Christmas Markets along the Rhine (port-to-port package)

Spend the morning cruising to Speyer. Join the proposed excursion: Heidelberg and its Christmas Market. Leave by coach for Heidelberg for a visit of the city and its castle (exteriors). The city was the center of German Romanticism during the 19th century. After a guided tour of the old town, spend some time on your own exploring the enchanting Christmas market. You will discover some great finds for your holiday shopping at the Marktplatz, Universitätsplatz (with its antique carousel), and the winter wonderland at the Kornmarkt. Tonight there will be an evening of entertainment on board. Your ship will remain in Speyer for the night.

(3) The stopover in Speyer could be replaced by a stopover in Mannheim.

Spend the morning cruising to Rüdesheim. This afternoon, join the proposed tour of the city by
tourist train and a visit to the mechanical music cabinet museum.(2) Board a tourist train for Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet.(2) The museum holds approximately 350 exhibits of mechanical instruments dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries – from delicate musical boxes to a gigantic piano-orchestrion. Afterwards, spend some time strolling through the Christmas Market of Nations, enjoying what the ambiance has to offer. The 120 wooden chalets set the stage for an authentic German Christmas market displaying artisan objects, great gift ideas, and delicious culinary specialties such as local confections and cookies, and of course, pretzels! You will return to the ship by walking down the famous Drosselgasse. After your excursion, return on board for dinner. In the evening, the famous Drosselgasse awaits you once again with its numerous cafés, bars, and music. Your shipe will remain in Rüdesheim for the night.

(2)The tourist train tour is subject to favorable weather conditions.

This morning, you will pass through the beautiful and romantic Rhine Valley. The fascinating Rhine River has been the muse for many legends, including the Rock of the Lorelei. Each twist and turn of the river reveals another castle atop a peak above the sprawling vineyards. In the afternoon, set out on the proposed tour of Koblenz and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Located at the crossroads of the Rhine and Moselle regions and surrounded by several mountain peaks, Koblenz is a rich mosaic of culture and history. Take the funicular railway up the hill to visit the historic castle, where we’ll have a magnificent view across the city and valleys. You’ll immediately understand the strategic importance of this fortress throughout history, as the lands stretch as far as the eye can see. What better way to wrap up the day than to check out the holiday market in Koblenz? Gingerbread, grilled almonds, cinnamon, and mulled wine scents waft through the air at the city’s traditional Christmas market set up at several squares throughout the picturesque old town. Tonight there will be a gala dinner on board. Your ship will cruise to Cologne overnight.

Breakfast on board before disembarking at 9.00am. End of our services.

(4)Possible transfer by coach to Strasbourg – price on application. Transfers guaranteed for a minimum of 25 passengers.

• Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
• Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from the special lists)
• Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
• Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
• Welcome cocktail
• Gala dinner
• Onboard entertainment
• All port fees
• Prepaid classic sightseeing package

• Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
• Cancellation and baggage insurance
• Transfers to/from departure/arrival points
• Personal expenses