Get into the festive spirit on this Christmas cruise along the magnificent River Rhine with visits to traditional towns and villages, decorated and illuminated for the Christmas period.
Join your festively-decorated ship in the Hanseatic city of Cologne and head to the half-timbered buildings of romantic Koblenz. Cruise through the dramatic winter landscapes of the Rhine Valley, past the legendary Lorelei Rock to medieval Speyer where there is the chance to visit the traditional Christmas market on Christmas Eve. Back on board, help decorate the Christmas tree to the sound of carols before a magical Christmas dinner. There is the opportunity to attend a Christmas mass at Speyer Cathedral after dinner.
Spend Christmas Day exploring the Petite France and Old Town district of Strasbourg in the Alsace region. On Boxing Day call at Mainz, home to the Gutenberg Museum and St Martin's Cathedral then cruise back to Cologne to explore the narrow streets of the Old Town and the spectacular Cathedral.
L191 Operated by Amadeus River Cruises
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Christmas Cruise on the Rhine Itinerary
Day 1 - Cologne (Germany)
Embark your ship in Cologne. Enjoy a Welcome Cocktail followed by a Welcome Dinner this evening.
Day 2 - Koblenz
Stop at Koblenz, set at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. An optional guided walk through the town's romantic streets passes the Emperor Wilhelm Memorial and the iconic Schangel Fountain. Or perhaps pay a visit to the Ehrenbreitstein fortress instead. Spend the afternoon cruising through the spectacular winter landscapes of the Middle Rhine Valley and past the legendary Lorelei Rock.
Day 3 - Speyer
In medieval Speyer, renowned for its impressive Romanesque Imperial Church, there is the chance to visit the traditional Christmas market. Back on board, help decorate the Christmas tree to the sound of carols before a magical Christmas dinner. There is the opportunity to attend a Christmas mass at Speyer Cathedral after dinner.
Day 4 - Strasbourg (France)
Spend Christmas Day exploring the half-timbered houses of Strasbourg in the Alsace region. The city centre, known as the Grand Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and connected to the rest of the city via a total of 22 stone bridges. Perhaps join a guided walk and boat tour of the Old Town and medieval Petite France district. Alternatively, experience the traditional Freiburg Minster Market where a wide selection of local products will tantalize the senses.
Day 5 - Mainz (Germany)
On Boxing Day call at Mainz where there is the chance to join a guided tour which includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to discover 4,000 years of the history of writing before enjoying the festive Captain's Gala Dinner back on board.
Day 6 - Cologne
Cruise back to Cologne where there is the opportunity to explore the city on a fascinating walking tour with a visit to the magnificent cathedral and a chance to sample Kölsch beer. Or perhaps visit the Cologne Chocolate Museum, to learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy a tasting session. There is time to explore at leisure this afternoon.
Day 7 - Cologne
Disembark your ship in Cologne.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.