Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Smithsonian Journeys)

Step into centuries of history at Slot Zuylen, a castle first built around 1250 and shaped by generations that followed. A significant renovation in the mid-17th century transformed the castle. This, along with smaller changes over the centuries have created a rich tapestry of architectural styles, evident as you move through its rooms and corridors. Beyond the walls, the gardens offer a more peaceful, quieter retreat. Together, the castle and its gardens make Slot Zuylen a place where history feels layered, lived in, and very much alive.

Excursions:

• Canal cruise
• Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam
• Walking tour OR Beer Tasting tour OR Slot Zuylen Visit

Spend a relaxing morning cruising through scenic countryside to Düsseldorf. Stay in Düsseldorf for an afternoon bike ride or a walking tour of the historic center and its Christmas Market. Or head to Cologne, where the diverse architecture ranges from Romanesque churches to avant-garde buildings erected after the Allied bombings of World War II.

Choose between a guided walk through the Old Town visiting the Fischmarkt and seeing Great St. Martin Church, or join an archaeological walking tour of its extensive Roman sites and the Belgian House where many Roman artifacts are on display. Venture into one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets, set against the soaring backdrop of the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have free time to wander among the stalls, sipping a glühwein if you wish, or nibbling on lebkuchen (gingerbread).

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Cologne Walking Tour and Christmas Markets OR Düsseldorf Walking Tour and Christmas Markets OR Düsseldorf Bike Tour OR Cologne Roman Ruins with Belgian House – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive

Enter the spectacular Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the Rhine Gorge. Here, more than 40 medieval castles perch on bluffs high over the river and charming villages dot the riverbanks, twinkling with holiday spirit at this time of year. Hear the legend of Lorelei Rock as you glide toward Rüdesheim, a gateway to the Rheingau wine region.

Choose from a range of excursions: visit a wine cellar for a tasting of Rheingau wines, go on a hike or a guided bike ride, or ride a gondola over the vineyards, taking in stunning views. Then experience holiday traditions from around the world at the town's Christmas Market. Later, see whimsical self-playing instruments at Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town's specialties: Rüdesheimer coffee.

Excursions:

• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
• Wine Tasting and Christmas Markets OR Gondola Ride and Christmas Market OR Vineyards Hike OR Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau and Christmas Markets
• Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Rüdesheimer coffee

From the riverside town of Ludwigshafen, explore your choice of historic Rhineland cities and their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and centuries-old university. Here, wander along one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the yuletide celebrations at the town's Christmas Market. Or hike along the historic Philosopher's Path, enjoying views of Heidelberg's castle and the city below, then enjoy free time to browse the Christmas Markets.

Alternatively, bike along the River Neckar to medieval Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or explore one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and tour the Technik Museum to see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine and a space shuttle. You'll have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the Old Mint (Alten Münze).

Excursions:

• Heidelberg Tour with wine tasting and Christmas Markets OR Medieval Speyer and Technik Museum and Christmas Markets – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path Hike and Christmas Markets OR Ladenburg Bike Tour

Strasbourg becomes even more enchanting during the season of Advent. Its Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, is the oldest Christmas Market in France and one of the largest. Walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely Petite France district, where timeless, half-timbered houses line winding canals. See the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and its famous astronomical clock and then delve into the town's famous Christmas Market, perhaps sampling a vin chaud or one of the city's famous Christmas cookies.

Alternatively, opt to visit the seat of the European Parliament on a guided tour (subject to availability). You may also choose to explore Strasbourg's different neighborhoods on a guided bike tour. Later this afternoon, opt to visit the historic spa town of Baden-Baden and its romantic Christmas Markets.

*Subject to availability.

Excursions:

• Strasbourg City Tour and Christmas Markets OR Strasbourg bike tour
• European Parliament Tour – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive*
• Baden-Baden Walking Tour and Christmas Markets

Go ashore in the German town of Breisach, poised on the border between the Alsace region of France and Germany's Black Forest. In the fairytale Alsatian town of Colmar, experience a whimsical blend of French and German culture, and choose to tour the home of August Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, or explore the town's wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, venture to the UNESCO-designated Neuf-Brisach Citadel, or ride a bicycle through the countryside around Breisach.

Excursions:

• Colmar Excursion with Bartholdi Museum or Christmas Markets OR Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour OR UNESCO Neuf-Brisach Citadel – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive