Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour & river cruise

Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace

Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

Set sail on a magical Christmas river cruise along the Rhine, exploring festive markets, charming towns, and scenic beauty, with seasonal cheer around every bend.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Ship

    Boarding our luxurious ship in Cologne

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras for a Eurostar journey to Brussels, switching rail services into Germany and Cologne to board the cruise ship. Welcome cocktail and dinner as the ship sets sail toward Koblenz overnight. (Travelers departing on the 17th December operate this tour in reverse, beginning in Strasbourg and concluding in Cologne.)

  2. Day 2overnight: Ship

    Through the Rhine Gorge from Koblenz to Rudesheim

    Morning exploration of Koblenz (Deutsches Eck, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress), then cruise through the Rhine Gorge past Lorelei Rock, arriving in Rudesheim for its Christmas markets and Drosselgasse before continuing overnight toward Speyer.

  3. Day 3overnight: Ship

    Heidelberg and Speyer's Christmas markets

    Moor in Speyer for a guided tour of Heidelberg, including its Old Town and ruined castle, with time at the Christmas markets, then free afternoon time in Speyer to see the UNESCO-listed Kaiserdom cathedral and its Christmas market.

  4. Day 4overnight: Ship

    Soaking up the festive charm of Alsace

    Choice of a tour of the medieval town of Obernai or a guided tour of Strasbourg (Gothic cathedral, Petite France district), with free time to explore Strasbourg's Christmas markets. Gala dinner on board in the evening.

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    Disembark in Strasbourg after breakfast, travel by rail to Paris, then take the Eurostar to London St Pancras.

Included

  • Escorted throughout by Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 4-night cruise onboard Amadeus Riva or Cara
  • Five-Star service onboard from an English-speaking crew
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • 1st & Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day including a gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • A superb choice of excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers

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