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Enchanting Christmas Markets River Cruise On the Rhine River

Overview

Tour Type : Cruise Tours

Destinations

Amsterdam - Dordrecht - Cologne - Koblenz - Cruising - Rudesheim - Mannheim - Strasbourg - Breisach - Basel


Your Itinerary

  • 1

    Tuesday - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    A city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums and abundant bicycles, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its 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. Discovering Amsterdam is a pleasure best pursued on foot; visitors line the tranquil canals and linger over Dutch pancakes or take a stroopwafel to go.

  • 2

    Wednesday - Cruising / 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, and vast tracts of land stretch in all directions, growing all manner of bounty, from tomatoes to tulips. Gaze upon Friesian cows and tidy villages with their neatly laid farmhouses and marvel at how much of this land was reclaimed from the sea, with the aid of traditional windmills and the construction of dikes.

    Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland. Throughout the city, there are hundreds of historic monuments and landmarks, including the Grote Kerk and the 13th-century Augustinian monastery known as Het Hof. The picturesque waterways and decorative bridges of Dordrecht exude a bygone era and are best explored on foot. The inner-city harbors are centuries old and lined with grand warehouses that have now been transformed into elegant homes. With a relaxed atmosphere and a plethora of quaint cafés and shops, Dordrecht oozes old-world charm.

  • 3

    Thursday - Cologne, Germany

    Themed winter markets feature across Cologne during the holiday season, inviting visitors to browse colorful market stalls for handmade gifts, beautiful artwork and colorful crafts. The towering Gothic Cologne Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop to the city’s festivities and array of offerings from its red wooden stalls. Beneath the pointed roofs of Cologne harbor’s tented market, unique crafted goods are displayed amid the twinkling lights of boats bobbing in the marina.

  • 4

    Friday - Koblenz, Germany / Cruising / Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

    Koblenz is a traditional German country town with a wine heritage that spans centuries; a key ingredient for the warming glühwein that is served from taverns and market stalls during the holiday season. The scent of cinnamon, cloves and spices waft from steaming mugs as the sounds of festivities fill the air from one of the many musical performances, creating a toe-tapping atmosphere. Centered around the Schängel fountain, the Koblenz Christmas market offers all the flavors of the yuletide season from its famous Christmas bakery.

    The Rhine River flows through one of Germany’s most scenic regions. As you sail its most picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine, you will pass vineyard-blanketed hills whose steep slopes require vintners to pick grapes by hand, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Splendid castles line the banks, all of which have stories to share, and the Lorelei Rock presides at a dramatic curve in the river. This infamous river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet.

    Located in the picturesque Rhine Valley, Rüdesheim is brimming with festive cheer. The vibrant Drosselgasse, a narrow alleyway lined with decorated restaurants and bars, is the perfect place to explore and immerse in the spirit of the holiday season. Traditional Rhineland music provides the backdrop to a tankard of Christmas beer. Market stalls offer an array of tasty morsels from various nations, and local artisans demonstrate their talents with displays of unique, handcrafted gifts.

  • 5

    Saturday - Mannheim, Germany / Speyer, Germany

    Mannheim’s Christmas market is a holiday season shopping extravaganza, centered around the city’s iconic water tower. One of Germany’s oldest and largest markets, more than 160 booths host vendors from around the world, offering handicrafts and handmade items. Beautiful glassware, and carved wooden toys and games, sit alongside Christmas lanterns, colorful baubles and ornaments, all of which are presented in quaint wooden houses. Luxurious cashmere scarves, sheepskin mittens and felt hats are the ideal purchase to take home as gifts for friends and family.

    Speyer’s Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. With the historic Old Gate as a stunning backdrop, market stalls are brimming with yuletide treats, serving Christmas cookies and steaming mugs of aromatic glühwein. Skaters don their woolen hats and gloves, and take to the ice for some festive fun, while visitors browse for unique handmade gifts. The holiday atmosphere continues into January, bringing the opportunity for New Year merrymakers to enjoy the festivities and sample regional specialties, such as potato soup and yeast dumplings.

  • 6

    Sunday - Strasbourg, France

    Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city’s cathedral square taking center stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colorful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d’epices (gingerbread).

