7-Nights Cruise the Rhine to Europe's Christmas Markets - Small Group Journeys
from $8,495
Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1692661
Little changed throughout the centuries, the holiday traditions of France and Germany harken back to the true spirit of the season. Celebrate these timeless European traditions on a festive Rhine cruise as you browse atmospheric Christmas markets, explore the historic streets of Strasbourg and Cologne, and sample fine regional wines along the way.
- Stroll the streets of Strasbourg, home to one of Europe’s most stylish Christmas markets, and taste wines in the Cave des Hospices, the city’s oldest cellar
- Cruise the Rhine River, experiencing exclusive sightseeing in your private small-group vehicle, escorted by your own Resident Tour Director
- In Cologne, explore the city’s majestic cathedral, browse its bustling market and sample lebkuchen, a traditional holiday gingerbread
- Venture into the Black Forest to visit Freiburg’s market, exploring the small villages of the Alsace wine route along the way
- Savor the seasonal wines, cuisine and shopping of Heidelberg
7 nights from $8,495 per person
Featured Destinations
Cologne
Cologne is a city where cathedral spires tower over Germany's oldest city and its innumerable cultural and historical treasures, world-famous museums and active art scene. In Cologne, street music on the Hohe Strasse or galas in the modern opera house; pavement painting on the cathedral concourse or old masters in the Wallraf Richartz Museum; the annual music festival along the inner ring road or carnival in the entire city all becomes synthesized into a vivacious work of art in a cosmopolitan metropolis boasting more than a million inhabitants which has never lost its neighborly character. From venerable breweries offering unique Kolsch beer and typical Cologne delicacies to first-class restaurants - boasting well in excess of 3000 public houses, restaurants and breweries Cologne is one of Germany's leading gastronomic lights. The world feels at home in Cologne, where people meet for a Kolsch, a chat or simply a laugh.
Excursions
Cologne historic city centre (4 - 6 hours)
Cologne historic city centre (4 - 6 hours)
Highlights:
Meet our experienced local team member and tailor your walking tour according to your interests and expectations before getting started
Founded by the Roman General Agrippa in 38 B.C, Cologne has a rich Roman and medieval past.
The tour will take you to the most important ancient Roman sites, which include: Remnants of the governor's palace, complete with vaulted Roman sewer, Ruins of a Roman villa, Two-story tomb of Poblicius from 40 A.D., Roman graveyard and vestiges of the ancient stone defences
Visit Cologne's towering landmark, the Cathedral (Dom), a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe
Highlights include the 13th century Reliquary of the Three Kings by Nicholas de Verdun; the 10th century Gero-Crucifix, believed to be the western world's oldest monumental cross, and the luminous Adoration of the Magi triptych by Stephan Lochner (15th century)
See the 14th century Gothic town hall, a Jewish bathing house from 1170 and 'Overstolzenhaus’, Cologne's oldest and finest patrician residence with its steep gables and round arches when strolling the charming pedestrian zone
If of interest visit the Roman-Germanic Museum or Museum Ludwig, the city's famous gallery of 20th century highlights
End your tour at one of the many traditional brewery-style restaurants that dot the city and try a fresh ‘Koelsch’ the famous beer from Cologne before heading back to the ship
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
- Cathedral licensing fee
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions
- Tipping at your discretion
Bonn
Located on the Rhine River, just south of Cologne, Bonn was once the capital of West Germany. Rich with history dating back to about 10 BC, the city is ripe with museums, monuments and scenic points of interest. Most notable however, Bonn is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born in the city in 1770.
Rudesheim
Rüdesheim is located in the heart of the Rhine river area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley. This romantic holiday town offers much to visitors seeking a fabulous German experience. As you cruise down the Rhine, if you listen carefully, you just might hear the siren calling as you pass the Rock of Lorelei. One attraction to visit is the Niederwald monument. Erected between 1877 and 1883, this huge monument symbolizes the re-establishment of the German Empire and unity. From Rudesheim, one can either take the foot path to the monument or the cablecar leading to the top. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. Rudesheim is also famous for the Abbey of St. Hildegard. Some think the building is older than it is, but truly, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Other sites to see are the Wine Museum in Broemserburg Castle, Siegfried's Mechanical Music Instruments Museum and the Medieval Torture Museum, which boasts a wide collection of medeival relics.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg's fairy tale setting has captivated imaginations for centuries in works from writers to painters to composers. Its culture shows in its museums, private galleries, playhouses, concerts by Philharmonic and the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra, and jazz and dance revues. Browse Main Street and Old Town's fascinating shops. Peruse stores and bars of Untere Strasse around the Church of the Holy Spirit and in “Plöck“ street. Scout treasures at the boroughs of Neuenheim and Handschuhsheim. Walk Philosopher‘s Path, one of Europe‘s most scenic overlooks with expansive views of Old Town and Heidelberg Castle. Saints‘ Mountain has a lookout tower, an amphitheater, and ruins of St. Michael‘s Basilica. Königstuhl Mountain is an excellent place to hike. Other unique attractions are: “Tiefburg“ (sunken castle), Neuburg Benedictine Monastery, the mountainside cemetery above Weststadt and Südstadt neighborhoods, and “Karlstorbahnhof“ culture center.
Freiburg
Freiburg is the gateway to the southern Black Forest and a center of wine-growing and the arts. Some of the more notable sights include the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Kaiserstuhl, Freiburg's famous cathedral, the unique brooks running through the streets of the Old Town in open channels decorated with Rhine pebble mosaics - and the wild, romantic landscape of the Höllental valley just outside the city. Other sights of interest include: cathedral with the "most beautiful spire in Christen-dom"; Historical Kaufhaus (former customs and trade building); Wentzingerhaus (now home of the City History Museum); Old and New Town Halls; St. Martin's Gate; Schwabentor Gate; Gerberbau ("Tanner's Building", old guilds quarter); Fischerau quarter and Gewerbe Canal; Gerichtslaube (Freiburg's oldest Town Hall); and Haus Zum Walfisch (magnificent doorway).
Strasbourg
The rich architectural heritage of Strasbourg makes it an excellent tourist city. It has always been a town of passage, and has all architectural styles. The past is written in its walls, and its streets have a timeless quality. Few people can resist the charm of its half-timbered houses and picturesque alleys. Discover the pretty colored facades and impressive portals. Strasbourg is a popular destination where one can forget his usual surroundings. The old city lies around the cathedral on an island formed by two arms of the Ill river. La Petite France is the district which is most reminiscent of old Strasbourg. It is home to many craftsmen and antiques dealers. Its narrow streets offer a series of half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries with large inner courtyards and high sloping roofs. The exceptional warmth and hospitality of the people and the gastronomic reputation of Strasbourg makes tourists want to stay.
Vacation Details
Valid Date Ranges
12/02/2026 -
12/16/2026
from
$8,495 per person
12/03/2027 -
12/18/2027
Call for pricing
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $8,495 per person
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Vacation Rating
Luxury
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Remarks
Advertised price was quoted on 03/12/26. Pricing is dynamic and subject to change based on specific travel dates, room categories and availability. Prices are per person, double occupancy and include internal air where applicable. Holiday surcharge may apply. Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time. Some restrictions may apply.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
OFFER ID
1692661
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