CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISE - DÜSSELDORF TO STRASBOURG - 6 nights - Germany & France -Hosted by Jeff and Gina

Explore the mesmerizing charm of Christmas along the Rhine! Begin your adventure in Düsseldorf and immerse yourself in its festive ambiance and dazzling illuminations.

Experience Düsseldorf’s vibrant diversity! In this city, art and culture aficionados are just as captivated as avid shoppers. The Media Harbor stands out with its blend of contemporary architecture and historic charm found in the Old Town. With over 250 quaint pubs, the Old Town boasts the longest bar in the world, offering more than just traditional Altbier. Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll along Königsallee, renowned as the world-famous boulevard, or explore one of the charming flea markets. And at the heart of it all, enjoy plenty of green spaces and the soothing presence of the Rhine with its picturesque riverside promenade.

Boarding begins at 4:00p

Depart Dusseldorf at 4:00 a.m.

Arrival in Cologne at 9:00 a.m.

Enjoy Cologne with a ride by rickshaw. Your personal rickshaw drivers and guides will show you the lively Cologne and let you experience the cathedral city up close. Discover with them rolling the Roman, medieval and modern Cologne. Your guides will pick you up at the ship and show you classics like the cathedral, the love locks on the Hohenzollern Bridge and one of the most outstanding art treasures of Roman antiquity in addition to the historic old town.

Among the Rhine are small houses and narrow streets and offer both visitors and Cologne a unique historical flair. Passing the old stack houses, roll through Butter- and Fischmarkt and experience the 2000-year-old history of Cologne. Look for the Kallendresser at Alter Markt and pick up your portion of luck at the Tünnes & Schäl. Just make yourself comfortable, be chauffeured on the rickshaw and discover the most beautiful corners of the old town.

Depart Cologne at 4:00 p.m

Arrive Bonn at 7:00p

Bonn, Beethoven’s Birthplace, holds the distinction of being the former capital of Germany. The serene banks of the Rhine beckon for leisurely strolls, while the old town boasts traditional shops brimming with charm. Nearby stands the majestic Bonn Minster Cathedral, adding to the city’s rich historical tapestry.

Depart Bonn at 7:00 a.m.

Arrive Koblenz at 1:00 p.m.

Dive into the fascinating history of Koblenz with our unique city tour. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the charming streets and squares of this picturesque city while sharing exciting stories and anecdotes about Koblenz’s past and present. During our walking tour, you will discover the historical treasures Koblenz has to offer, including impressive monuments, well-preserved buildings and hidden gems. We will guide you along the picturesque banks of the Rhine, past majestic landmarks and through lively neighborhoods that make up the vibrant heart of the city.

Koblenz boasts a remarkable setting at the merging point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. A must-visit spot in the city is the renowned “German Corner,” which has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Upper Middle Rhine Valley” since 2002. For a breathtaking panoramic view of Koblenz and its two rivers, a visit to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is essential. Perched 120 meters above the Rhine, this 16th-century stronghold is the second-largest fortress still standing in Europe. The ascent in the cable car gondola offers a spectacular journey in itself

Depart Koblenz at  7:00 a.m.

Arrival in Mainz at 1:30 p.m.

Experience the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz, on a tour. Attributes such as the “Rome of the North”, the “golden Mainz”, the “city of gates” are often mentioned. On a 2 hour tour through the city center, passing parts of the old city wall, through the old town, market place and cathedral you will learn more about how the city got its attributes. Get to know the most important man of the city; Gutenberg. From his life traces you will be guided through the city and thus learn the place of his birth, his baptismal church, the former printing houses, his retirement residence and his final resting place next to various monuments.

Depart Mainz at  6:00 a.m.

Arrive in Mannheim at 1:00 p.m.

Situated on the banks of the Rhine, Mannheim faces Ludwigshafen Castle directly across the river. This iconic castle serves as the city’s landmark and is conveniently situated near the waterfront. Mannheim’s allure is further enhanced by its expansive squares, which form the layout of the bustling city center. Offering a plethora of shopping options and charming cafes, the city center is a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors alike.

Bertha Benz gave her husband’s invention, the automobile, the decisive marketing push with her trip to Pforzheim and knows her way around the world of Mannheim inventions and innovations. In her own personal way and from the point of view of a woman at the end of the 19th century, she tells in a costume about other inventions in culture, technology and society that were thought up in her town. Numerous sights along the way from the Augustaanlage to the “Electoral Palatinate Mile of Innovations” in front of the baroque palace form a fitting backdrop to her stories.

Departure 10:00 p.m.

Arrival 1:00 p.m.

Arriving at Strasbourg, you encounter one of Europe’s most exquisite Christmas markets. Unveil handmade treasures and culinary wonders. Let yourself be captivated by the romantic ambiance and indulge in the aroma of cinnamon.

Get to know the city in Alsace on our sightseeing tour today. We will be picked up directly at the ship and together we will take a tour of about one hour, passing by the most important sights. On the way, you will listen to the guide’s explanations and learn many exciting details about the famous buildings in Strasbourg. Afterwards, we’ll get off the bus and explore the famous Petite France district, which is very popular with visitors, on foot. On our walk, which lasts about 40 minutes, we will see, among other things, the Barrage Vauban covered dam bridge, which was built back in the 17th century.

We stroll through the cobblestone streets, enjoying views of the idyllic canals and discovering details on the well-preserved half-timbered houses. The narrow streets here are lined with countless cafes, restaurants and souvenir stores. Our destination is one of the highlights of the excursion: the world-famous Strasbourg Cathedral, which you can now visit on your own. Afterwards, you will have three quarters of an hour to look around the city on your own before we set off together on the twenty-minute walk to Place de Etoile. There the bus will be waiting for us and we will start the return journey to the dock of our ship.

Disembarkation after Breakfast.

End of Tour