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Rhine Christmas Markets (2026)

Everyday Price From

£2,889

8 days

No Countries

Overview

Sail through the heart of Europe on a festive journey along the Rhine. Explore storybook towns, twinkling Christmas markets and local traditions from Düsseldorf to Basel. With guided walks, seasonal tastes and optional adventures along the way, this river cruise blends cultural highlights with the magic of the holidays.

Locations Visited

Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Basel

Countries Visited

Switzerland, France, Germany

Travel Style

Cruise

Accommodations

7 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum age 5

Rhine Christmas Markets (2026)

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Welcome to Basel

Join your ship in Basel and settle in as your festive journey begins. Meet your Experience Director and Experience Manager, then relax and get to know your surroundings. Enjoy dinner on board and start soaking up the seasonal atmosphere of your Christmas market cruise.

  • Meals

    Dinner

Explore the Swiss city of Basel with a Local Specialist, discovering a mix of medieval architecture, riverside elegance and seasonal spirit. Wander through the Christmas market in the historic old town, filled with Swiss crafts, warming drinks and festive stalls beneath the spires of Barfüsserkirche. For those keen to see more, an Optional Experience to Lucerne reveals one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. See the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, stroll through the old town’s painted facades, and browse for classic Swiss souvenirs – from fine chocolate to precision watches.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

Get to know Strasbourg on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. From half-timbered houses to the city’s soaring cathedral, the old town blends history with festive cheer. Explore the Strasbourg Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, known for its handcrafted ornaments and regional delicacies. If you’d like to venture further, choose between two Optional Experiences. Join a guided visit to Colmar, where medieval streets come alive with Christmas charm, or explore the Black Forest’s markets in Freiburg, surrounded by pine-covered hills.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

Spend the day your way in Speyer. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Romanesque cathedral and charming Christmas market. Or choose a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to Doktorenhof, a private vinegar estate where centuries-old methods meet local passion. Taste artisan vinegars in candlelit cellars and learn how this family-run operation supports biodiversity and tradition. In the afternoon, you can opt to visit Mannheim. A city where grand 18th-century architecture meets a modern cultural scene. Join a guided walk through the city’s Baroque squares and see the impressive palace complex before exploring local shops and festive market stalls at your own pace.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

Enjoy a guided stroll through Mainz Christmas market with your Experience Manager and Experience Director – a chance to explore traditional stalls set against the backdrop of the city’s grand cathedral. Then join the Breuer family at their traditional weingasthaus for a Be My Guest experience featuring a lunch with seasonal dishes, local wine and live music. Climb aboard the Winzerexpress, a miniature train that winds through the vineyards and cobbled lanes of Rüdesheim. Travel past timber-framed houses dressed for the season as you ride from the old town to panoramic hilltop views. At the Rüdesheim Christmas Market, stalls showcase local crafts and festive treats from across Europe.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

Leave Rüdesheim behind this morning as the ship sails through the scenic Middle Rhine, passing castles and vineyard-covered hills. Get to know Koblenz with a Local Specialist who’ll guide you through the city’s old town and landmarks, including the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle meet. The Christmas market fills the streets with colour and tradition, perfect for browsing local treats and gifts.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

Explore Cologne’s old town on a walking tour with your Experience Director and Experience Manager. You’ll see the city’s famous cathedral and visit its Christmas markets, known for their regional crafts, hearty food and local traditions. There’s time to discover more on your own or join an optional visit to the Michael Schumacher Private Collection. Another option takes you behind the scenes of Cologne’s Kölsch beer culture. Back in the heart of the city, the markets offer plenty to experience – from seasonal snacks to local music and handmade gifts.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

Your Christmas market cruise ends in Düsseldorf, where it’s time to say goodbye to your ship crew, Experience Director, Experience Manager and fellow guests. Disembark with festive memories, new friendships and a true taste of Europe’s holiday traditions.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

All included and optional excursions must be booked onboard. Included excursions are available with no additional cost. Descriptions for the Optional Experiences will be provided onboard along with pricing and availability. Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard, the first day of your cruise

What's Included

    • On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
    • Dinners on your first and last day on board feature a special menu
    • Tea time during one special afternoon sailing
    • Lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water
    • Farewell reception with sparkling wine
    • Land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts
    • Optional Experiences are available to complement and complete your travel experience
    • Audio headset systems are provided on land guided tours
    • Bicycles are available for on-land use at your leisure

Ship Details

Suite
  • Riverview suite (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony
  • Located on the Rhine Deck
  • Welcome fruit plate and complimentary bottle of red wine upon arrival
  • Daily full morning service and light evening turndown service
  • Serviced laundry available, complimentary one bag per guest per week
  • Self-service laundry available for use, with detergent available for purchase
  • Toiletries include refillable shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and handwash
  • Full interactive television setup including music, movies and TV channels
  • Early check in to suite at 12 noon on Embarkation Day
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Dates & Prices

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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes

  • A deposit must be paid at the time of booking.
  • Flights are not included but can be quoted by our Reservations team, who can also explain inclusions within the trip.
  • Full holiday amount to be paid no later than 60 days prior to departure for land only guided holidays or 90 days for guided holidays including train or cruise.
  • Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time.

Terms & Conditions

  • Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
  • Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability. For departure points and stay longer accommodation options contact our travel experts for more details.
  • ​​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login.
  • For 'Costco Vacations of a Lifetime' itineraries the price shown is the final base price, exclusive to Costco members and already reflective of any special member savings. Additional, limited-time discounts are not applicable, other conditions apply. Please refer to Terms & Conditions
  • 'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Last Minute Deals.' Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travellers departing from the UK; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking.
  • All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions or FAQs page.
  • Other conditions may apply. 

Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the enclosed content. Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. Conditions apply. Policies are subject to change at any time.