Rhine Christmas Markets with Lucerne Extension
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Lucerne, where the magic of the season sets the scene for your journey. Explore at your own pace, browsing the Christmas markets for gifts and treats, or choose to cruise the lake and ride the funicular for Alpine views.
Wake to a day of possibilities in Lucerne. Join your Local Host to walk across the Chapel Bridge, step inside the Jesuit Church and pause at the Lion Monument before a cruise on Lake Lucerne. This afternoon, explore at your own pace - browse the Christmas markets, visit a museum or join an Optional Experience to Mt. Pilatus. Ride a series of cable cars to the summit for crisp Alpine views. Prefer the city? Wander the festive streets, sample Swiss chocolate or enjoy a cosy fondue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour 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
Lucerne sets the festive tone for your journey. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the Old Town, seeing the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument dressed in seasonal charm. Later, explore the city’s Christmas markets at your own pace or opt to cruise the lake and ride the funicular for Alpine views dusted with snow.
Included in Your Stay:
- 2 nights at a centrally located hotel, plus all hotel taxes and porterage
- Sightseeing tour of Lucerne with a Local Specialist, experiencing the best of the lakeside city
- Optional Experience add-ons to personalise your stay
- On embarkation day in Basel, 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 On Board
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Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2027-28)
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