  • 7

    Monday - Breisach am Rhein, Germany

    In the heart of Breisach’s old town with a backdrop of the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s cathedral, the Weinachtsmarkt is a highlight of the season. Steaming aromatic glühwein served in decorated mugs, alongside tasty yuletide treats, is sold from festive wooden huts and taverns, keeping visitors warm as they browse market stalls for gifts and handicrafts. The nearby Black Forest provides a fairy-tale atmosphere; its towering, snow-covered spruce trees resemble a winter wonderland.

  • 8

    Tuesday - Basel, Switzerland

    A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland’s best-kept secret. During the holiday season, the medieval Old Town is transformed into a magical yuletide affair. Cobblestone streets are lined with wooden chalet-style huts selling all manner of festive treats and gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a warming cup of aromatic glühwein in a decorated boot-shaped mug. Hand-carved tree decorations, cheerfully painted ceramics and delicious food are sold from stalls throughout the city.

    OPTIONAL: Pre & Post Cruise Packages are available for purchase. This includes accommodations, breakfasts, guided tour, and transfers. (Inclusions may vary based on package chosen.) If you’re interested in learning more, please let us know at the time of booking.

Dates & Price

Tour Prices - Dates

Tour Date

December 15 - 22, 2026

Tour Price

From $2999 (Per Person/Double Occupancy)

Airfare from $799

Inclusions

Inclusions

  • One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • All meals onboard ship
  • Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
  • 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
  • Port taxes & fees
  • Ground transfers with Airfare purchase at booking
  • Visits to UNESCO Sites
  • Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances, and activities onboard

Exclusions

  • Airfare (Special deals are available for purchase)
  • Gratuities onboard ship
  • Additional shore excursions
  • Personal expenses
  • Pre-assigned seating and baggage fees may apply for airlines
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
Booking Terms & Conditions

Booking Procedures

Please read the Terms and conditions of travel and agree in the Booking form before submission, as your booking is subject to the terms listed below. A contract is entered into once your travel agent or Faith Holidays receives your signed booking form and deposit, and we accept and confirm the booking. Please note that travel arrangements are not confirmed until stated so in writing by Faith Holidays

Payment

A deposit of $750 per person is required to secure reservations, which will be applied to the price of the tour. Additional deposits may be required. The balance of the cost must be paid 90 days before you travel. Payments must be paid to the order of ‘Faith Holidays Inc.” If the final balance is not received on time Faith Holidays reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled by you and cancellation charges may be applied. If you book your travel within 90 days of departure, the full amount must be paid at booking.

Credit Cards

All prices quoted include a 4 % discount for payment by cash, check and Money order.

Travel Protection Plan (Optional charge)

Faith Holidays Inc. recommends you to purchase a Travel Protection Plan for Trip, Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical & Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and many more

Passports & Visas

A valid US passport is required for US Citizens. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond completion of travel. Visas may be required and for US Citizens we will furnish the relevant details after receipt of your booking deposit and confirmation of your booking. Non US citizens should consult with appropriate Consulates and Embassies. It is the responsibility of the individual traveler to secure proper documentation prior to joining the tour. It is the responsibility of the Traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the US State Department’s travel website @ www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-888-407-4747. In the event of an active State Department. Should the Traveler choose to travel notwithstanding any travel advisory or Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location/s of the trip, the traveler is subject to be responsible for all risk of personal injury, death, or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.

What Your Tour Price Generally Includes & Excludes


Your Tour Price Includes

  • Economy class Airfare from USA as listed in the brochure (Business Class Option available- Please contact us)
  • Accommodations on Double Occupancy with Bath, Single room supplement applies
  • Standard class on rail, road, Cruise and other transportation as described in our brochure
  • Inflight meals and/or refreshments according to Airline itinerary.
  • Transfers between the appropriate overseas airports/stations/port and your hotels according to each itinerary unless otherwise stated.
  • Excursions and tours as per brochure
  • Meals as described in Brochure
  • Services of professional guides and/or a Tour Escort

