Countries Visited:
France,
Germany,
Netherlands,
Switzerland,
Duration:
8 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Virtuoso,

Overview

7-night from Amsterdam to Basel
Aglow with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Discover Breisach, the twinkling Christmas lights strung throughout the charming town, and Freiburg, one of Germany’s picturesque cities. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Christmas Markets’ glühwein—and to touch history up close with guided walking tour and active excursions. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive in select markets along the Rhine during this Taste of Christmas Markets cruise.
Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city
The details

What's included

  • Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Captivating Rhine cruise.
  • There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
  • As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Or, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a full-day tour and visit the 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. Alternatively, you may opt to join a guided tour of Cologne later this day in the afternoon. (B,L,D)
  • Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
  • Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)
  • Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
  • Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights. Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity. (B,L,D)
  • After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Start:Amsterdam, Netherlands
Finish:Basel, Switzerland
Type:Group tour (max 228)
Tripcode:
952-2025
Where you'll go

Your itinerary

Day 1 - Amsterdam

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Day 2 - Amsterdam

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Day 3 - Cologne

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Day 4 - Rhine Gorge

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Day 5 - Ludwigshafen

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Day 6 - Strasbourg

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Day 7 - Breisach

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Day 8 - Basel

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THINGS TO KNOW
Important information
    Terms & Conditions
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    *Hunter Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 86 089 025 696) serves as an agent, selling various travel-related products and services on behalf of many providers like airlines, coach, rail, and cruise line operators, as well as wholesalers and tour operators. As your agent, Hunter Travel Group provide booking and advisory services including making travel bookings on your behalf and arranging contracts between you and the travel service providers. Any bookings made either in-store or online will be subject to Hunter Travel Group's privacy policyterms of use and booking conditions in addition to any third-party booking conditions and privacy policies. Prices are based on per person twin share unless otherwise stated. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. Contact a Travel Advisor to find our more information and conditions for this specific offer.

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