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Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace

 
3.5 stars(4 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
20262027
Duration
5 days
From per person
$1,895
Tour code
CSM27
View Dates & Pricing
View Dates & Pricing
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Set sail on a magical Christmas river cruise into Germany and France, exploring festive markets, charming towns and scenic beauty, with seasonal cheer around every bend

Embark on a festive cruise through Europe's most enchanting Christmas destinations on the Rhine river. Scenic landscapes and charming towns come alive with seasonal cheer in Germany and France during the most wonderful time of the year.

From the twinkling lights of Koblenz's historic streets to the captivating markets of Rüdesheim, Heidelberg, Speyer and Strasbourg, each port of call offers holiday charm and rich heritage.

With guided tours, picturesque views and cozy moments aboard our beautifully decorated ship, this cruise is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Unforgettable Experiences

Explore festive towns along the Rhine
Explore festive towns along the Rhine
Stroll amid the half-timbered houses, historic architecture and Christmas markets of beautiful towns, including Rüdesheim in Germany and Obernai in Alsace.
Experience the fairytale Rhine Gorge
Experience the fairytale Rhine Gorge
Sail through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where medieval castles, terraced vineyards and the legendary Lorelei Rock line dramatic cliffs.
Tour historic Heidelberg
Tour historic Heidelberg
Visit the renowned university town of Heidelberg on the Neckar River, exploring its Old Town, iconic ruined castle and seasonal Christmas markets, filled with holiday treats.
Discover Strasbourg in winter
Discover Strasbourg in winter
Enjoy a magical experience in this attractive Alsace city, strolling cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, and exploring Christmas markets illuminated by festive lights.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Boarding our luxurious ship in Cologne

Your festive vacation begins by meeting the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, ready for a Eurostar journey to Brussels.

In the Belgian capital, we switch rail services and cross into Germany and the riverside city of Cologne. Here, we board our luxurious cruise ship, bedecked in Christmas finery, for a festive four-night cruise along the Rhine to Strasbourg in France.

After a welcome cocktail on board ahead of dinner, we set sail through the night toward Koblenz. Overnight ship.

Please note: for travelers departing on the 17th December, this tour will operate in reverse, beginning in Strasbourg and concluding in Cologne.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Through the Rhine Gorge from Koblenz to Rüdesheim

Reaching Koblenz this morning, there's time to explore after breakfast. Koblenz is a picturesque city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Famous for its historic charm, its landmarks include the Deutsches Eck, where the two rivers meet, and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress which offers stunning views. At this time of year, the medieval streets, buildings and squares of the Old Town are adorned with twinkling festive lights and decorations.

Our cruise then continues for a highlight of the journey, sailing through the stunning Rhine Gorge and past the famous Lorelei Rock. This part of the Rhine is regarded as one of the most beautiful stretches, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, medieval castles, terraced vineyards and charming villages.

Later, we arrive in Rüdesheim, renowned for its Riesling wines. You have time to wander the Christmas stalls or maybe sample a Rüdesheim Coffee, made with local Asbach Uralt brandy and served with whipped cream. You could stroll along Drösselgasse, a street lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops and wine bars. Back on board, we continue toward Speyer after dinner. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Heidelberg and Speyer’s Christmas markets

Seasonal delights await us again today as we moor in Speyer. On a trip to Heidelberg, we enjoy a guided tour of the picturesque town, the home of Germany's oldest university.

Heidelberg is also known for its beautiful Old Town and the ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, which we visit. Perched above the town, the castle is a symbol of Romanticism and provides amazing views of the surrounding forests and Neckar River. Afterwards, there is time to wander the Christmas markets, huddled in Heidelberg's Old Town. You might like to try traditional German treats such as Glühwein and gingerbread or go skating on the ice rink in Karlsplatz.

This afternoon, there is free time for you to discover Speyer independently, which also has a delightful Christmas market. Its imposing Kaiserdom cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant Romanesque churches in the world. After soaking up the holiday atmosphere, return to our ship for dinner this evening, before we set sail for Strasbourg. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Soaking up the festive charm of Alsace

Arriving at our final port of call, you have the choice between two excursions today.

