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1 (800) 543-1915
7 Night Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise
From Amsterdam, (Netherlands) to Zurich, (Switzerland)
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Emerald Astra
Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruises
Cruise #: 14336655
Sail Date: Wednesday, Dec 16, 2026
Return Date: Wednesday, Dec 23, 2026
Room Types & Rates:
| Oceanview | ||
| Balcony | ||
| Suite |
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy
Includes taxes & fees
How To Book This Cruise
1-800-439-1909
Expert travel agents are ready to assist you. Please reference Cruise Number CN-14336655.
Get A Quote
Just complete this short quote form and one of our agents will get you a quote right away.Day by Day Summary and Map
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Wednesday - Dec 16, 2026
Day
1
1
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to the Netherlands, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, quintessential cafes, and narrow cobblestone streets that sparkle with fairy lights and Christmas cheer during the festive season. You'll be met at the airport by a member of the friendly greetings team and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. After boarding, you'll have some free time to explore and soak up the festive atmosphere. ...
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Thursday - Dec 17, 2026
Day
2
2
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Spend the day exploring the wintery surrounds. If snow dusts the narrow-cobbled streets, 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. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner onboard. Included Excursion: Canal cruise: Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Dutch empire was considered one of the most influential in the world. Throughout the city, you'll explore the delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking hot mugs of mulled wine and enjoying traditional festive foods. DiscoverMORE: Dutch Delights (Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours, extra expense): Rug up and explore the Dutch capital on foot. Admire the highlights of this ancient city while savoring delicious Dutch treats, such as pickled herring - a favorite street food - tasty cheeses and mouth-watering poffertjes, bite-sized fluffy pancakes. ...
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Friday - Dec 18, 2026
Day
3
3
- Dusseldorf, Germany
- Cologne, Germany
Cross the German border and arrive in the vibrant city of Dusseldorf this morning. With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene, and passion for fashion, it's one of the country's most intoxicating cities. It also has a proud tradition of elaborate Christmas decorations, festive celebrations, and various themed Christmas markets. Later, cruise to the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne, where the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland can be found during the holiday season. The city is home to many Christmas markets, and the most spectacular one sits in front of the twin spires of the Neo-Gothic Cologne Cathedral. Look for stalls selling traditional lebkuchen, a beloved round or heart-shaped type of gingerbread that usually includes honey, cardamom, or candied fruit. Included Excursion: Walking tour of Dusseldorf: Join your local guide on a walking tour of Dusseldorf and discover the Old Town filled with Christmas cheer. Learn about the customs and traditions of the festive season before free time to explore the wonderful Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. Included Excursion: Cologne City tour with Christmas Markets: History and architecture intertwine in Cologne, where ancient Roman fortifications and medieval structures sit beside buildings that rose following World War II. Your guided tour of Cologne will unveil its illustrious history. Later, enjoy a mug of traditional gluhwein in the Roncalliplatz Christmas market in front of the cathedral, the largest in the city. DiscoverMORE: German Beer Experience (Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours, extra expense): Spend some time exploring the Christmas markets before setting out to discover the spirited beer culture of Cologne. This lively and flavorful guided tour will take you through the city's legendary brewhouses where you can savor its signature Kolsch, a crisp, golden beer brewed only in this region. ...
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Saturday - Dec 19, 2026
Day
4
4
- Koblenz, Germany
Today, arrive in the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city that seems pulled from the pages of a German fairytale. Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. It's now a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Later, cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors to their death with her song. Included Excursion: Orientation walk of Koblenz: Join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing the twin-towered facade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe's great rivers meet at the German Corner, and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe. Afterwards, explore the town's beautiful Christmas markets. DiscoverMORE: Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 5 hours, extra expense): Perched on a spectacular hill 91 meters (300 feet) above the Moselle Valley is the medieval town of Cochem. Take a walking tour, including a guided visit to the magnificent Cochem Castle, boasting impressive views of the Moselle Valley. The original 12th-century Romanesque style was replaced by King Louis XIV, who ordered his troops to destroy it in 1689. Rebuilt in 1868, the owner chose the Neo-Gothic architecture that we know today. ...
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Sunday - Dec 20, 2026
Day
5
5
- Mannheim, Germany
- Bus Travel
- Heidelberg, Germany
- Bus Travel
- Mannheim, Germany
Take in the beauty of the heart of the Rhineland, where red-roofed villages line the river and historic castles dot the hills. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Heidelberg & Christmas market visit: Travel to nearby Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Afterwards, explore the city's romantic Christmas markets that are spread throughout its historic squares. ...
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Monday - Dec 21, 2026
Day
6
6
- Strasbourg, France
Arrive in Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is an iconic example of 19th-century German Imperial architecture. Strasbourg is also at the heart of the Alsace wine region. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Strasbourg with Christmas market visit: Your guided walking tour will include the Grande Ile, Strasbourg's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical city center, known for its medieval timber-framed buildings. See the Maison Kammerzell, one of the most famous buildings in Strasbourg, and Petite France, the postcard-worthy historic district with a charming canal system and half-timbered houses. Afterwards, visit one of its most charming Christmas markets to enjoy traditional Alsatian treats and shop for presents. DiscoverMORE: Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense): Escape to the heart of Germany's Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden spa town. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers the perfect blend of wellness, history, and indulgence. ...
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Tuesday - Dec 22, 2026
Day
7
7
- Breisach, Germany
Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach is a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St Stephen's Church is perched on a volcanic hill and visible from a great distance. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Breisach & Christmas Market Visit: Join your local guide for a walking tour of Breisach. See the Stephansmunster cathedral, the Radbrunnen sculpture, the Franciscan Monastery, and walk the pretty streets around Marktplatz. Afterwards, visit the Christmas market. EmeraldPLUS: Guided visit to Christmas Market in Freiburg: Experience the magic of the Freiburg Christmas Market on a festive walking tour through the city's charming old town. Stroll among beautifully decorated stalls, discover local holiday traditions, and warm up with a cup of aromatic mulled wine. Along the way, enjoy delicious homemade Christmas cookies, adding an authentic taste of the season to this cozy and memorable holiday experience. DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of Colmar (Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours, extra expense): Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it's easy to imagine the characters from the Grimms' Fairy Tales here. In the historic center, you will be able to see the confluence of French and German architecture, lifestyle, and culture. ...
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Wednesday - Dec 23, 2026
Land Segment of Itinerary
Day 8 - Wednesday - Dec 23, 2026
Day
8
8
- Bus Travel
- Zurich, Switzerland
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and your Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 12 PM.; Notes: This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. ...
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