Christmas on
THE RHINE
Celebrate centuries-old Christmas traditions as you meander through
markets alive with music and artisanal delights along the legendary Rhine.
Celebrate the magic of the festive season on
our most popular Christmas markets voyage.
Spend eight enchanting days exploring
glittering historic cities, wander vibrant
markets and enjoy sumptuous seasonal
delicacies. Admire hilltop castles along the
UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine, discover festive
Alsatian flavours in Strasbourg, and browse
stalls overflowing with artisanal crafts in
charming villages. From the twinkling lights
of Cologne to the cozy squares of Breisach,
every moment celebrates the joy and
traditions of the season.
DAY 1 - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Arrive in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam.
Embark your ship and settle into your
stateroom. A city of charming canals, elegant
gabled houses, splendid museums and
abundant bicycles. It's patchwork of
waterways forms about 90 islands connected
by 1,500 bridges. The legacy of the Dutch
Golden Age lives on in gilded manses and in
the lush paintings of Rembrandt and other
Dutch masters that adorn the Rijksmuseum,
the Netherlands' grand repository of art and
cultural history.
DAY 2 - SCENIC SAILING: WAAL &
MERWEDE AND DORDRECHT, THE
NETHERLANDS
Sail the bucolic waters of the Rhine, deep
into the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt Delta, as
classic Dutch landscapes unfurl all around.
Flat farmland, charming windmills and svelte
poplar trees line the shores. Once you arrive
in Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland, join
an included guided tour of this historic city.
See the Groothoofdspoort, the former city
gate located at the confluence of three rivers,
as well as "Het Hof"—a medieval monastery
that showcases the history and culture of The
Netherlands. Admire the Gothic Grote Kerk,
with its unfinished tower, and the classical
facades of the Augustijnenkerk church and
Stadhuis (City Hall).
DAY 3 - COLOGNE, GERMANY
Themed winter markets feature across
Cologne during the holiday season, inviting
visitors to browse colourful market stalls for
handmade gifts, beautiful artwork and
colourful crafts. The towering UNESCO-listed
Gothic Cologne Cathedral provides a stunning
backdrop to the city's festivities and array of
offerings from its red wooden stalls. Stroll
amid the market stalls, taking in the aromas of
the festive foods on offer, such as roasted
chestnuts and cinnamon-infused glühwein,
and pause to sample a taste of Spekulatius, a
traditional German holiday treat.
DAY 4 - KOBLENZ, GERMANY; SAILING THE
MIDDLE RHINE AND RÜDESHEIM,
GERMANY
Koblenz is a traditional German country
town with a wine heritage that spans
centuries. Sip on a warming glühwein and
enjoy the seasonal festivities of Koblenz's
Christmas market and be sure not to miss its
famous Christmas bakery. Take an optional
excursion to visit medieval Marksburg Castle
or historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Back on
board, sail past hilltop castles and look for
Lorelei Rock along the Middle Rhine, a
UNESCO Site and one of the most beautiful
stretches of the river. On arrival in
Rüdesheim, join your guided tour to the
Christmas Market of Nations. Set in the heart
of the historic Old Town, the Rüdesheimer
Weihnachtsmarkt features more than 120
vendor stalls representing the yuletide foods
and traditions of 20 different countries.
DAY 5 - MANNHEIM AND SPEYER,
GERMANY
Mannheim's Christmas market is a holiday
season shopping extravaganza, centered
around the city's iconic water tower.
Christmas on the Rhine webinar
This page, clockwise:
Marksburg Castle,
Braubach, Germany;
Cologne Cathedral,
Christmas Market
12 | Viking Explorer Society News