Your Tour Price Excludes

  • International Airfare, unless otherwise stated.
  • The cost of personal items such as laundry, drinks with meals or otherwise, incidentals , etc.
  • Airport departure taxes.
  • Optional excursions.
  • Cost of Visas and passports.
  • Transport between your home and home airport/station/port.
  • Gratuities for services provided on a personal basis.
  • Gratuities for services on all individual tours and gratuities to your Tour Escort.
  • Airline baggage fees. Most Airline charges fees for checked bags.
  • Pre-assigned Airline Seats incur additional fees.
  • Still, video, film and professional camera fees

Alterations Made to the Scheduled Program

Our tours are planned in advance and changes may be unavoidable due to circumstances amounting to “Force Majeure” or similar reasons beyond our control, such as delays in departures on travel booking or closure of a hotel, strikes, riots, natural occurrences, decisions by State Government or Tourist Organizations altering the itinerary, the duration of time spend in a city or even omitting a city or part of the itinerary due to a local situation. In such cases we will offer comparable alternative arrangements. If any of the circumstances listed above occur during the course of the tour, we reserve the right to alter the schedule itinerary accordingly and no compensation will be paid.

We will make every reasonable effort to provide you with the booked tour arrangements but minor changes may occur. If they are significant we shall, if possible inform you or your travel agent before departure. In the event of such amendment being made, you will be liable for any cancellation/retention charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and for any costs incurred by Faith Holidays and their agents in attempting to secure any revised arrangements. Please note that Faith Holidays will not be liable to reimburse additional expenses undertaken by the client in preparation for the tour. These include and are not limited to international tickets, used mileage awards and fees, cost of visas, immunization etc.

Tour Prices

Tour prices are based on US dollars (Unless otherwise noted) and exchange rates in effect. They are subject to variation if there are increases due to governmental actions, additional taxes, exchange rates, increases in scheduled airfare or increases in fuel surcharges. Any increase in the original tour price will be notified to you at least 90 days before departure. If you make your booking within 90 days of departure surcharge will be included in your invoice. Faith holidays will absorb an amount equivalent to two percent of tour price. Any surcharge will not exceed 10 percent of the listed tour price. If you settle the final balance by the due date we will absorb any price increases after that due date. In return for this commitment, we are unable to make any refund or reduce any other costs should the value of the US dollar improve against the currencies used. For scheduled group departures, it may be necessary to re-cost your tour due to low number of participants. You will be contacted 90 days prior to your departure date and advised should a supplementary fee apply. If all group members accept the increased cost the tour will operate as scheduled. However, if the supplement is not accepted by you then you will be entitled to full refund of all monies paid or a transfer to another tour.

Our Responsibilities

Faith Holidays makes arrangements with airlines, hotels and other independent parties to provide you with the travel services you purchase. We do not own or operate any of the accommodations, transport or other facilities used in connection with our tours. We therefore cannot accept liability for negligence of the staff of these organizations. These parties are independent suppliers over whom we have no direct control. Faith holidays is not liable in the event of any failure by any person or company to render any transportation, accommodation or other travel service to be provided on the journeys, or for expenses incurred due to delays caused by weather, strikes, war, civil disturbances, natural disasters, flight delays, government actions, mechanical failures or any acts of God.

Faith Holidays cannot assume any responsibility for flight delays, cancellations or missed connections and is not liable for any expenses or consequences resulting therefrom, and such expenses shall be borne by the client. When you travel with an airline the Conditions of Carriage of that airline will apply. These conditions are subject to International Agreements and may limit or exclude liability.

The participant waives any claim against Faith Holidays for any damage to, or loss of, or injury to, or death of, due to any act, or negligence of any airlines, surface transportation companies, hotels or any person rendering any of the services or accommodations included. Faith Holidays cannot be held responsible for any claim, losses, damages for delay of baggage or other properties, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset and disappointments, distress or frustrations, whether physical or mental, resulting from the act or omission of any party providing services. We do take all responsible steps to insure that organizations providing service maintain standards, which are acceptable within the norm in each locality. The participant assumes the risks and understands that all travel has inherent risk that may result in injury or death and that participation in activities, including but not limited to driving, hiking, walking on uneven surfaces, riding on rough roads, rafting, boating, canoeing, riding in helicopters, on trains, in boats, swimming, surfing, horseback or camel riding, and any other activities. The information contained in this brochure has been compiled with all reasonable care, is accurate to best of knowledge and is given in good faith. Faith Holidays highly recommend you to purchase Travelers insurance to protect your travel investment. Without insurance in case of incident, you may have to pay out of pocket for medical evacuation, medical care or other large expenses.

