Emerald Cruises: The Magic of Christmas on the Rhine
There’s no better way to experience the magic of Christmas than by sailing along the legendary Rhine, where every city glows with lights and traditions, and every port offers authentic emotions.
With the Zurich – Lucerne & Christmas Markets on the Rhine itinerary, Emerald Cruises invites travellers to discover Europe’s most enchanting side on an 11-day journey through Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands — a route that blends culture, dreamlike landscapes, and the festive atmosphere of the continent’s most beautiful cities.
Emerald Cruises_Xmas
Emerald Cruises_Xmas
The journey begins in Zurich, one of Switzerland’s most beloved cities, where Christmas transforms the streets into a sophisticated display of lights and scents. After an overnight stay and a pleasant guided walk among market stalls and lakeside views, guests continue to Lucerne, considered one of the country’s most charming destinations. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear waters, Lucerne becomes even more magical during Advent: its medieval streets are filled with artisan shops and the aroma of mulled wine. Here, guests may join an optional DiscoverMORE excursion (available at an additional cost) for a scenic train and cable car ride to Rigi–Weggis, offering breathtaking Alpine panoramas and festive spirit.
From Lucerne, a comfortable transfer leads to Basel, where guests board their elegant Emerald Star-Ship and prepare for an unforgettable cruise along the Rhine. The first stop is Breisach, a picturesque town straddling the border between Germany and France, known as the gateway to the Black Forest. After a guided tour, the EmeraldPLUS experience takes guests to the magical Christmas market beneath the Ravenna Viaduct — a unique setting where history, aromas, and traditions come together in a truly fairy-tale atmosphere. Those wishing to explore further may choose the optional DiscoverMORE excursion to Colmar, a charming Alsatian town famous for its half-timbered houses and distinctive Christmas charm.
The cruise continues to Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and home to one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. A guided tour leads through the canals and medieval houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, followed by free time to enjoy traditional treats and artisan stalls. For those seeking relaxation, the optional DiscoverMORE experience offers a rejuvenating visit to the renowned Baden-Baden Spa.
1. Basel
Strasbourg
In Heidelberg, the cruise explores Germany’s romantic heritage: a guided tour of the majestic castle and cobbled university town reveals postcard-perfect views. In Koblenz, one of the country’s oldest cities, guests enjoy an orientation walk and an EmeraldPLUS lecture on European Christmas traditions — a fascinating insight into the origins of many festive customs and symbols. For an even more scenic experience, the optional DiscoverMORE excursion to the Moselle Valley and Cochem Castle offers spectacular landscapes of vineyards and storybook villages.
The festive spirit continues to grow in Cologne, with its iconic Christmas markets beneath the Gothic cathedral, and in Düsseldorf, where every square celebrates a different theme — from the Fairytale Market to the Handicraft Market and the Schadowmarkt — all filled with the scent of roasted almonds and steaming mugs of glühwein. The cruise concludes in Amsterdam, where the city’s canals become a glittering spectacle of lights and reflections. A panoramic glass-roofed canal cruise offers a perfect view of the historic merchant houses and the cosmopolitan charm of the Dutch Christmas markets. For those eager to explore further, optional DiscoverMORE experiences such as Hidden Gems of Amsterdam and Dutch Delights reveal the city’s secrets and culinary traditions.
Heidelberg
D_ECRC_Christmas_Germany-Cologne
On board, life unfolds in an elegant and comfortable setting designed to offer maximum relaxation throughout the journey. The restaurants serve menus inspired by regional cuisine from the countries visited, prepared with fresh ingredients and presented with care. Common areas such as the panoramic lounge and the onboard Spa provide the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploration, while attentive service ensures a seamless and refined cruise experience. As evening falls, the Rhine turns into a breathtaking tableau of illuminated villages and wintry landscapes drifting gently past — the perfect backdrop for an authentic European Christmas.
With Emerald Cruises, the Christmas Markets on the Rhine itinerary represents the ideal balance of comfort, culture, and festive spirit — an exclusive and relaxing way to celebrate the holiday season in the heart of Europe.
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