Overview
Welcome to Koblenz and feast your eyes with its backdrop of vineyards, forests, and mountains. Snap a photo as you lean on the giant bronze thumb sculpture at Koblenz’s famous German Corner (Deutsches Eck), where the Rhine meets the Moselle River. In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises – Eifel and Hunsrück – lies the old town of Cochem. Even the Romans sang the praises of this remarkable landscape. We sail through some of Germany’s most beautiful riverside cities such as Remagen, Konigswiner, and Cologne.
Continue sailing on to Dusseldorf, for a change of scenery. With its beautifully restored houses, bridges, and fountains; the promenade is more than just a shoppers’ paradise but also an attraction itself.
Your cruise comes to an end back in the lively city of Mainz. Our hope is your journey on the waters has likewise proven refreshing, therapeutic and even healing. Depart after breakfast, with the freedom to explore this world-class city on your own. While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Rhine Christmas Market Tour.
Itinerary
Welcome to Koblenz! Your Rhine Christmas Market Tour cruise starts today. Koblenz truly is a feast for the eyes with its backdrop of vineyards, forests, and mountains. Snap a photo as you lean on the giant bronze thumb sculpture at Koblenz’s famous German Corner (Deutsches Eck), where the Rhine meets the Moselle River. After leaning on the “thumb”, lean into history as you wind your way through the Old Town. Explore the French influence and ancient remnants of Roman walls. Stroll along the river promenade and roam the town’s romantic narrow streets, where you might encounter flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes or possibly a weinstube (wine tavern). Sample a Moselle Riesling while drinking in the amazing atmosphere of the oldest wine region in Germany.
In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises – Eifel and Hunsrück – lies the old town of Cochem. Even the Romans sang the praises of this remarkable landscape. It is true, a few things have changed since then, but the attraction has remained because the past centuries, above all the Middle Ages, have left their marks here. The magnificent Reichsburg, the big castle, situated on a precipitous rock high above the town, dominates the landscape. as it is one of the few castles in Germany, which was rebuilt in its original style after its complete destruction. The town of Cochem itself is a sight worth seeing, not only because of its narrow streets and twisty alleys, the restored half-timbered houses with the typical slate roofs, the historical market-place but also because of its medieval town gates, churches and walls.
Remagen is not only a beautiful riverside resort but an important historical town with a fascinating past. The main attraction is the museum dedicated to peace which is sited in one of the last remaining bridge towers. In 1945 the Ludendorff Bridge was one of the last two remaining bridges across the river Rhine in Germany when it was captured during the Battle of Remagen by United States Army forces during the closing weeks of World II. The Arp museum is a must for art lovers or follow the twelve stations of the cross on a short uphill hike to the stunning Apollinaris church.
Konigswinter is a popular resort in the Seven Hills mountain range topped by the ruins of Drachenfels castle, a national park. The Drachenfels(“Dragon’s Rock”), a hill 1,053 feet (321 meters) high, is crowned by the ruined castle built in the 12th century by the archbishop of Cologne and destroyed by the French in the 17th century. According to the Nibelungen legends, the Drachenloch (“Dragon’s Cave”) in the hill sheltered the dragon slain by the hero Siegfried. Travelers can either hike up the mountain to savor the views across the Rhine Valley or travel the railway to the top with a stop at the fairy tale Drachenburg castle in the clouds which has been likened to a medieval castle, Gothic Cathedral, and Big Ben. All in all, visitors are enchanted with the folklore and fabulous views of this sleepy little town.
Awaken your senses in the 2,000 year-old city of Cologne. One of Germany’s largest cities and the capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine and is Gothic cathedral. Peer up at the soaring twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral (Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and to really get your blood pumping climb the 533 steps of the south tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Rhine. Tantalize your taste buds at the Cologne’s most popular museum, Imhoff Chocolate Museum. Follow your nose to the quirky Farina Fragrance Museum (advance reservations recommended), smelling the scent that put Cologne on the map. You might also choose to spend your afternoon & evening exploring the Roman ruins and the Old Town abounding with shops, cafes & taverns (try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed for over a hundred years).
