Rhine Christmas Markets

Depart on your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland — the starting point of your Christmas Markets cruise along the Romantic Rhine.


Note: Itinerary may operate in reverse order.

Welcome to Switzerland and the start of your Christmas cruise journey. You'll be met at the airport by a member of the Emerald Cruises team and transferred directly to your Emerald Star-Ship, where your captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich no later than 1:00 pm. After settling in, enjoy a welcome dinner onboard as your cruise begins. Meal: D

Set high above the Rhine where the Black Forest meets Alsace, Breisach is a charming blend of German and French culture. Your local guide leads a walking tour taking in the Romanesque-Gothic Stephanmünster cathedral — perched dramatically on a volcanic hill — the Rad-brunnen sculpture, the Franciscan Monastery, and the pretty streets around Marktplatz. Afterward, browse the festive Christmas market before joining fellow guests for a welcome dinner onboard. Meals: B, L, D

Arrive in Strasbourg, one of Europe's most beautiful cities and the heart of the Alsace wine region. Your guided walking tour covers the UNESCO-listed Grand Île — Strasbourg's historic city center, filled with medieval timber-framed buildings — including the iconic Maison Kammerzell and the enchanting canal district of Petite France. Afterward, explore one of the city's celebrated Christmas markets, where Alsatian treats, mulled wine, and handcrafted gifts fill the festive stalls. Meals: B, L, D

Today takes you to Heidelberg, a UNESCO City of Literature that has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and the artist William Turner. Your guided tour begins at the spectacular Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, with sweeping views over the old town and the Neckar River below. Afterward, explore Heidelberg's romantic Christmas markets spread across its historic squares. This evening, your ship cruises on to Rüdesheim, deep in the heart of the Rhineland wine country. Meals: B, L, D

This morning, cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge — one of Europe's most dramatic river landscapes, where steep vineyard slopes, ancient fortresses, and legendary rock formations line the banks. Keep watch for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a mythical siren is said to have lured sailors to their fate with her song. Arriving in Koblenz, your local guide leads a tour through this 2,000-year-old city — past the Church of Our Lady, the German Corner where the Rhine and Moselle converge, and the massive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Finish your day at Koblenz's beautiful Christmas markets. Meals: B, L, D

Cruise into Cologne, home to the most spectacular Christmas market in the Rhineland — set directly in front of the towering twin spires of the magnificent Neo-Gothic Cologne Cathedral. Browse the stalls for traditional lebkuchen, the beloved German gingerbread made with honey, cardamom, and candied fruit, along with handcrafted ornaments and seasonal gifts. Later, arrive in Düsseldorf — a vibrant, fashion-forward city with a proud tradition of elaborate Christmas celebrations and seven distinct themed Christmas markets, each with its own character and charm. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Amsterdam and your final day aboard your Emerald Star-Ship. The Netherlands is a wonderful destination year-round, but during the Christmas season its canals and cobblestone streets sparkle with fairy lights and holiday cheer. If snow dusts the narrow lanes, you'll find the Dutch warming up with oliebollen and appelbeignets — traditional deep-fried treats sold from chalet-style stalls that pop up across Amsterdam's many Christmas markets. A perfect final evening to find last-minute gifts and toast a wonderful journey. Meals: B, L, D