Worldwide Destinations
Freedom To Wander

Free Spirit Vacations | Tel: 480-926-5547

Christmas Markets Rhine Cruise | Mayflower

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Romantic Rhine, Europe's longest river. Travel onboard the luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, exploring the wonderful Christmas Markets while absorbing the local, festive atmosphere at this magical time of year.

View Gallery

Christmas Markets Cruise on the Romantic Rhine

Switzerland • France • Germany • the Netherlands

Exceptional Inclusions

21 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners
Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
Seven-night cruise
First-class service by an English-speaking crew
English-speaking Cruise Director onboard
Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
Personal listening device for excursions
All meals included with a variety of international cuisine
Onboard Activity Manager will host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment
Complimentary WiFi onboard
All gratuities included
Complimentary bikes onboard for use ashore
$45 in Mayflower Money

Single Supplement Price (starting at) $5,774.00

Day One

Depart the USA: Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.

Day Two

Zurich - Basel, Switzerland: Welcome to Switzerland! All flights must arrive Zurich by 1:00pm. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to your awaiting motorcoach. Journey to the town of Basel where your captain and crew await to welcome you aboard your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Enjoy time to become acquainted with your new accommodations, and this evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.

Day Three

Breisach, Germany: Begin the day with a guided tour of Breisach, also known as the gateway to Germany's Black Forest region. This afternoon, a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands brings you to the Hofgut Sternen complex at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge. This was the site where, in 1770, Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages, on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI. During this holiday season, see the picture-perfect Christmas market located underneath the 130' high viaduct. Stroll through the market for unique handicraft gifts and tasty treats.
EmeraldPLUS: Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct
DiscoverMORE: Tour of Riquewihr (additional expense)

FB, L, D

Day Four

Strasbourg, France: Upon arrival in Kehl, travel by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. A local guide leads you on a walking tour through this picturesque town. Stroll along the Grand Île and through the charming Old Quarter, 'La Petit France'. Admire the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river locks and its centerpiece, the Gothic cathedral. Enjoy free time to visit the stalls of Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest in Europe, before returning to the ship.
EmeraldPLUS: Guided Tour of Strasbourg
DiscoverMORE: Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
(additional expense)

FB, L, D

Day Five

Ludwigshafen - Heidelberg, Germany: Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising along the Rhine. Upon arrival in the port of Ludwigshafen, depart by coach to the medieval town of Heidelberg. A tour visiting the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a stroll through the cobbled streets and a wine-tasting await in this historic city.

FB, L, D

Day Six

Koblenz: Sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, where a landscape of castles and quaint towns awaits. Don’t miss the infamous Lorelei rock and statue and other photo opportunities that abound around every bend. Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a tour of Koblenz and visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river. In the historic city center you’ll find festive, cottage-style stalls of the Christmas market and ebkuchenherzen (traditional gingerbread hearts) to create a magical European Christmas experience.
DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem Castle Visit (additional expense)
NOTE: you can only choose either the included tour of Koblenz or the
DiscoverMORE option as both tours operate at the same time.
Christmas Markets Cruise on the Romantic Rhine
The lovely Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France Shop for unique treasures at the festive Christmas markets

FB, L, D

Day Seven

Cologne: Seven markets transform picturesque Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas season. Following a guided tour of the old town, be sure to pay a visit to the Christmas market stalls around the Alter Markt, Neumarkt, Rudolfplatz and the UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, beneath which you’ll locate the Christmas tree. Decorated mugs hold steaming hot Glühwein, and local vendors sell handmade sweets and local delicacies. Enjoy the final afternoon of sailing as you make your way towards Amsterdam.
DiscoverMORE: Visit Farina Eau de Cologne Museum (additional expense)

FB, L, D

Day Eight

Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Begin the day with a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage canal system, passing historic merchant houses and delightful Christmas market stalls along the way. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to meander through the Christmas market and explore this capital city before the farewell dinner onboard.

FB, L, D

Day Nine

Amsterdam / USA: It’s time to bid farewell to the Captain and crew and depart for Schiphol Airport as you say goodbye to Europe and return home with lifelong memories and souvenir treasures from your Christmas markets cruise along the Rhine River.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Suggested Packing

-Comfortable walking shoes

-Hat and Sunscreen

-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)

-Medicine and spare prescriptions

-Extra glasses and/or contacts

-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle

-Binoculars

-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)

-Ear plugs and sleep mask

-Mini-Sewing Kit

-Toiletries and Tissues

-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)

-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film

Activity Level 3

This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.

Passports and Visas: Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport. Expiry date of passports should be at least 6 months after the return date of tour. If you don’t have a passport, call our office and we’ll tell you how to apply for one. Some countries require visas for entry by U.S. citizens. We will send visa applications and instructions if a visa is required for your tour. Holders of non-U.S. passports should contact their nearest consulate and inquire about the necessary passport or visa documentation required for entry into the countries visited.

NOTE: Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name and your tour reservation name or you may be denied aircraft boarding.

REAL ID ACT - Effective for travel May 3, 2023 forward, the REAL ID Act standards for identification while travelling will be in effect. This means a standard issued driver's license used as a form of identification will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel within the

United States. Instead, a Real ID compliant form of identification must be presented both at the time of booking air travel with Collette and upon checking in at the airport to board any flight. Any fees associated with changing a reservation resulting from a non-compliant identification will be the responsibility of the guest. For more information on Real ID, please visit the Department of Homeland Security website: REAL ID | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

Travelers Protection Plan (TPP) for River Cruises – Optional

This nonrefundable fee will provide a refund to you during the instance that you have to cancel your trip. The cancellation has to be for a covered reason (see Plan for details on coverage) and we have to be notified at least one day prior to departure. If you must leave the tour early due to personal illness or the illness or death of an immediate family member, TPP will provide a refund for any unused services after the departure of the tour. Other benefits include medical expenses for illness and injury, emergency transportation, 24 hour hot line and lost or stolen baggage assistance. Return air transportation is included ONLY if your air tickets are purchased through Mayflower Cruises & Tours. Please review the Plan for details on coverage. Should you choose not to purchase our TPP, the following per person cancellation charges will be assessed for all tours and optional excursion costs:

• 91 days or more prior to departure: Deposit Amount

• 90 days to day of departure: 100% of total tour

• No refund on unused portions of the tour

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.