Dusseldorf is an engaging mix of ancient and modern, with medieval history and urban trendiness. As you take in the sites of this one-time small fishing village, you will understand why it is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s top vacation destinations. Begin your exploration on the waterfront street Rheinuferpromenade (“Rhine promenade”), which connects the historic Old Town with the MedianHafen (i.e. the modern harbor). Visit landmarks like the Rathaus (City Hall), Burgplatz, St. Lambertus Basilica and Rheinpark. Stroll the luxurious shops along the renowned Konigsallee, Germany’s most elegant avenue. With its beautifully restored houses, bridges, and fountains; the promenade is more than just a shoppers’ paradise but also an attraction itself. At the end of Konigsallee, you will find yourself in the tranquil Hofgarten, Dusseldorf’s version of New York’s Central Park. The park is home to the spectacular Schloss Jagerhof palace, a stunning reproduction of 18th century Rococo architecture. Complete the day in Old Town, locally nicknamed “the longest bar in the world”, with a glass of the local specialty Altbier.
Bonn is much more than just the former capital of Germany. Previously known as the ‘federal village’, and now an internationally renowned hub of commerce and culture, Bonn comes across as assured and cosmopolitan as ever. The city of Bonn straddles the Rhine River and is the birthplace of Beethoven with a memorial and museum honoring the famous composer. Nearby are Bonn Minster, a church with a Romanesque cloister and Gothic elements, the pink-and-gold Altes Rathaus, or old city hall, and Poppelsdorf Palace with its endless botanical gardens. Take a stroll in the geographical heart of Bonn with 160 hectares of green oasis similar to New York’s Central Park.
Your cruise comes to an end in the lively city of Mainz. Our hope is your journey on the waters has likewise proven refreshing, therapeutic and even healing. Depart after breakfast, with the freedom to explore this world-class city on your own. While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Rhine Christmas Market Tour. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.
Deck Plans
Cabin Options
Availability & Pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
Reserve Your Cabin
What's Included in the Cruise
Highlights and Notes
Highlights of What’s Included:
- Welcome & Farewell Receptions with Sparkling wine & hors-d’oeuvres
- Welcome Aboard Dinner & Farewell Dinner
- Locally inspired cuisine
- Early Riser Breakfast in addition to Buffet Breakfast
- Daily Afternoon Tea
- Daily Midnight Snack
- Complimentary Coffee & Tea
- Drink packages available
- The Basic Drink Package includes house wine, beer (draft beer only), and sodas for lunch and dinner in the restaurant. The Drink Package does not include drinks in the ship’s lounge. ($15 per day)
- 8 day cruise: $105 per person
- The Premium Drink Package includes house wine, beer (draft beer only), soft drinks, juices, bottles of mineral water (sparkling and still) and long drinks (house whiskey, gin and vodka). This package is available all day. ($25 per day)
- 8 day cruise: $175 per person
- There is a Corking Fee on board of 8 euro for any alcohol enjoyed outside your cabin.
- All other drinks and cocktails are available at an additional cost.
- (Must purchase for entire cruise)
- The Basic Drink Package includes house wine, beer (draft beer only), and sodas for lunch and dinner in the restaurant. The Drink Package does not include drinks in the ship’s lounge. ($15 per day)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi will not support large photos, videos, streaming movies, etc. It is only good enough for texting and emails of minimal size)
- TeemingRC/PopGuide App City Walking Tour in all ports
- Tech Talks
- Using Your Smartphone As Your Personal Tour Guide
- How to Navigate with your Smartphone without cell service or date
- Using Your Smartphone As Your Personal Tour Guide
- Daily Port Talks- We Give You the Tools to “Explore More for Less!”
- Museums/Sites/History/Architecture
- Opening Times
- Information on Entry Fees
- Location
- Explore On Your Own Information
- Museums/Sites/History/Architecture
- Musician for Live Music On board
- Room Steward and Twice Daily Housekeeping Service
- Evening Turn-down Service
- Non-Smoking Ship Interior
Trip Notes:
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change.
- Disruptions in cruising and itinerary may occur (low/high water levels).
- Prices are for cruises only. Flights are not included.
- Tax and Port charges are not included in cruise fare.
- Transfers to and from the airport are not included in cruise fare.
- Shore Excursions are not included in cruise fare. These may be purchased for an additional cost.
- Due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased.
- Please be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to many common questions.