2026 Christmas Markets on the Rhine
- From $6,104.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy CAT D, airfare to be added DEC 2025
Join us on this amazing Christmas experience as we travel along the Rhine River visiting Christmas Markets of Europe
2026 Christmas Markets on the Rhine
7NIGHT CRUISE WITH 2NIGHTS AMSTERDAM PRECRUISE
Experience the deeprooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas
Market located in front of its UNESCO designated Gothic Cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neoclassical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine
River cruises are almost all inclusive, travellers can expect very little out of pocket expenses when abroad ( other then shopping) and the most amazing way to explore Europe!!!
Package includes:
Category D $5968 CAD per person ( rooms on the 1st deck with a small window)
Category CA $7418.00 CAD per person ( rooms with a French Balcony)
- Transfers to hotel from airport
- 2 nights hotel Amsterdam city centre
- Welcome reception
- Breakfast daily at the hotel, walking tour and Zaans schans vist in Amsterdam
- Transportation to the ship
- 7 night sailing
- Buffet breakfast daily on the ship
- A la carte lunch and dinner on the ship
- Several selections of optional excursions in each port
- Nightly cocktail hour
- Evening entertainment
- Prepaid gratuities
- 7 course Chefs kitchen dining experience with wine pairing
- Port taxes
- Transfers to airport
*Airfare for this trip is not available until December 2025 so for now we are doing cruise/land only
**Rates are per person and subject to change prior to confirmation
NOV 25 – Halifax to Amsterdam
NOV 26 – Arrive Amsterdam, hotel check in day at leisure
NOV 27 – Walking tour of Amsterdam in the morning, day at leisure
NOV 28 – Zaanse Schans visit, Board Ship
NOV 29 –Amsterdam There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise.
NOV 30-Cologne
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of
Cologne on a guided tour of its Enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city Christmas Markets
DEC 1 – Rhine Gorge-Rudesheim .
Cruise through the castleladen Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town’s special delights Rüdesheimcoffee
DEC 2 – Ludwigshafen
You have the choice to explore two of Germany’s historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streetsthe Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher’s Path followed by free time to enjoy the
Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or explore oneof Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous
Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral
DEC 3 – Strasbourg
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different districts by bicycle. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminatedtown hall Advent calendar
DEC 4 – Breisach
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the halftimbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth” Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach’s countryside
DEC 5 – Basel disembark and fly to Halifax