presents

Christmas Market Cruise on the Rhine

December 6 – 13, 2022

Experience the deep­rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO­designated Gothic cathedral. Let the “Capital of Noël,” Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries.

Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo­classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

Details & Pricing

Cruise Price from $5395 CAD per person based on shared occupancy.

Flights are additional and can be arranged for a service fee. This service is recommended to ensure a seamless experience for you.

You must purchase Trip Cancellation / Cancel for any Reason insurance and Emergency health insurance at the time of deposit. Please ask for a quote.

This will be a fully guided tour by Marlain Wietzes, from Toronto.

Min group size: 12
Max group size: 16

Includes:

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies) based on twin occupancy. If you are traveling solo we can match you up with a roommate. If you prefer your own stateroom, please inquire about the single supplement
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both onboard and on shore
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

Award-Winning Dining

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A World of Exploration

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration

Included extras that are specific to a ChickTrips tour could include things like professional photography, guidebooks, pillow gifts or spa certificates.

Highlights

  • The 165 canals of Amsterdam
  • Cologne Cathedral and its famous Christmas Market
  • The castles along the Rhine River Gorge
  • The historic town centre of Strasbourg
  • The festive ambiance everywhere you go

Terms & Conditions

Deposit of $750 CAD is required to confirm your space. At this time you will also be required to purchase trip cancellation /cancel for any reason coverage.

Cancellation more than 90 days prior to departure results in a loss of deposit.

Cancellation between 89 – 60 days will result in 35% of tour fees non-refundable.

Cancellation between 59 – 31 days will result in 50% of tour fees non-refundable.

Cancellation within 30 days of departure is non-refundable

Let’s Connect

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. This evening we will dine together as a group and get to know one another. You will receive a notebook so that you can journal/doodle – now is a great time to set your intention for the cruise.

Day 2: AMSTERDAM

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

Day 3: COLOGNE

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO­designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce.

Day 4: RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM

Cruise through the castle­laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee.

Day 5: LUDWIGSHAFEN

You have the choice to explore two of Germany’s historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher’s Path followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).

Day 6: STRASBOURG

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different districts by bicycle. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar.

Day 7: BREISACH

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate, followed by a visit to its charming Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach’s countryside.

Day 8: BASEL

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. If you would prefer to stay longer or go somewhere else we can work on these arrangements for you.