Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Cruising from Amsterdam to Basel

  • Date

    December 5-14, 2024 | Thu / Sat – 10 Days 

  • Location

    Amsterdam | Cologne | Koblenz | Heidelberg | Strasbourg | Breisach | Basel | Zurich

Ambassadair Trip #8839

Overview

Do your holiday shopping along the Rhine River as you travel through the fabled regions of France and Germany on this favorite river route! Feel the magic of Christmas while strolling through classic villages with old world charm and exploring markets teeming with handcrafted gifts. Begin in Amsterdam, with extra days to explore the Dutch capital. Revel in the luxury of a seven-night cruise aboard Emerald Cruise Line’s Emerald Destiny. Dine on locally sourced gourmet delights and sip included beer and wine. Draw inspiration from the ruins of Heidelberg Castle like timeless authors Mark Twain and Victor Hugo. Delve into Cologne, well known for its majestic Cathedral and Christmas markets taking in the scents of gingerbread and spiced cider. Stop in beautiful Koblenz at the convergence of the Rhine and Moselle. Discover Strasbourg, the capital of the picturesque Alsace region and Breisach—gateway to the Black Forest.

The innovative Emerald Destiny, a modern and elegant Emerald Cruises Star ship, was launched in 2017. Specially designed to traverse the Rhine River in style, this ship boasts features aligned with those of a world-class hotel. Panorama Balcony suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows to admire Europe’s beautiful waterways and the landscapes as you sail by. Daily guided excursions are included in the cruise, as are all your meals onboard the ship, prepared with local ingredients reflecting the available produce and seasons.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

  • Visit Christmas Markets along the Rhine River
  • Complimentary guided excursions at each port with personal audio headsets
  • Time to explore on your own
  • Luxury riverboat with hotel-style amenities
  • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard
  • Sumptuous meals with a variety of dining venues
  • Nightly entertainment and onboard lectures

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Amsterdam, Holland and from Basel, Switzerland
  • Locally Hosted (Escorted with 15+)
  • 7 nights shipboard accommodations on the Emerald Cruise Line’s Emerald Destiny
  • 1 night hotel accommodations
  • All meals on ship 
  • 2 meals on land
  • Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
  • Transfers
  • Taxes, and port charges
  • Shipboard Gratuities

NOTE:

A passport is required to travel to this destination and must be valid for at least six months after your return.

This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches, especially in historic areas.

Additional costs apply for “DiscoverMORE” excursions.

Thu, Dec 5: Fly overnight from Indianapolis to Amsterdam, Holland.

Fri, Dec 6: 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. Enjoy sightseeing in the city upon arrival and a welcome lunch with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant. Check in to your hotel for one night. (Meals: Lunch)

Sat, Dec 7: After breakfast at the hotel enjoy some free time to explore the narrow-cobbled streets and gabled houses of the Dutch capital at your leisure. In the afternoon board Emerald Destiny, your home away from home for the next seven nights. Take a moment to get acquainted with the Star-Ship and its fantastic English-speaking crew. Check out your contemporary stateroom or order a glass of wine to enjoy on the sun deck as the sights and sounds of Amsterdam surround you. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome reception and dinner on board. (B,D)

Sun, Dec 8: After an overnight aboard the ship switch to a smaller glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital’s 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 favorite festive foods. (B,L,D)

Mon, Dec 9: Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne, Germany into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your included 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. (B,L,D)

Tue, Dec 10: Today, the ship docks in 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 walks 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. (B,L,D)

Wed, Dec 11: The ship stops at Ludwigshafen this morning, your gateway to Heidelberg! The guided tour includes a look into the city’s rich history as well as 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. (B,L,D)

Thu, Dec 12: Dock in Kehl, and transfer by coach across the river to Strasbourg, France, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. The guided tour of Strasbourg will include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, the historical center 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 with a guide. Enjoy traditional treats and shop for presents and stocking-fillers for everyone on your list. (B,L,D)

Fri, Dec 13: 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. 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. Tonight enjoy a farewell reception and bid adieu to new friends as this journey comes to a close. (B,L,D)

Sat, Dec 14: Arrive in the medieval Swiss city of Basel. Pack up your souvenirs along with memories of quintessential European villages and markets full of treats and trinkets. After disembarkation transfer to Zurich for your return flight home. (B)


Emerald Destiny. Perfectly sized for navigating the Europe’s winding waterways, with space for no more than 180 guests on board. From the three-tier atrium to the heated swimming pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema, it is more than just an average river ship. Highlights: complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, tea and coffee, and bottled water in your stateroom • complimentary Wi-Fi on board • complimentary bicycle rental • restaurant and bar/lounge • sun deck • golf putting green and games area • walking track • fitness center and wellness area • outdoor pool • evening cinema.

Pricing

Call for availability and pricing.

* Subject to change due to fuel surcharge.