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Enjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne

Christmastime on the Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Crystal Debussy
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Discover the magic of the Christmas season along the Rhine River during this 8-day cruise from Basel, Switzerland to the Netherlands' capital city, Amsterdam aboard the Crystal Debussy. Begin in Basel, a city of international flair known for its progressive art and design. Visit Strasbourg, which is one of the world’s most photogenic towns. Stop in the historic city of Karlsruhe is best known for its dynamic vitality and Mannheim, where the “man-powered running machine” (bicycle) was born. You'll also be able to explore the beautiful city of Mainz, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, and Cologne before crossing the Rhine River, to reach your final destination - Amsterdam.
Basel at Christmas, SwitzerlandWander the streets of RudesheimCruise the rivers of GermanyOld city of Koblenz by nightEnjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne
Highlights
  • Explore “Large Island,” the first city center named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit Mainz, filled with historical sites, classic cuisine and local wines
  • Discover Mannheim, a place of innovation and industry
  • View the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Basel, Switzerland | Embark

Even with its international flair and reputation as an iconic center for progressive art and design, Basel’s medieval town center invites exploration by foot with an abundance of museums and galleries. While antiquity may be Basel’s strong suit, two of its native sons – architects Herzog & de Meuron renowned design London’s Tate Modern Beijing’s Bird’s Nest – bring a modern flair to the city’s design along with other notable architects including Frank Gehry.

Day 2: Strasbourg, France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is one of the world’s most photogenic towns. It boasts a breathtaking Gothic cathedral and a remarkable charm that oozes from virtually every cozy corner of Grande Île, or “Large Island,” the first city center to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 3: Karlsruhe | Mannheim | Mainz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located on the Rhineland Plain near the French-German border, the city of Karlsruhe is nestled between the Black Forest, the Vosges mountains and the Palatinate Forest. A forward-thinking and cultured city, it is regarded as a hub of science and technology. Arts and culture also flourish here, creating an atmosphere of dynamic vitality. Filled with parks and museums, Karlsruhe and nearby suburbs are lined with art nouveau townhomes, serving as a reminder of the city’s proximity to France.

The name Benz is synonymous with automotive innovation, and here is where this legacy began. Also born here was the “man-powered running machine” (or bicycle), the Lanz Bulldog tractor and first rocket-powered aircraft, firmly establishing the city as the place for innovation and industry. The university town is also alive with hubs of diverse food, drink and shopping, as well as a thriving art and musical culture.

With roots as a Roman outpost that helped stand guard over the empire’s far-north territory, Mainz has a rich history. Today, Mainz is inviting and intriguing, located at the union of the Rhine and Main rivers, with pedestrianized areas filled with historical sites, classic cuisine and local wines. Of course, most visitors associate Mainz with its cultural treasure, an original Gutenberg Bible, housed at the Gutenberg Museum.

Day 4: Rüdesheim | Koblenz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
If Rüdesheim’s scenic location on the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge doesn’t sweep you off your feet, then the town’s medieval Old Town with its half-timbered buildings and narrow lanes, especially the Drosselgasse overflowing with charming shops and taverns, surely will. The region’s renowned Rieslings, produced here for centuries from vineyards dating to Roman times, promise to delight, too.

Day 5: Koblenz | Cologne

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers and three mountain ranges meet, Koblenz’ scenery is unmatched. Add to that the city’s 2,000-year-old history, hilltop fortress and squares lined by classic Germanic architecture and you have a place ready-made for photos. Ambling along the town’s narrow lanes and river promenade, you might encounter medieval churches, flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes and perhaps a weinstube, or wine tavern, ideal for sipping Riesling and drinking in the atmosphere.

Day 6: Cologne, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Germany’s most visited landmark – the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral – dominates the skyline here, its magnificent Gothic twin-spires reaching toward the heavens. Peel your eyes away from the Kölner Dom, its local name, to see the space needle-like Rhine Tower, ancient Roman ruins, a modern museum, cozy beerhalls and the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge, reconstructed after the war.

Day 7: Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Everyone has an image of Amsterdam. For some, it’s small boats gliding on the canals and locals two-wheeling on bikes to work and, as frequently, to meet friends for drinks. For others, it’s gabled buildings leaning, seemingly precariously, over cobbled streets and cozy taverns illuminated by candles. Still others imagine tulips in bloom and the paintings Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Each vision is even more beguiling when experienced in person.

Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy one last breakfast on board and disembark at the port of Amsterdam.

Ship/Hotel

Crystal Debussy

Dates & Prices

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Notes

Rates are capacity controlled and are subject to change without notice.

Solo Supplement: A select number of cabins are available for single use. The single supplement varies by cabin type, please contact us for details.

Child Discount: Children age 11 or under receive 50% off when sharing a cabin with two full paying guests. Children, regardless of age pay full rate in a double occupancy cabin.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Massage, s­­­­­pa services or hair styling for which separate charges may be imposed. 

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