Rhine Christmas Markets

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Rhine Christmas Markets

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$3,177
Save $142pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Basel
 Cruise Finishes
Düsseldorf
8 Day Rhine Christmas Markets Itinerary (Trafalgar)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Basel
 Cruise Finishes
Düsseldorf
8 Day Rhine Christmas Markets Itinerary (Trafalgar)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
39
Launched
1999
Refurbished
2010
Cruise Code
RCRCMBD
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
39
Launched
1999
Refurbished
2010
Cruise Code
RCRCMBD

Overview

Sail through the heart of Europe on a festive journey along the Rhine. Explore storybook towns, twinkling Christmas markets and local traditions from Düsseldorf to Basel. With guided walks, seasonal tastes and optional adventures along the way, this river cruise blends cultural highlights with the magic of the holidays.
Choose to start your tour in either Düsseldorf or Basel Sail through the heart of Europe on a festive journey along the Rhine. Explore storybook towns, twinkling Christmas markets and local traditions from Düsseldorf to Basel. With guided walks, seasonal tastes and optional adventures along the way, this river cruise blends cultural highlights with the magic of the holidays.

Itinerary

Join your ship, Trafalgar Verity, in Basel and settle in as your festive journey begins. Meet your Experience Director and Experience Manager, then relax and get to know your surroundings. Enjoy dinner on board and start soaking up the seasonal atmosphere of your Christmas market cruise. (D)

Explore the Swiss city of Basel with a Local Specialist, discovering a mix of medieval architecture, riverside elegance and seasonal spirit. Wander through the Christmas market in the historic old town, filled with Swiss crafts, warming drinks and festive stalls beneath the spires of Barfüsserkirche. For those keen to see more, an Optional Experience to Lucerne reveals one of Switzerland's most picturesque cities. See the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, stroll through the old town's painted facades, and browse for classic Swiss souvenirs – from fine chocolate to precision watches. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Christmas Magic in Lakeside Lucerne

Get to know Strasbourg on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. From half-timbered houses to the city's soaring cathedral, the old town blends history with festive cheer. Explore the Strasbourg Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, known for its handcrafted ornaments and regional delicacies. If you'd like to venture further, choose between two Optional Experiences. Join a guided visit to Colmar, where medieval streets come alive with Christmas charm, or explore the Black Forest's markets in Freiburg, surrounded by pine-covered hills. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Strasbourg Walking Tour with Christmas Market OR Black Forest Christmas Markets in Freiburg OR Christmas Markets of Colmar

Spend the day your way in Speyer. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through one of Germany's oldest cities, known for its Romanesque cathedral and charming Christmas market. Or choose a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to Doktorenhof, a private vinegar estate where centuries-old methods meet local passion. Taste artisan vinegars in candlelit cellars and learn how this family-run operation supports biodiversity and tradition. In the afternoon, you can opt to visit Mannheim. A city where grand 18th-century architecture meets a modern cultural scene. Join a guided walk through the city's Baroque squares and see the impressive palace complex before exploring local shops and festive market stalls at your own pace. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Christmas Market of Heidelberg OR Speyer Walking Tour with Christmas Market OR Learn About Vinegar Production at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof

Enjoy a guided stroll through Mainz Christmas market with your Experience Manager and Experience Director – a chance to explore traditional stalls set against the backdrop of the city's grand cathedral. Then join the Breuer family at their traditional weingasthaus for a Be My Guest experience featuring a lunch with seasonal dishes, local wine and live music. Climb aboard the Winzerexpress, a miniature train that winds through the vineyards and cobbled lanes of Rüdesheim. Travel past timber-framed houses dressed for the season as you ride from the old town to panoramic hilltop views. At the Rüdesheim Christmas Market, stalls showcase local crafts and festive treats from across Europe. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Rüdesheim with Mini Train and Christmas Market OR Flavours and Live Music at Breuer's Rüdesheimer Schloss OR Mainz Christmas Market Stroll

Leave Rüdesheim behind this morning as the ship sails through the scenic Middle Rhine, passing castles and vineyard-covered hills. Get to know Koblenz with a Local Specialist who'll guide you through the city's old town and landmarks, including the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle meet. The Christmas market fills the streets with colour and tradition, perfect for browsing local treats and gifts. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Koblenz Walking Tour and Christmas Market

