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BELGIUM AT CHRISTMAS Revel in the spirit of the holidays as you explore the intriguing Belgian cities of Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. View iconic landmarks and stroll historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, then immerse yourself in the atmosphere of traditional Christmas markets. BASEL AT CHRISTMAS Celebrate the festive season as you immerse in the magic of Christmas in Basel. Shop for handicrafts at quaint markets, a cherished European tradition, and explore the winding cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses and decorated window displays. EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY GETTING THERE: Experience our 8-day Christmas on the Rhine river voyage, departing from Amsterdam to Basel, or in reverse. One of Germany's oldest and largest markets, more than 160 booths host vendors from around the world, offering handicrafts and handmade items. Beautiful glassware, and carved wooden toys and games, sit alongside Christmas lanterns, colourful baubles and ornaments—all of which are presented in quaint wooden houses. Return to your ship and sail onto Speyer, Germany where you'll learn about the Christmas traditions of the Rhineland-Palatinate region during a walking tour of the town. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town. DAY 6 - STRASBOURG, FRANCE Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city's cathedral square taking centre stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city's Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colourful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Delve deeper with an optional excursion tasting the Christmas flavours of Alsace, sampling the spectacular crisp Riesling and fine white wines the region produces. Or, journey to nearby Gengenbach to discover their historic yuletide traditions. DAY 7 - BREISACH, GERMANY In the heart of Breisach's old town with a backdrop of the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Weinachtsmarkt is a highlight of the season. Steaming aromatic glühwein served in decorated mugs, alongside tasty yuletide treats, is sold from festive wooden huts and taverns, keeping visitors warm as they browse market stalls for gifts and handicrafts. Or choose one of our optional excursions to experience the historic charms and Christmas markets of Colmar and Riquewihr. Visit the Colmar Pocket, where Allied forces pushed back Nazi troops during the brutal winter of 1944–1945. Or explore the charming town of Staufen and sample the wares of a renowned schnapps distillery. DAY 8 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or, spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions. SHORE EXCURSIONS CHRISTMAS IN COLOGNE COLOGNE, GERMANY Learn the seasonal customs and traditions at Cologne's largest Christmas market. Stroll amid the colourful stalls, pausing to sample Spekulatius, a traditional German Christmas treat. See the Gothic masterpiece that is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. MEDIEVAL MARSKBURG CASTLE KOBLENZ, GERMANY Visit 13th century Marksburg Castle, the only medieval-era stronghold in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed. Enjoy views from its 91-metre perch. Then, navigate narrow, winding staircases to view the wine cellar, a bedroom, dining area and the impressive kitchen. GENGENBACH AT CHRISTMAS STRASBOURG, FRANCE Discover the yuletide traditions during a stroll through the Old Town and Christmas markets. Pass through one of the historic city gates, see the baroque-style Benedictine abbey and St. Mary's Church. Cap your tour at the Town Hall—each year it is transformed into the world's largest Advent calendar house. FREIBURG YULETIDE MARKET & ORGAN CONCERT BREISACH, GERMANY Enjoy a scenic drive to the southern edge of the Black Forest. Follow your guide as you learn the medieval history of Freiburg and the Christmas traditions of the past and today. Visit the Christmas market and shop for handcrafted gifts, then be treated to an organ recital. BELGIUM THE NETHERLANDS GERMANY SWITZERLAND FRANCE N o r t h S ea MOSELLE RHINE RHINE Amsterdam Rüdesheim Lucerne Breisach Speyer Strasbourg Basel Cologne Koblenz Brussels Dordrecht Mannheim Antwerp – C r ui s e VIEW VOYAGE viking.com | 13 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 2 8