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Christmas Markets on the Rhine

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River View
$4,252
Balcony
$5,272
Suite
$6,410
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Basel
8 Day Christmas Markets on the Rhine Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
EWXB-1

Overview

Cruise through the heart of Europe’s finest cities, many of whom host large traditional Christmas markets. There’s nothing quite like taking a Rhine River cruise at Christmas time, as you’ll be able to take advantage of the hundreds of stalls all selling ideal Christmas presents for the folks back home.

Itinerary

Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, quintessential cafés and innovative galleries that showcase contemporary art and the works of world-renowned artists, such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

You’ll be met at the airport by a member of our friendly team and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, you'll enjoy some free time to explore the narrow-cobbled streets and gabled houses of the Dutch capital at your leisure.

This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (D)

Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Dutch empire was once considered among the most influential in the world. Throughout the town, you’ll marvel as you explore the delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear, drinking hot mugs of mulled wine and indulging in their favourite festive foods.

Included Excursion Canal cruise (B/L/D)

Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your guided tour of the city, you’ll have the opportunity to wander the markets at your leisure, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town (B/L/D)

Today, we'll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets. Your tour will include the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers at the German Corner and idyllic panoramic views of the Rhine from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Your guided tour of Heidelberg's rich history includes a wine tasting session and a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which overlooks the Rhine River and a red-roofed skyline. Some of the most successful painters of the Romantic era drew inspiration from Heidelberg Castle, including British artist William Turner, who depicted images of the ruins in several of his paintings. Afterwards, stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, touching on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg (B/L/D)

This morning, we will dock in Kehl, and you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France's Alsace region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, the historical centre of the city, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings, and charming canal system. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets to enjoy traditional German Christmas treats and to shop for presents and stocking-fillers.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg

DiscoverMORE Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Alsace wine route wine tasting (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Rhine town of Breisach. Entrenched between two countries, it’s also known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands on your way to the Hofgut Sternen complex located at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge. It was here that in 1770 Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI.

As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll also have the chance to see the postcard-worthy Christmas market situated underneath the 40-metre-high Ravenna Viaduct. Be amazed by the magical aroma of Black Forest specialties and unique handcrafted regional products sold there.

EmeraldPLUS Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct

Included Excursion Guided tour of Breisach (B/L/D)

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and your Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Luna

Emerald Luna
Emerald Luna

Relax and unwind in complete comfort aboard Emerald Luna as you explore Europe's great rivers. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Cultural Shows & Entertainment
Cultural Shows & Entertainment

From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more

Sun Deck Life
Sun Deck Life

Deck games, a walking track and a place to relax and take in the views awaits on the sun deck. Read more

Brochure

Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)

Award-winning Emerald Cruises delivers exceptional small ship river cruising through the heart of Europe, on board our fleet of luxury Star-Ships. From the North Sea to the Black Sea, revel in a European river journey like no other. Our unique collection of itineraries — showcasing seven mesmerising rivers — offers you an immersive insight into the...more incredible history, culture and traditions of the diverse regions we visit.

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Sunday 07 Dec 2025
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Ship Emerald Luna
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Save $843
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Save $1,053
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Exclusive Deal
Sunday 07 Dec 2025
Sunday 14 Dec 2025
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $857
$5,678
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,110
$10,890
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,436
$13,464
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 14 Dec 2025
Sunday 21 Dec 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
Save $857
$5,678
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,110
$10,890
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,436
$13,464
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Emerald Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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