Explore Cologne's old town on a walking tour with your Experience Director and Experience Manager. You'll see the city's famous cathedral and visit its Christmas markets, known for their regional crafts, hearty food and local traditions. There's time to discover more on your own or join an optional visit to the Michael Schumacher Private Collection. Another option takes you behind the scenes of Cologne's Kölsch beer culture. Back in the heart of the city, the markets offer plenty to experience – from seasonal snacks to local music and handmade gifts. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Cologne Walking Tour and Christmas Market OR Visit Michael Schumacher's Private Collection OR Experience Kölsch Beer

Your Christmas market cruise ends in Düsseldorf, where it's time to say goodbye to your ship crew, Experience Director, Experience Manager and fellow guests. Disembark with festive memories, new friendships and a true taste of Europe's holiday traditions. (B)

Join your ship in Basel and settle in as your festive journey begins. Meet your Experience Director and Experience Manager, then relax and get to know your surroundings. Enjoy dinner on board and start soaking up the seasonal atmosphere of your Christmas market cruise. (D)

Explore the Swiss city of Basel with a Local Specialist, discovering a mix of medieval architecture, riverside elegance and seasonal spirit. Wander through the Christmas market in the historic old town, filled with Swiss crafts, warming drinks and festive stalls beneath the spires of Barfüsserkirche.

For those keen to see more, an Optional Experience to Lucerne reveals one of Switzerland's most picturesque cities. See the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, stroll through the old town's painted facades, and browse for classic Swiss souvenirs – from fine chocolate to precision watches. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Christmas Magic in Lakeside Lucerne

Get to know Strasbourg on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. From half-timbered houses to the city's soaring cathedral, the old town blends history with festive cheer. Explore the Strasbourg Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, known for its handcrafted ornaments and regional delicacies. If you'd like to venture further, choose between two Optional Experiences. Join a guided visit to Colmar, where medieval streets come alive with Christmas charm, or explore the Black Forest's markets in Freiburg, surrounded by pine-covered hills. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Strasbourg Walking Tour with Christmas Market OR Black Forest Christmas Markets in Freiburg OR Christmas Markets of Colmar

Spend the day your way in Speyer. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through one of Germany's oldest cities, known for its Romanesque cathedral and charming Christmas market. Or choose a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to Doktorenhof, a private vinegar estate where centuries-old methods meet local passion. Taste artisan vinegars in candlelit cellars and learn how this family-run operation supports biodiversity and tradition.

In the afternoon, you can opt to visit Mannheim. A city where grand 18th-century architecture meets a modern cultural scene. Join a guided walk through the city's Baroque squares and see the impressive palace complex before exploring local shops and festive market stalls at your own pace. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Christmas in Heidelberg OR Speyer Walking Tour with Christmas Market OR Learn About Vinegar Production at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof

Enjoy a guided stroll through Mainz Christmas market with your Experience Manager and Experience Director – a chance to explore traditional stalls set against the backdrop of the city's grand cathedral. Then join the Breuer family at their traditional weingasthaus for a Be My Guest experience featuring a lunch with seasonal dishes, local wine and live music.

Climb aboard the Winzerexpress, a miniature train that winds through the vineyards and cobbled lanes of Rüdesheim. Travel past timber-framed houses dressed for the season as you ride from the old town to panoramic hilltop views. At the Rüdesheim Christmas Market, stalls showcase local crafts and festive treats from across Europe. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Rüdesheim with Mini Train and Christmas Market OR Mainz Christmas Market Stroll OR Flavours and Live Music at Breuer's Rüdesheimer Schloss

Leave Rüdesheim behind this morning as the ship sails through the scenic Middle Rhine, passing castles and vineyard-covered hills. Get to know Koblenz with a Local Specialist who'll guide you through the city's old town and landmarks, including the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle meet. The Christmas market fills the streets with colour and tradition, perfect for browsing local treats and gifts. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Koblenz Walking Tour and Christmas Market

Explore Cologne's old town on a walking tour with your Experience Director and Experience Manager. You'll see the city's famous cathedral and visit its Christmas markets, known for their regional crafts, hearty food and local traditions. There's time to discover more on your own or join an optional visit to the Michael Schumacher Private Collection. Another option takes you behind the scenes of Cologne's Kölsch beer culture. Back in the heart of the city, the markets offer plenty to experience – from seasonal snacks to local music and handmade gifts. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Cologne Walking Tour and Christmas Market OR Visit Michael Schumacher's Private Collection OR Experience Kölsch Beer

