Christmas On The Rhine - 3.0
December 5 - 16, 2027
In December 2018 Kim and I took our first Christmas Markets Cruise along the Danube River. We thought it was an amazing adventure, and we really enjoyed the festive holiday atmosphere along the entire way. The Christmas Markets are such a big part of the European celebration and they did not disappoint. Immediately I began thinking of when I could come back. With Kim not nearly as anxious for a quick return for this kind of cruise I decided to travel (for the third time) along the Rhine River Valley on another Christmas Markets Cruise and I will be joined by my niece Khloe who was introduced to the wonderful world of Viking River Cruises as we sailed from Amsterdam, Netherlands through Germany and France, then finished in Switzerland. Fast forward two years later and Khloe & I sailed the Danube for their Christmas Markets in 2024. I have booked two more Christmas
Markets adventures on Viking…..in 2025 Kim and I will join our great friends Bob & Pam Murray for “Christmas Along The Elbe” adventure and then in 2026 I will be taking my sister on a Viking Christmas Markets adventure. Through all these (and all our other adventures), my buddy Keith has often remarked he’d be interested in a river adventure. And now, after several racing adventures we will share a “Christmas On The Rhine” with Viking together in 2027.
Day 1: December 5-6 – Travel to Brussels, Belgium
We will depart from So Fla (me) and St. Louis (Keith) to meet up for our international flight to Belgium as we enjoy the pre-extension “Belgium at Christmas.” We’ll arrive in Brussels in the morning and transfer to our hotel. Then that evening we will visit the Brussels Christmas Markets.
Day 2: December 7 - Brussels
Arrive This morning, discover Brussels during a panoramic drive past iconic sights such as the Atomium, the Royal Palace, European Parliament and the Palace of Justice. Cap your tour with a walk through the old town to Grand Place and then the Christmas market at Beursplein, where you will enjoy free time to explore the many stalls displaying seasonal handicrafts and more. Browse for the perfect memento, perhaps while sipping on a warm mug of aromatic mulled wine, before returning to your hotel. (B)
Day 3: December 8 – Bruges
Today, enjoy the morning at your leisure, before traveling this afternoon to the charming city of Bruges. Explore the stunning medieval architecture of Bruges’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the bustling Christmas market at Market Square. You will have free time to peruse the different market stalls and perhaps enjoy a delicious Belgian waffle topped with powdered sugar. This evening, you will return to your hotel. (B)
Day 4: December 9 – Antwerp / Check In On The Viking Gersemi
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to your ship. Along the way, stop in Antwerp for a guided walking tour of its historic Old Town and time to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of its Christmas markets. After lunch, continue to Amsterdam, where you will transfer to your awaiting ship. (B, L)
Day 5: December 10 - Scenic Sailing / Dordrecht
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
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.
Day 6: December 11 – Cologne
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.
Day 7: December 12 – Koblenz & Sailing The Rhine River Gorge
Proceed along the Rhine, disembarking to tour the 700-year-old Marksburg Castle. Alternately, choose an optional excursion that offers a lively and informative tour of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, or enjoy an optional guided exploration of Koblenz on foot. After, enjoy an onboard lunch as you cruise the scenic Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where turreted castles and fortresses overlook the river from their hilltop posts. Arrive in Rüdesheim in the late afternoon. Spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine at one of the restaurants or wine bars. Dine on board your ship, or in town if you prefer. You may also choose to experience one of our optional dinners on shore tonight. We depart after midnight. (B, L, D)
Day 8: December 13 – Mannheim & Speyer
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.
Day 9: December 14 – Strasbourg
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). (B, L, D)
Day 10: December 15 – Breisbach
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. (B,L,D)
Day 11: December 16 – Disembark / Basel
Day 8: After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)