7-night Christmas Markets Along The Rhine Southbound Cruise

Düsseldorf is a wealthy city -- the richest in Germany. It's big and commercial, full of banks and industrial offices and skyscrapers, but it's also refreshingly clean. Düsseldorf got its start as a settlement on the right bank of the Rhine, but today it's spread out on both sides -- the older part on the right, and the modern, commercial, and industrial part on the left. Five bridges connect the two sections, the most impressive being the Oberkassel. Parks and esplanades line the riverbanks.

Destination Guide

Cologne is a city where cathedral spires tower over Germany's oldest city and its innumerable cultural and historical treasures, world-famous museums and active art scene. In Cologne, street music on the Hohe Strasse or galas in the modern opera house; pavement painting on the cathedral concourse or old masters in the Wallraf Richartz Museum; the annual music festival along the inner ring road or carnival in the entire city all becomes synthesized into a vivacious work of art in a cosmopolitan metropolis boasting more than a million inhabitants which has never lost its neighborly character. From venerable breweries offering unique Kolsch beer and typical Cologne delicacies to first-class restaurants - boasting well in excess of 3000 public houses, restaurants and breweries Cologne is one of Germany's leading gastronomic lights. The world feels at home in Cologne, where people meet for a Kolsch, a chat or simply a laugh.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Cologne historic city centre (4 - 6 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:
 
Meet our experienced local team member and tailor your walking tour according to your interests and expectations before getting started
 
Founded by the Roman General Agrippa in 38 B.C, Cologne has a rich Roman and medieval past.

The tour will take you to the most important ancient Roman sites, which include: Remnants of the governor's palace, complete with vaulted Roman sewer, Ruins of a Roman villa, Two-story tomb of Poblicius from 40 A.D., Roman graveyard and vestiges of the ancient stone defences
 
Visit Cologne's towering landmark, the Cathedral (Dom), a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe
 
Highlights include the 13th century Reliquary of the Three Kings by Nicholas de Verdun; the 10th century Gero-Crucifix, believed to be the western world's oldest monumental cross, and the luminous Adoration of the Magi triptych by Stephan Lochner (15th century)
 
See the 14th century Gothic town hall, a Jewish bathing house from 1170 and 'Overstolzenhaus’, Cologne's oldest and finest patrician residence with its steep gables and round arches when strolling the charming pedestrian zone
 
If of interest visit the Roman-Germanic Museum or Museum Ludwig, the city's famous gallery of 20th century highlights
 
End your tour at one of the many traditional brewery-style restaurants that dot the city and try a fresh ‘Koelsch’ the famous beer from Cologne before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour

Inclusions:

• Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
• Cathedral licensing fee
• All taxes

• Meals
• Optional admissions
• Tipping at your discretion

Rüdesheim is located in the heart of the Rhine river area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley. This romantic holiday town offers much to visitors seeking a fabulous German experience. As you cruise down the Rhine, if you listen carefully, you just might hear the siren calling as you pass the Rock of Lorelei. One attraction to visit is the Niederwald monument. Erected between 1877 and 1883, this huge monument symbolizes the re-establishment of the German Empire and unity. From Rudesheim, one can either take the foot path to the monument or the cablecar leading to the top. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. Rudesheim is also famous for the Abbey of St. Hildegard. Some think the building is older than it is, but truly, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Other sites to see are the Wine Museum in Broemserburg Castle, Siegfried's Mechanical Music Instruments Museum and the Medieval Torture Museum, which boasts a wide collection of medeival relics.

Destination Guide

Heidelberg's fairy tale setting has captivated imaginations for centuries in works from writers to painters to composers. Its culture shows in its museums, private galleries, playhouses, concerts by Philharmonic and the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra, and jazz and dance revues. Browse Main Street and Old Town's fascinating shops. Peruse stores and bars of Untere Strasse around the Church of the Holy Spirit and in “Plöck“ street. Scout treasures at the boroughs of Neuenheim and Handschuhsheim. Walk Philosopher‘s Path, one of Europe‘s most scenic overlooks with expansive views of Old Town and Heidelberg Castle. Saints‘ Mountain has a lookout tower, an amphitheater, and ruins of St. Michael‘s Basilica. Königstuhl Mountain is an excellent place to hike. Other unique attractions are: “Tiefburg“ (sunken castle), Neuburg Benedictine Monastery, the mountainside cemetery above Weststadt and Südstadt neighborhoods, and “Karlstorbahnhof“ culture center.

Destination Guide

Come spend a couple of relaxing days in Baden-Baden. Be enchanted by Baden-Baden's unique atmosphere and its vast array of amenities. Its spa, resort and convention town, snuggled at the foot of the Black Forest, is well-known throughout the world - for its thermal baths, its casino, its horse races and its new Festival Hall. Discover what else gives Baden-Baden its unmistakable flair. A long menu of first-rate diversions - from cultural to sporting events, gastronomy to fine hotels, shopping to leisure pursuits - awaits. The city, the landscape or several attractions are powerful reasons. It is always in season in Baden-Baden.

Destination Guide

The rich architectural heritage of Strasbourg makes it an excellent tourist city. It has always been a town of passage, and has all architectural styles. The past is written in its walls, and its streets have a timeless quality. Few people can resist the charm of its half-timbered houses and picturesque alleys. Discover the pretty colored facades and impressive portals. Strasbourg is a popular destination where one can forget his usual surroundings. The old city lies around the cathedral on an island formed by two arms of the Ill river. La Petite France is the district which is most reminiscent of old Strasbourg. It is home to many craftsmen and antiques dealers. Its narrow streets offer a series of half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries with large inner courtyards and high sloping roofs. The exceptional warmth and hospitality of the people and the gastronomic reputation of Strasbourg makes tourists want to stay.

Destination Guide

Without a doubt one of the prettiest towns in Switzerland, Lucerne lies in the heart of the country on famous lake of Lucerne. Dotted with Renaissance and Baroque fountains, colorful paintings on the gables and commanded by the exquisite wooden bridge, the Kapellbrücke and Wasserturm, the 13th century octagonal water tower, Lucerne's character is pure charm. Spectacular views and sights abound from almost every vantage point in and around Lucerne. The Old Town Hall is a fine example of a Renaissance building while the City Wall, built between 1350 and 1405 stands proud above the city. A stroll along the quay leads past the modern health resort and onto the largest, most important Transport Museum in Europe and the only Planetarium in Switzerland. The famous Lion Monument and Glacier Garden make for remarkable viewing as do the mountain peaks surrounding the city. A short drive from town takes visitors to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, and a short drive from Viewaldstätter Lake leads to nearby winter resorts and many more lakes.

Destination Guide

The third-largest city in Switzerland, Basel stands on the Rhine at the point where the French, German, and Swiss borders meet. At the entrance to the Swiss Rhineland, Basel is the capital of the half-canton of Basel-Stadt. On its borders are the French Vosges, the German Black Forest, and the Swiss Jura Mountains. Grossbasel, or Greater Basel, lies on the steep left bank, and Kleinbasel, or Lesser Basel, is on the right bank.

Destination Guide