Your Christmas market cruise ends in Düsseldorf, where it's time to say goodbye to your ship crew, Experience Director, Experience Manager and fellow guests. Disembark with festive memories, new friendships and a true taste of Europe's holiday traditions. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts
  • Optional Experiences are available to complement and complete your travel experience
  • Audio headset systems are provided on land guided tours
  • Bicycles are available for on-land use at your leisure

  • On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
  • Dinners on your first and last day on board feature a special menu
  • Tea time during one special afternoon sailing
  • Lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water
  • Farewell reception with sparkling wine

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • You can book Optional Experiences with your Experience Director onboard at the start of your River Cruise. These can be charged to your onboard account and paid by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or American Express). Optional Experiences cannot be reserved before your cruise.

  • Land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts
  • Optional Experiences are available to complement and complete your travel experience
  • Audio headset systems are provided on land guided tours
  • Bicycles are available for on-land use at your leisure

  • On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
  • Dinners on your first and last day on board feature a special menu
  • Tea time during one special afternoon sailing
  • Lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water
  • Farewell reception with sparkling wine

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • You can book Optional Experiences with your Experience Director onboard at the start of your River Cruise. These can be charged to your onboard account and paid by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or American Express). Optional Experiences cannot be reserved before your cruise.

Life Onboard Trafalgar Verity

Trafalgar Verity
Trafalgar Verity

Onboard, you'll enjoy thoughtful service designed around you. Relax on the sun deck, enjoy a massage or join enriching experiences, and when evening comes, enjoy live entertainment and more. Read more

River Cruise Differently
River Cruise Differently

Your trusted Trafalgar vacation is now on water. From scenic sailing to biking along the riverbanks or relaxing during a massage onboard, our itineraries let you explore Europe at your own pace — both onboard and ashore. Read more

What's Included
What's Included

Our trips are thoughtfully priced, offering real connections, local flavours, and pure joy. With curated onboard experiences and seamless service, we make river cruising effortless and unforgettable. Read more

Download Brochure

Trafalgar River Cruises (2026) Brochure

Trafalgar River Cruises (2026)

Introducing River Cruises. A new way to travel with Trafalgar. Unlock the rivers of Europe, where local perspectives, warm hosting and real connection meet effortless comfort. With seamless service, unrivalled land experiences and the need to only unpack once, this is travel made easy and unforgettable.

Download Brochure

Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2026-27) Brochure

Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2026-27)

Trafalgar’s 2026–27 worldwide collection features over 240 guided holidays across 70 countries on six continents, offering iconic sights, authentic local encounters, and expertly planned itineraries. From Be My Guest dining and Stays with Stories to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences, each tour is designed to connect you meaningfully with every destination. more With dedicated Travel Directors and Drivers handling every detail, you can relax and enjoy a journey filled with culture, insight, and unforgettable moments.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $3,177
From $4,329
From $5,673
Wednesday 25 Nov 2026 25 Nov 26 Basel
Wednesday 02 Dec 2026 02 Dec 26 Düsseldorf
Details
Trafalgar Verity
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,657
Save $142
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 09 Dec 2026 09 Dec 26 Basel
Wednesday 16 Dec 2026 16 Dec 26 Düsseldorf
Details
Trafalgar Verity
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,177
Save $122
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 01 Dec 2027 01 Dec 27 Basel
Wednesday 08 Dec 2027 08 Dec 27 Düsseldorf
Details
Trafalgar Verity
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,177
Save $122
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 15 Dec 2027 15 Dec 27 Basel
Wednesday 22 Dec 2027 22 Dec 27 Düsseldorf
Details
Trafalgar Verity
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,177
Save $122
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.

Similar River Cruises

9 Day London and Paris Explorer (Winter) (Trafalgar)

9 Days London Paris

Operated By: Trafalgar

From 3,264
Save 344
9 Day London and Paris Explorer (Trafalgar)

9 Days London Paris

Operated By: Trafalgar

From 3,060
Save 690
8 Day Danube Christmas Markets (Trafalgar)

8 Days Passau Budapest

Operated By: Trafalgar

From 2,889
Save 110
9 Day Rome and Tuscan Highlights (Trafalgar)

9 Days Rome Rome

Operated By: Trafalgar

From 2,731
Save 276