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Enchanting Rhine (Festive Delights) (Basel to Amsterdam)
Tour Description:
Coming to life with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters at the start of the holiday season. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste seasonal flavors such as the Christmas Market staple, glühwein, and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. From the majestic Swiss Alps to Amsterdam’s colorful canals, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive in select markets along the Rhine during this Taste of Christmas Markets cruise. Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city.
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Dates & Pricing
| Wednesday 23 Dec 26 — Wednesday 30 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,249 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 24 Dec 26 — Thursday 31 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,249 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 18 Nov 27 — Thursday 25 Nov 27 | Starting at $4,679 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 21 Nov 27 — Sunday 28 Nov 27 | Starting at $4,779 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 22 Dec 27 — Wednesday 29 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,879 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 23 Dec 27 — Thursday 30 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,779 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
BASEL – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise.
Day 2
BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside.
Day 3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. 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 walking 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. During the afternoon, visit Baden-Baden and take in the town’s romantic Christmas Markets.
Day 4
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM. You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along German’s Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas Markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas Markets. Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village’s sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy.
Day 5
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN. Visit Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or soar high above the town by gondola. Both excursions conclude with time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim’s Christmas Market. More active travelers can opt for a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River or a hike through the vineyards. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique and exclusive tour of Burg Lahneck Castle.
Day 6
DÜSSELDORF. Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.
Day 7
UTRECHT – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Begin your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide to Amsterdam. Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés. (B,L,D)
*Please note an alternative tour will depend on docking location
Day 8
AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
