Magic of Christmas: Savory delights and holiday traditions on a Rhine River cruise (port-to-port cruise) Tour by CroisiEurope

5 daysDuration

Cruise TourExperience this tour on a cruise

15 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 79 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Strasbourg, France

Ends

Strasbourg, France

Highlights

Experience the magic of Christmas on a Rhine cruise with a special onboard holiday program

The romantic Rhine Valley and the legendary rock of the Lorelei under the winter sky

Rüdesheim and a tour of its unique mechanical music cabinet museum, a visit to its Christmas Market of Nations, and a hot cup of its local specialty Rüdesheimer Kaffee.

Mainz, its cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and one of the most beautiful holiday markets in Germany

The Musée Lalique, dedicated to the master craftsman of fine glass

Strasbourg during the holiday season

Tasting of traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies on board

Strasbourg during the holiday season

Tasting of traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies on board

Itinerary

Step aboard a magical Rhine River cruise from Strasbourg, where France’s festive spirit comes alive amid glimmering Christmas markets and centuries-old traditions. Over five days, this enchanting trip invites you to experience the heart of Europe’s holiday season, visiting atmospheric destinations like GAMBSHEIM, Rüdesheim, and Strasbourg itself. Designed for travelers seeking a leisurely escape, you’ll enjoy the warmth of cabin accommodation aboard a comfortable cruise ship as you glide past twinkling riverside towns.

From savoring spiced mulled wine to sampling zesty gingerbread, each day immerses you in authentic seasonal flavors and the timeless allure of European Christmas festivities. Explore storied market squares adorned with dazzling lights, uncovering unique crafts and regional delicacies that have delighted generations. Whether you’re a lover of cultural traditions or simply seeking a cozy, stress-free getaway, this trip blends relaxation with rich experiences in a festive setting.

What truly sets this tour package apart is exclusive access to some of the oldest and most revered Christmas markets along the Rhine, offering an intimate look at the region’s cherished customs and culinary delights. If you’re searching for a river cruise that captures the heart and soul of the holiday season, this is your invitation to celebrate Christmas in style and comfort.

day 1 - Strasbourg

You’ll board our ship at 5 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.

After dinner on board, join us for an evening celebrating the Alsatian holiday cookies known as bredeles. Our ship will cruise through the night.

day 2 - Romantic Rhine River - RÜdesheim

We’ll cruise the Rhine to the legendary rock of the Lorelei, following the twists and turns dominated by dramatic ruins, scenic vineyards, and majestic fortresses. Join us in the lounge and tast delicious bredeles!Our next stop is Rüdesheim, a picturesque village lined with narrow, cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes. We’ll board a tourist train(1) for Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, showcasing 350 self-playing, mechanical music instruments dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries and including delicate musical boxes and a gigantic piano-orchestrion. Then enjoy some free time on your own to discover the international Christmas market located in the city's historic downtown area. The 120 wooden chalets set the stage for an authentic German Christmas market displaying artisan objects, great gift ideas, and delicious culinary specialties such as local confections and cookies, and of course, pretzels! The city is also home to one of the largest nativity scenes in Europe.You’ll return to the ship by walking down the infamous Drosselgasse, lined with numerous cafés and bars. We’ll enjoy dinner on board before a quick escape to the city again this evening to taste the exquisite Rüdesheimer Kaffee.

day 3 - RÜdesheim - Mainz - Gambsheim

We’ll cruise to Mainz in the early morning. Once we arrive, we’ll set out for a tour on foot of the city to see many of its remarkably restored sites. This excursion includes an inside visit to the magnificent 1,000-year-old Saint-Martin’s Cathedral. We’ll then stroll down the picturesque streets of the old city to the Gutenberg Museum, which houses two copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the first major book printed with movable type in the West. Enjoy some free time on your own before heading back to the ship. Don’t miss the colorful local Christmas market near the cathedral, framed by splendid Renaissance-style buildings. Germany is known for its decorative wooden Christmas carousels, and a larger than life one is usually found at the market in Mainz surrounded by traditional chalets selling handcrafts, souvenirs, and luscious goodies. You might notice that German Christmas markets are more than just a place to buy or sell. In fact, they become a true reflection of everyday life where the locals gather for a quick bite or drink at the end of the winter day. So, join in the holiday spirit and top off your well-deserved vacation.After the tour, we’ll have lunch on the ship and spend the afternoon cruising to Gambsheim. Feel free to join us for a bit of onboard entertainment recounting Christmas traditions. Tonight is our festive gala evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.

day 4 - Gambsheim - Strasbourg

Once we arrive in Gambsheim, we’ll leave by coach for Wingen-sur-Moder and a visit to the Musée Lalique to learn about crystalware-genius René Lalique and his successors. Lalique became one of the greatest names of his time, both as a jeweler and a master glassmaker. His instantly recognizable style was a major influence in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. Discover the company’s wide range of impressive crystal and glass designs, pieces of jewelry, tableware, lights, and vases. Admire the fabulous collections and don’t miss the temporary exhibit just for the holidays! Christmas is the perfect time to showcase the exceptional past and present work of Lalique.Continuation towards Strasbourg for a panoramic tour, then return on board in Strasbourg for lunch.In the afternoon, feel free set out on your own to admire the lights around the city near the cathedral, the Place Kléber, Carré d’Or, and Place Gutenberg. It’s quite a sight! And don’t forget to browse a few of the Christmas Markets set up across the city. We’ll greet you with a hot cup of mulled wine* as you return on board.Enjoy an authentic Alsatian dinner this evening, followed by a quiz to test your knowledge about Alsatian Christmas Markets.

day 5 - Strasbourg

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

The Magic of Christmas: Savory delights and holiday traditions on a Rhine River cruise (port-to-port cruise)

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What's Included

Meals

Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final dayGala dinner and evening

Others

Cabin category of your choiceOnboard drinks (except for drinks from our special lists)The rüdesheimer kaffee in the evening of day 2Coach trip on day 4Onboard entertainmentWelcome cocktailEmergency/repatriation insuranceAll port fees.

What's Excluded

Ship Details

MS Beethoven

Named after the famous German virtuoso, the MS Beethoven sails on the Rhine and Danube rivers. It takes cruise passengers to discover the many wonders offered by these two romantic rivers. Completely renovated in 2010, the MS Beethoven is a standard ship that measures 110m long and 11m wide and accommodates 180 passengers in 90 cabins on 3 decks. The size of a cabin is between 11.50m2 to 13m2, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The refined decoration and the elegant and friendly atmosphere are in perfect harmony with its environment. Located at the main deck, the restaurant, where all meals are served during the cruise, offers a delicate cuisine in a refined setting, where wide windows allow you to fully enjoy the panorama. Situated on the middle deck is the lounge / bar with a dance floor, while a piano-bar welcomes cruise passengers on the upper deck in a cozy atmosphere. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.

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