All services are subject to the laws of the countries in which these services are rendered. Venue for all claims or disputes shall be exclusively in whose courts using NYC law, shall have exclusive jurisdiction. Damage claims against Faith Holidays shall be limited to the value of the particular item in dispute and not for any incidental, consequential, or special damages. Faith Holidays assumes responsibility for representations it makes, but not for those made by others and including, but not limited to, any employee of Faith holidays or independent travel agent. Payment for reservations on any Faith Holidays travel arrangements shall constitute consent to all the provisions in the Booking Terms & Conditions published herein and is binding on all travel participants.

Cancellation

If you wish to cancel your travel arrangements, you must notify Faith Holidays in writing by letter, fax or email to Faith Holidays. Please note deposits are non-refundable. Please state the reason for cancellation as your reason for cancellation may be covered by insurance policy under their covered reasons. If notification of cancellation is received more than 90 days before departure you will only lose your deposit. For notification received within 90 days of departure, cancellation charges are as follows:

Cancellation charges per person.
No of days of departure Charges
91+ days before departure Deposit Non- refundable
90-31 days before departure Penalty 50 %
30- Day of Departure Penalty 100%

(Airline and Cruise Penalties not part of the above percentages. There is no exception to cancellation fees)

Cancellations received Fridays for tour departures that Weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) will be treated as day of departure cancellation. We cannot give any allowance for meals, rooms, excursions, etc. not taken, when these are included in the price of the program.

Points to be Noted

  • All images in the brochures or advertisements are only for representation purpose.
  • All passengers need to be in possession of valid visas, confirmed air tickets and overseas travel insurance.
  • All Passengers joining the tours must travel to / from the hub city as per the itinerary, at their own expense.
  • All meals are preset, and a-la carte is not possible. Packed meals may be provided on certain days to keep up the schedule of the itinerary.
  • All damages caused to the hotel rooms/Coach/other amenities during the tour, shall be payable by the passengers. Faith Holidays Inc will not be liable for the same.
  • All Passengers must take extra care of their personal belongings while on the tour, every country of travel is prone to thefts and bag/purse snatching. Faith Holidays Inc will not be liable for any loss of belongings/baggage.
  • The tour cost does not include cost of airfare, visas and overseas medical insurance unless specified in each of the itineraries
  • The company will not be responsible or accept any liability for any damages, loss, baggage loss, theft, injury, accident, death, breakdown or any irregularity, which may occur during the tour.
  • The company will not be responsible for any damage or irregularities due to weather conditions, strikes, war, quarantine and any other cause whatsoever and all such loss or expense must be borne by the passengers. Insurance policies must be carried while on tour.
  • The right to claim any additional expenses incurred due to delay or changes in schedules of train, airplane, bus, ship or other services is reserved by the management of the company.
  • The Tour Manager, guide and the driver will provide the best service during the tour to enjoy the sites as per itinerary within the jurisdiction of each of the sites of visit.
  • The Management reserve the right to change a hotel of similar class if it is deemed advisable or necessary. Tour Manager / Guide reserves the right to amend the itinerary.in the interest of the Tour.
  • The Management reserve the right to amend, alter, vary or withdraw any departure, excursion advertised.
  • Refunds will not be provided for the unutilized part of the any services like meals, sightseeing, transfers, etc mentioned in the tour.
  • For Detailed “Terms and Condition” please refer the Booking form.
Remarks

Remarks

  • Airlines/Room up-gradation and complimentary will not be entertained during the tour unless if specified at the time of booking.
  • There is no refund for any services not utilized during the tour .
  • Security deposit is required either in cash or credit card by hotels which is refundable provided no room incidentals are incurred. This security deposit is not included in this quote and must be paid by the guests/corporate directly to the hotel when checking in.
  • Guests are advised not to keep valuables in the coach/vehicle while sightseeing. The Company shall not be responsible for loss of valuables from the coach / vehicle . If the coach / vehicle is accidentally
  • or otherwise damaged by the Guest, s/he will be required to pay compensation for the same.