Set sail from Zurich to Amsterdam on an 8-day Rhine River cruise aboard Emerald Destiny that celebrates the season with festive markets and cultural treasures. Begin in Basel, then explore Breisach and journey into the Black Forest for the Ravenna Viaduct Christmas Market. In Strasbourg, walk the medieval streets of the UNESCO-listed Grande Île. Tour Heidelberg Castle and its historic Old Town, then discover the charm of Koblenz with an onboard lecture on European Christmas traditions. Wander Cologne’s markets near the iconic cathedral and experience Düsseldorf’s themed holiday stalls. End the journey with a canal cruise through Amsterdam. Enjoy daily guided tours, scenic cruising, and authentic seasonal experiences through Switzerland, France, and Germany.
Highlights
Cruise Amsterdam’s UNESCO canals on a glass-roofed boat
Explore Cologne’s festive stalls near the famous cathedral
Discover Strasbourg’s UNESCO-listed Grande Ile and Christmas markets
Drive through the Black Forest to Ravenna Viaduct market
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Begin your Christmas cruise journey in Switzerland. Upon arrival at the airport, meet an Emerald Cruises representative and transfer to your modern Star-Ship in Basel, where the captain and crew are ready to welcome you. In the evening, enjoy dinner on board with fellow guests.
Please book your flight to arrive in Zurich prior to 01:00 PM.
Explore the Rhine town of Breisach, nestled between two countries and known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands to the Hofgut Sternen complex at the foot of Ravenna Gorge—a historic site where Marie Antoinette once stopped in 1770 with 52 ornately decorated carriages en route to her wedding to King Louis XVI.
As part of the EmeraldPLUS program, visit the charming Christmas market beneath the 40-meter-high Ravenna Viaduct. Soak in the festive atmosphere filled with the scent of Black Forest specialties and discover locally handcrafted products.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Breisach
EmeraldPLUS
Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct
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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
This morning, you’ll dock in Kehl, and you’ll be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg 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’ll have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets, where you can enjoy traditional Alsatian Christmas treats and shop for presents and stocking-fillers.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Strasbourg and visit to the Christmas Markets
Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes 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.
Today, you’ll take you into the heart of 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 takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets.
Included Excursion
Orientation walk of Koblenz
EmeraldPLUS
Christmas traditions in Europe lecture
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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
You sail towards Cologne, where 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. In the afternoon, you have the chance to visit Duesseldorf and its many Christmas markets, each having its unique name and personality – such as the Fairytale Market, the Handwerker (hand maker) Market and the Schadowmarket where any present wish could easily be fulfilled and more. All of that with a Christmas scent of roasted almonds and hot mulled wine floating in the air.
Included Excursion
Cologne Christmas markets & beer experience
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Duesseldorf with Christmas Market visit
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German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Dutch empire was considered one of the most influential in the world. Throughout the city, you’ll explore the delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking hot mugs of mulled wine and enjoying traditional festive foods.
Included Excursion
Canal cruise
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Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
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Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas with you.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to the terms and conditions for further information.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$8,7902-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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
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
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
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
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
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 (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
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.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