You could join a tour of Obernai, a medieval town at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile - named after the patron saint of Alsace. Exploring its charming center of half-timbered houses, narrow alleys and historic buildings such as the 16th-century belfry and corn exchange, there's also time to wander through the appealing Christmas markets. Alternatively, stay in Strasbourg for a guided tour of this attractive city, discovering its imposing Gothic cathedral and the canals of the picture-perfect Petite France district.

After your excursion, the rest of the afternoon is free in Strasbourg. The city sits on the border of France and Germany and blends the best of the two cultures, with colorful half-timbered houses, shops and cobbled streets all aglow with Christmas lights and markets. Our evening is rounded off with a spectacular gala dinner on board. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Homeward bound

With twinkling lights, seasonal aromas and enchanting atmospheres, the Christmas markets along the Rhine have provided charming festive memories. Sailing from Cologne to Strasbourg aboard our luxury ship, we have experienced amazing views in Koblenz, admired the fairytale scenes along the Rhine Gorge and explored the picturesque sights of Rüdesheim, Heidelberg, Speyer and Strasbourg.

After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. We head to Strasbourg station and travel by rail to Paris, from where we catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive vacation comes to an end.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Train & Ship Information

See more details about this tour's trains and ships.

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MS Amadeus Cara Cabin DS | Vacations by Rail
Deluxe Suites - Upper Deck

Travel the rivers in the utmost comfort and style when you choose to stay in one of our incredible Deluxe Suites. These cabins are larger than the others on board, at 26.4 square metres, and come with additional touches that adds just that extra touch of opulence.

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MS Amadeus Cara Cabin A1 | Vacations by Rail
Deluxe Stateroom - Upper Deck

With your first steps into your Deluxe Stateroom, the impressive amount space is immediately apparent, with plenty of room for luggage, clothes and souvenirs included in your 17.5 square metres.

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MS Amadeus Cara Cabin B1 | Vacations by Rail
Deluxe Stateroom - Middle Deck

With your first steps into your Deluxe Stateroom, the impressive amount space is immediately apparent, with plenty of room for luggage, clothes and souvenirs included in your 17.5 square metres.

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MS Amadeus Cara Cabin C1 | Vacations by Rail
Classic Stateroom - Lower Deck

We take great pride in the quality, comfort and elegance that makes up the 16 square metres of our Classic Staterooms, which make up the majority of our on board accommodation. And we recognise the importance of having somewhere inviting to retire to after an engaging day of cruising or excursions.

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Reviews

3.5 stars3.5 / 5 · 4 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (1)
  2. 4 stars
    (2)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

BRAIN CROONE

5 stars

Submitted 7/Dec

Had a great time! Have never done a trip like this and we thought it was great. The tours were excellent with great guides we had free time to do what we wanted. Everything on the boat was great, the food, the people, our room, all excellent. We will be doing other trips with Vacations By Rail. Thank you for a great trip!

from Vacations By Rail
Hello Brian ! I'm so glad to hear you thought this trip was great! I am thrilled to hear that the tours and the guides met your expectations. Especially the food, the people, and your rooms. We look forward to assisting on your next rail journey! :-)
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Debra Yoshimura

4 stars

Submitted 12/Dec

Enjoyed the.cruise, but felt rushed at some of the stops/markets.

Collected by Trustpilot

Teresa Henegar

4 stars

Submitted 7/Dec

A bit disorganized the first morning of excursions otherwise good.

Collected by Trustpilot

Lin LaB

1 stars

Submitted 9/Dec

Trip did not live up to expectations from this company, stick to your rail trips .... went & left to mkt before it even opened . This not worth money at all . Food on ship was sub par , not a festive boat as described Highly disappointed, should advertise to the elderly as they may give you a decent rating , do NOT recommend at all , wish I had my $$& back on this trip

from Vacations By Rail
Hello Linda! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Your feedback is truly valuable, and I’m very sorry to hear that the trip didn’t live up to your expectations. This is certainly not the experience we aim to provide. I’ll be reaching out to you personally very soon, and if you’re open to it, I would really appreciate hearing more about your trip.
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

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