about the fascinating life and works of Ludwig van Beethoven at a museum in the house where he was born. Also includes the services of an AHI Travel Director and AHI Hospitality desk; guide and driver gratuities; deluxe motor coach transfer and baggage handling between the hotel and ship; and all taxes and service charges.

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.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

CANCELLATION–All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.
-Cancellation received up to 121 days prior to trip departure will incur a $300 per person administrative fee.
-Cancellation received 120 to 91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
-Cancellation received 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
-Cancellation received 60-31 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 75% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
-Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE AND RECOMMENDED. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE.

TOUR MAP

Map of western Germany and eastern France showing major cities including Cologne, Frankfurt.

ITINERARY

  • day 1 & 2

    Zurich/Basel

    Arrive at Zurich Airport, where your  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.

  • day 3

    Breisach, Germany | Freiburg

    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. The ship sails to Strasbourg, France.

  • day 4

    Strasbourg, France

    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.

  • day 5

    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 Rüdesheim.

  • day 6

    Rudesheim/Rhine Gorge

    In 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. Enjoy lunch on board, and sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a gently curving section dotted with some 40 castles and fortress ruins. Then, gather together to savor a mug of Glühwein, a warm wintertime favorite made with red wine, spices and citrus.

  • day 7

    Cologne

    Topped by two ornate spires, Cologne’s awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral was under construction for more than 630 years. On a guided walking tour in the old town, see Cologne’s landmarks and marvel at the cathedral’s impressive exterior. 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.

  • day 8

    Dusseldorf

    Your choices today include (1) a scenic/walking tour of Düsseldorf, famous for its half-mile stretch of more than 250 bars, cafés and breweries 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 enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Düsseldorf’s seven themed Christkindlmarkts. Later, celebrate your yuletide journey at tonight’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

  • day 9

    Dusseldorf | Depart for home city

    After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Disembark the ship  and transfer to the airport  for your return flight home.

Everything you need to know about the tour

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