Magical Christmas extravaganzas in Alsace and Switzerland along the Rhine (port-to-port cruise)

STRASBOURG - BREISACH - Riquewihr - Colmar - BASEL

Passengers are welcome to board at 5:00 p.m. in Strasbourg. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Transfer to the city center of Strasbourg. Enjoy time on your own strolling through the various Christmas markets in the capital of Alsace. The smell of mulled wine and gingerbread mixed with the holiday decorations and the immense Christmas tree in the city center are what make Strasbourg the "capital of Christmas." The market first began in 1570 and is one of the oldest in the world.

We'll return to the ship for dinner.

Our ship will begin to cruise to Breisach.

A full-day escapade to local Christmas markets (lunch included). In Riquewihr, a charming medieval village nestled among the vineyards, you'll discover an authentic Christmas market in a unique setting. The bright colors of the half-timbered homes add to the postcard-like setting of traditional Alsace. Take your time wandering the cobblestone streets and admiring the marvelous decorations covering the facades and village monuments.

We'll have lunch in a typical restaurant, and you'll discover just how delicious the local cuisine can be.

In the afternoon, we'll head to Colmar—an undeniably charming city located on the vast plain between the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest. The historic center and the romantic Little Venice neighborhood with its gaily decorated canals are European charm at its best. We'll visit the Choco-Story chocolate museum in Colmar. The museum, dedicated to the wonders of our favorite sweet, is located in the center of the holiday activity in Colmar. Warm up with a cup of delightful hot chocolate.

Discover the city's Christmas market before we head back.

We'll spend the morning cruising to Basel. Learn how to make traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies on board, what the locals call bredeles.  All of its delicious secrets will be revealed to you.

We'll arrive in Basel in the early afternoon. Let your sweet tooth go wild with a tasting and tour at the Lackerli Huus, where the famous sugar-glazed Basler Läckerli are made along with other chocolates and candies. When we return to Basel, enjoy time discovering the holiday market with more than 150 vendors and craftspeople. You'll adore the largest Christmas market in Switzerland.

We'll return to the ship for a cup of mulled wine.

An evening of Christmas tales.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning. Disembarkation.

Coach transfer Basel/Strasbourg(1) available.