Have questions? We're here.
Basel at Christmas, Switzerland

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Amsterdam - Basel - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Destiny
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Rhine River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Emerald Destiny will sail through the Rhine River and bring to life the marvelous Christmas markets. Amsterdam is famous for its picturesque canal. Visit the delightful Christmas stalls in the city. Take a tour in Cologne and enjoy a taste of traditional glühwein. In Koblenz, panoramic views of the surrounding area are seen by hiking the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Shop at Strasbourg before heading to Breisach. Explore a Black Forest village that perfectly encapsulates a traditional way of life. Last stop is in Basel to disembark the ship and transfer to the airport. 
Bridge in AmsterdamExplore the inspiring AmsterdamExplore CologneStrasbourg at duskRiver through Koblenz GermanyBasel at Christmas, Switzerland
Highlights
  • Explore Grande Île, the historical center of the Strasbourg city
  • Discover Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system
  • Tour the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and enjoy panoramic views of Koblenz
  • Visit the winter wonderland and postcard-worthy city of Cologne
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Amsterdam | Embark

Welcome to Amsterdam, a fantastic city to explore the many joys of Europe at Christmastime in. Here, intricate networks of picturesque canals are adorned by world-class museums, theatres, and quaint cafés.

Arrive at the airport and transfer to the luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. This evening, join fellow travelers for dinner on board.

Day 2: Amsterdam

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, board a glass top canal boat for a tour down Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant’s houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age and delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking hot mugs of mulled wine. Tonight, enjoy a Captain's welcome gala and dinner on board.

Day 3: Cologne

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Join a locally guided tour of the city with opportunities to explore independently. Consider visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, and drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.

Day 4: Koblenz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, relax on board as the ship cruises into Koblenz, a town that sits straddling the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. On a guided tour of Koblenz, visit Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

This afternoon, return to the comfortable Star-Ship to sail through the Rhine Gorge, passing countless castles, vineyards and ruined monasteries.

Day 5: Mannheim | Heidelberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, continue enjoying time on board as the ship sails towards Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. Here, enjoy a chance to visit the medieval town of Heidelberg.

Day 6: Kehl | Strasbourg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning wake up in Kehl and transfer by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace Region. A guided tour of Strasbourg includes the Grande Île, the historical center of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that is known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings, and charming canal system.

After the guided tour of Strasbourg, enjoy the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets.

Day 7: Breisach

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, visit a Black Forest village that perfectly encapsulates a traditional way of life, where craftspeople carve cuckoo clocks and other iconic figures that are part of Germany’s intangible cultural heritage.

Day 8: Basel | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport. 

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Destiny

Sundeck
Outdoor Terrace
Emerald Destiny

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Emerald Single Stateroom
Select a Date
Single Stateroom (ES)
Single Occupancy Only. 117 sq ft. 2 single cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a deluxe single bed, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Stateroom
Select a Date
Stateroom (E)
162 sq ft. 9 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Stateroom
Select a Date
Stateroom (D)
162 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Panorama Balcony Suite (C)
180 sq ft. 19 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
180 sq ft. 18 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Panorama Balcony Suite (A)
180 sq ft. 23 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Grand Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Grand Balcony Suite (S)
210 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, in-suite mini-bar available at own expense, a complimentary Nespresso machine and bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes, and slippers
Owners One-Bedroom Suite
Select a Date
Owner's Suite (SA)
315 sq ft. 4 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin beds, an outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, a separate bathroom and lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe, an in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer, and soft drinks

Notes

Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.
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
  • Choice between Emerald Plus and Emerald Active Excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Tour Manager
  • Airport transfers to and from the ship
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Travelers are urged to arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may occur during the tour

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By