Rhine Holiday Markets (Cologne to Basel) 2009
Speak to a friendly River Cruise Specialist, call 1-800-342-0019
Dates & Prices
Only with AffordableTours.com, receive 10% Off this Cruise - GUARANTEED! That's right, only with AffordableTours.com you can subtract 10% from any brochure cruise only price listed below!
| Start Date | End Date | Cat1 | Cat2 | Cat3 | Cat4 | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Nov 29, 2009 | Mon, Dec 07, 2009 | $1999 | $2174 | $2424 | $2624 | Quote |
| Sun, Dec 13, 2009 | Mon, Dec 21, 2009 | $1999 | $2174 | $2424 | $2624 | Quote |
Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
Itinerary
Share in the joy of the season while cruising through three wonderful countries along the legendary Rhine
Switzerland, France, and Germany provide the perfect backdrop for this true connoisseur's Christmas Markets cruise. Visit the delightful Christmas Markets of Basel, Switzerland, and Strasbourg, France.
Then continue on to Germany, where many of our signature holiday traditions began, with stops in lovely medieval villages and the majestic city of Cologne with its grand cathedral. As you sail the Rhine, especially the 40 miles along the upper middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll be captivated by ancient fortresses, medieval castles and half-timbered villages all set in a winter wonderland.
This cruise offers so much! The personality of each country shines even more brightly at this time of year because of each country's special holiday traditions. Share the joy of the season and enter into a festive mood as you discover one beautiful gift after another along the Rhine.
Who will enjoy this cruise: Shoppers looking for unique and handcrafted gifts, Christmas enthusiasts looking for the origins of many traditions including Christmas trees, gingerbread, candy canes, and St. Nick!
Day 1: Depart home gateway city to Cologne
Day 2: Cologne
Arrive in Cologne where you�ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. (D)
Day 3: Cologne
Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Town as you make your way to the cathedral, the city'ss most famous landmark and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. As Cologne boasts no less than five Christmas Markets, we have planned an entire day in this city for you to discover the markets at your own pace after the tour. Gaze at the biggest Christmas tree in Rhineland in front of the impressive setting of the cathedral. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Walking tour, Cologne Cathedral visit, and Christmas Markets
Day 4: Koblenz, Cruising the Romantic Rhine
Your walking tour of Koblenz will take you through romantic alleys with half-timbered houses, decorated for the season. We�ll pass by St. Castor�s Church and the Church of Our Lady, and then we�ll proceed to the market square with the Schaengel Fountain and historic City Hall. Afterwards, we�ll visit the Koblenz Christmas Market. Delight in the dozens of wooden stands with arts and crafts, spicy mulled wine, and sweet Christmas cakes. Departing in the morning from Koblenz to R�desheim, you�ll sail along one of the most beautiful sections of the Rhine River Valley, the scenic 40 miles of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Koblenz walking tour and Christmas Market
Day 5: R�desheim, Mainz
In the morning, we will visit Siegfried�s Mechanical Museum, before cruising to Mainz. Our walking tour of downtown Mainz includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. After the museum, we will walk through Old Town and end up in the historic market square in Mainz. Stroll through the 200-year-old St. Nicholas Christmas Market with the 1,000-year-old St. Martin�s Cathedral as a backdrop. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Siegfried�s Mechanical Music Museum, Mainz walking tour and Christmas Market
Day 6: Speyer (Heidelberg)
Your guided tour includes a visit to the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle and a stroll through Old Town. You�ll have ample time to explore the Heidelberg Christmas Market spanning over five squares. Marvel at the Christmas Pyramid with figures from the city�s history rotating inside the tower at the Marktplatz, or take a ride on the nostalgic carousel turning merrily around at the Universit�tsplatz. (BB, D)
Featured Excursion: Full-day in Heidelberg and Christmas Market
Day 7: Strasbourg
Cruise through Strasbourg on a canal cruise, viewing Petite France, especially picturesque at this time of year. Visit the oldest Christmas Market in France, in a breathtaking setting right in front of Strasbourg�s gothic cathedral. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg canal cruise and Christmas Market
Day 8: Basel
Enjoy a walking tour through Basel. Delight in Basel�s Christmas Market in the heart of the historic Old Town and visit the illuminated Christmas Street, beautifully decorated with over 100 Christmas trees. And if you are looking for truly unique gifts, visit the shop of Johann Wanner with its array of elegant angels, ornaments, and glass-blown figurines. (BB, L, Captain�s Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Basel walking tour and Christmas Markets
Day 9: Basel
Disembark the ship in Basel and transfer to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport for your flight home.
Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
What's Included
Port Charges:
Port Charges: $98 (Basel to Cologne), $98 (Cologne to Basel)
Single Cabin Disclaimer:
A limited number of singles may be available in certain categories on certain vessels for an additional supplement. Please inquire.
Pricing Categories for Itinerary is as follows:
| Cat2 | Category 4 |
| Cat3 | Category 3 |
| Cat4 | Category 2 |
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person the following prices to Cat1:
| Category 1 | $825 |
| Suite | $1,200 |
Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
1-800-342-0019
1-281-269-2600
Mon-Fri 8am-10pm ET
Sat-Sun 10am-6pm ET
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