The Magic of Christmas: Savory delights and holiday traditions on a Rhine River cruise (port-to-port cruise)

4 nights from £1,063pp departing Sunday 1st Dec 2024

Join us for a cruise on the Rhine River to explore the oldest, most revered Christmas markets in Europe. Let yourself be swept away by the beauty and charm of long-standing holiday traditions that include dazzling lights, soothing mulled wine, and zesty gingerbread delights. Plunge into the holiday spirit on our exclusive European Christmas cruise.

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	1st01	DecDec	202424	Strasbourg, France, embark on the MS Douce France	17:00	17:00
You'll board our ship at 5 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. After dinner on board, join us for an evening celebrating the Alsatian holiday cookies known as bredeles. Our ship will cruise through the night.
	2nd02	DecDec	202424	Sankt Goarshausen, Germany	10:00	17:00
Well cruise the Rhine to the legendary rock of the Lorelei, following the twists and turns dominated by dramatic ruins, scenic vineyards, and majestic fortresses. Join us in the lounge and tast delicious bredeles!Our next stop is Rdesheim, a picturesque village lined with narrow, cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes. Well board a tourist train(1) for Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, showcasing 350 self-playing, mechanical music instruments dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries and including delicate musical boxes and a gigantic piano-orchestrion. Then enjoy some free time on your own to discover the international Christmas market located in the city's historic downtown area. The 120 wooden chalets set the stage for an authentic German Christmas market displaying artisan objects, great gift ideas, and delicious culinary specialties such as local confections and cookies, and of course, pretzels! The city is also home to one of the largest nativity scenes in Europe.Youll return to the ship by walking down the infamous Drosselgasse, lined with numerous cafs and bars. Well enjoy dinner on board before a quick escape to the city again this evening to taste the exquisite Rdesheimer Kaffee.
	2nd02	DecDec	202424	Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany	13:00
Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit.
	3rd03	DecDec	202424	Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany		03:00
Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit. Well cruise to Mainz in the early morning. Once we arrive, well set out for a tour on foot of the city to see many of its remarkably restored sites. This excursion includes an inside visit to the magnificent 1,000-year-old Saint-Martins Cathedral. Well then stroll down the picturesque streets of the old city to the Gutenberg Museum, which houses two copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the first major book printed with movable type in the West. Enjoy some free time on your own before heading back to the ship. Dont miss the colorful local Christmas market near the cathedral, framed by splendid Renaissance-style buildings. Germany is known for its decorative wooden Christmas carousels, and a larger than life one is usually found at the market in Mainz surrounded by traditional chalets selling handcrafts, souvenirs, and luscious goodies. You might notice that German Christmas markets are more than just a place to buy or sell. In fact, they become a true reflection of everyday life where the locals gather for a quick bite or drink at the end of the winter day. So, join in the holiday spirit and top off your well-deserved vacation.After the tour, well have lunch on the ship and spend the afternoon cruising to Gambsheim. Feel free to join us for a bit of onboard entertainment recounting Christmas traditions. Tonight is our festive gala evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.
	3rd03	DecDec	202424	Mainz, Germany	06:00	17:00
	4th04	DecDec	202424	Gambsheim, France	06:00	17:00
Once we arrive in Gambsheim, well leave by coach for Wingen-sur-Moder and a visit to the Muse Lalique to learn about crystalware-genius Ren Lalique and his successors. Lalique became one of the greatest names of his time, both as a jeweler and a master glassmaker. His instantly recognizable style was a major influence in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. Discover the companys wide range of impressive crystal and glass designs, pieces of jewelry, tableware, lights, and vases. Admire the fabulous collections and dont miss the temporary exhibit just for the holidays! Christmas is the perfect time to showcase the exceptional past and present work of Lalique.Well return on board and enjoy lunch as we cruise to Strasbourg. Once we arrive, feel free set out on your own to admire the lights around the city near the cathedral, the Place Klber, Carr dOr, and Place Gutenberg. Its quite a sight! And dont forget to browse a few of the Christmas Markets set up across the city. Well greet you with a hot cup of mulled wine* as you return on board.Enjoy an authentic Alsatian dinner this evening, followed by a quiz to test your knowledge about Alsatian Christmas Markets.
	4th04	DecDec	202424	Strasbourg, France	15:00
	5th05	DecDec	202424	Strasbourg, France, disembark the MS Douce France
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

MS Douce France

Launch Year

1997

Refit Year

2017

Tonnage

1,500

Capacity

107

Cabins

Accessible

Sun Deck

Upper Deck

Main Deck

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Restaurant

Located on the upper deck, the restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. It seats all guests at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual but elegant.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Sun Deck

Do not miss it to unwind! It is equipped with recliners and deck chairs, so that you can enjoy the best views of your cruise.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

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Holiday Summary

	4 nights cruising on the Rhine
	All meals included
	Drinks included with meals & at the bar
	Gala dinner & evening welcome cocktail
	Free Wi-Fi in lounge & bar
	Headsets included for excursions
	Travel Assistance & Repatriation Insurance
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

Oceanview staterooms from		£1,063pp
A_GLS_PP	Cat A (Main Deck, Adjustable Twin Beds)	£1,120pp
B_GLS_PP	Cat B (Main Deck, Adjustable Twin Beds)	£1,063pp