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7 Night Christmas Markets Along the Rhine

From Dusseldorf to Basel (Saxon)

MS Inspire

Tauck River
5 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14354352
  • Departs: Wed, Nov 29, 2028
  • Returns: Wed, Dec 6, 2028
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    Riverview $9,580
    Balcony $9,880
    Suite $11,380
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "Request A Quote" button to get a quote include unadvertised prices including Senior, Military and Resident promotions.

    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - Nov 29, 2028
    Day
    1
    Dusseldorf, Germany
    • Dusseldorf, Germany
    Tour begins: 6 PM, Dusseldorf. Transfers are included from Dusseldorf Airport and Dusseldorf Train Station to the riverboat where embarkation begins at 4 PM. Guests enjoying a pre-stay in Dusseldorf at Tauck's selected hotel will receive a transfer from the hotel to the riverboat. If you arrive earlier, you might choose to go into the city to visit one of Dusseldorf's Christmas markets - and perhaps have your first taste of the traditional gluhwein that is so much a part of the holiday scene. Back onboard the riverboat, meet your Tauck directors and cruise mates at the captain's welcome reception followed by dinner tonight. ...
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    Thursday - Nov 30, 2028
    Day
    2
    Cologne, Germany
    • Cologne, Germany
    Spend the morning in Koln (Cologne), a historic cultural center of the Rhineland, where centuries-old Christmas traditions come alive beneath the soaring twin spires of the Gothic Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of the city before exploring its festive Christmas market, set in the shadow of the cathedral. Browse stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and seasonal treats as the aromas of roasted almonds, gingerbread, and gluhwein fill the air. Back aboard your riverboat, gather with fellow travelers for a festive tree-trimming party after dinner as you cruise overnight to Koblenz, continuing on to Rudesheim. Please Note: Operating dates for the Christmas markets could be subject to change; every effort will be made to visit as scheduled. ...
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    Friday - Dec 1, 2028
    Day
    3
    Rudesheim, Germany
    • Rudesheim, Germany
    • Rhine Gorge, Germany
    Begin your day in the charming Rhine Valley town of Rudesheim, where the Christmas market brings festive cheer to its historic streets. Stroll among stalls offering seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts before walking or riding a mini-train (weather permitting) to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, a museum housed in the 16th-century Bromserhof and home to a fascinating collection of centuries-old mechanical musical instruments. Enjoy a demonstration and tasting of traditional Rudesheim coffee, made with local brandy, before some free time to explore. Return to your riverboat for a scenic afternoon cruise through the Middle Rhine Valley, passing vineyard-covered hillsides, medieval castles, and historic towns along the river. Your Tauck director shares stories of the region's rich history, including the legend of Lorelei, the enchanting figure said to have lured sailors to their fate with her song. ...
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    Saturday - Dec 2, 2028
    Day
    4
    Mannheim, Germany
    • Mannheim, Germany
    • Bus Travel
    • Heidelberg, Germany
    • Bus Travel
    • Mannheim, Germany
    Discover Heidelberg, where centuries of history meet the festive traditions of one of Germany's most picturesque Christmas markets. Begin your morning with a choice of excursions: explore Heidelberg Castle, perched high above the city, for a glimpse into its medieval past; or visit Mannheim Palace for a guided tour and a private concert by musicians from the Mannheim School of Music. In Heidelberg, ride a funicular to the medieval Old Town for a guided walking tour and time to explore the Weihnachtsmarkt, where hundreds of festive stalls fill the city's historic squares. Browse handcrafted gifts beneath the illuminated Christmas Pyramid in Marktplatz, savor the aromas of roasted almonds and gluhwein, and admire the ice rink set against the backdrop of Heidelberg Castle. Enjoy a traditional German lunch at a local restaurant, featuring award-winning regional beer, followed by free time to explore the home of Germany's oldest university. Return to your riverboat for an evening of cruising and live entertainment. ...
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    Sunday - Dec 3, 2028
    Day
    5
    • Plittersdorf, Germany
    • Bus Travel
    • Baden-Baden, Germany
    • Bus Travel
    • Plittersdorf, Germany
    Your riverboat docks for an excursion to Baden-Baden, a celebrated Black Forest spa town whose Christmas market unfolds beside the magnificent Belle Epoque Kurhaus casino, once called "the most beautiful casino in the world" by Marlene Dietrich. Discover the town's elegant past on a guided visit inside the 19th-century Kurhaus, a favorite gathering place of European high society drawn to Baden-Baden's thermal springs and grand surroundings. Then, explore the festive Weihnachtsmarkt, where the aromas of gluhwein and gingerbread mingle with holiday music performed by local choirs and bands. Browse stalls filled with handcrafted wooden toys, ornaments, jewelry, and seasonal treats, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the market's living Nativity scene. Enjoy free time to discover more of Baden-Baden's holiday charms before returning to your riverboat. Continue cruising this evening, bound for Strasbourg tomorrow. ...
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    Monday - Dec 4, 2028
    Day
    6
    Strasbourg, France
    • Strasbourg, France
    Strasbourg, known as the "Capital of Christmas", comes alive during the holidays with twinkling lights, the aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread, and centuries-old traditions. Begin your day with a lecture aboard your riverboat on Alsatian storytelling traditions, led by a local expert. Then, explore Strasbourg's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center on a guided walking tour, where half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets lead to the magnificent Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral. Discover the city's celebrated Christmas markets, among the oldest in Europe, with festive stalls offering handcrafted gifts, regional specialties, and traditional Alsatian bredele cookies. Enjoy free time to explore the markets and have lunch in town, or return to your riverboat. This evening, enjoy the Chef's Signature Dinner onboard. ...
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    Tuesday - Dec 5, 2028
    Day
    7
    Basel (Saxon), Switzerland
    • Basel (Saxon), Switzerland
    • Bus Travel
    • Lucerne, Switzerland
    • Bus Travel
    • Basel (Saxon), Switzerland
    From the riverboat this morning, set off to Switzerland's lakeside "City of Lights", Lucerne. Head out for the heights of Mt. Pilatus via gondola to enjoy spectacular views of the city and Lake Lucerne; after descending the mountain by gondola, take an orientation tour with your Tauck director. Highlights include the Kapellbrucke, a covered wooden footbridge crossing the Reuss River that dates back to the 1330s; an octagonal Water Tower once used as a prison; and lovely squares like the Kornmarkt, Weinmarkt, and Hirschenplatz. In Altstadt Lucerne (Old Town), narrow cobblestone lanes lead to picturesque squares lined with houses painted with frescoes. Following time in Lucerne, return to the riverboat in the afternoon. Alternatively, you have the option to stay aboard the riverboat for a leisurely day of sailing. You'll have the option this evening to visit Basel's Christmas markets if you wish. This evening, enjoy the captain's farewell reception followed by dinner aboard the riverboat - sharing more memories of your Rhine holiday cruise over a mug of steaming gluhwein with the new friends you've made. ...
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    Wednesday - Dec 6, 2028
    Day
    8
    Basel (Saxon), Switzerland
    • Basel (Saxon), Switzerland
    Tour ends: Basel, Switzerland. Fly home anytime. Upon disembarking the riverboat (no later than 9 AM), transfers are included to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg or Basel's SBB train station; guests can also transfer to Zurich Airport or Zurich Hauptbahnhof (train station). Please allow three hours for flight check-in. ...
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