Name: Christmas Markets on the Rhine from Basel Cruise
Brand: Emerald Cruises
Availability: InStock

Itinerary
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Day 1 - Basel

Arrive: Sun 14 December 2025 / Depart: Sun 14 December 2025

Basel is a city on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland, close to the country’s borders with France and Germany. Its medieval old town centers around Marktplatz, dominated by the 16th-century, red-sandstone Town Hall. Its 12th-century Gothic cathedral has city views, and contains the tomb of the 16th-century Dutch scholar, Erasmus. The city’s university houses some of Erasmus’ works.

Day 2 - Breisach

Arrive: Mon 15 December 2025 / Depart: Mon 15 December 2025

Breisach is a town with approximately 16,500 inhabitants, situated along the Rhine in the Rhine Valley, in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about halfway between Freiburg and Colmar — 20 kilometres away from each — and about 60 kilometres north of Basel near the Kaiserstuhl.

Day 3 - Kehl

Arrive: Tue 16 December 2025 / Depart: Tue 16 December 2025

Kehl is a town in southwestern Germany in the Ortenaukreis, Baden-Württemberg. It is located on the river Rhine, directly opposite the French city of Strasbourg

Day 3 - Strasbourg

Arrive: Tue 16 December 2025 / Depart: Tue 16 December 2025

Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, in northeastern France. It's also the formal seat of the European Parliament and sits near the German border, with culture and architecture blending German and French influences. Its Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame features daily shows from its astronomical clock and sweeping views of the Rhine River from partway up its 142m spire.

Day 4 - Mannheim

Arrive: Wed 17 December 2025 / Depart: Wed 17 December 2025

Mannheim is a city in southwest Germany, on the Rhine and Neckar rivers. The baroque 18th-century Mannheim Palace houses historical exhibits, plus the University of Mannheim. In the grid-like center, called the Quadrate, Marktplatz Square features a baroque fountain with statues. Planken shopping street leads southeast to the Romanesque Water Tower, in the art nouveau gardens of Friedrichsplatz.

Day 4 - Heidelberg

Arrive: Wed 17 December 2025 / Depart: Wed 17 December 2025

Heidelberg is a town on the Neckar River in southwestern Germany. It’s known for venerable Heidelberg University, founded in the 14th century. Gothic Heiliggeistkirche church towers over the cafe-lined Marktplatz, a town square in the Altstadt (Old Town). The red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a noted example of Renaissance architecture, stand on Königstuhl hill.

Day 5 - Koblenz

Arrive: Thu 18 December 2025 / Depart: Thu 18 December 2025

Koblenz, spelled Coblenz before 1926, is a German city on the banks of the Rhine and of the Moselle, a multi-nation tributary. Koblenz was established as a Roman military post by Drusus around 8 B.C. Its name originates from the Latin c?nfluent?s, meaning " confluence"

Day 6 - Cologne

Arrive: Fri 19 December 2025 / Depart: Fri 19 December 2025

Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, is the region’s cultural hub. A landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid reconstructed old town, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral is also known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views. The adjacent Museum Ludwig showcases 20th-century art, including many masterpieces by Picasso, and the Romano-Germanic Museum houses Roman antiquities.

Day 7 - Amsterdam

Arrive: Sat 20 December 2025

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths

Day 8 - Amsterdam

Depart: Sun 21 December 2025

Emerald Sky From Emerald Cruises

Guiding you past some of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of countryside and through some of the continent’s most vibrant and enchanting cities; Emerald Sky ensures every minute of your holiday is exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable. From the spacious suites and staterooms to the contemporary, sophisticated public spaces, every inch of Emerald Sky has been considered. Navigating the rivers Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle; the Emerald Star, Sky, Sun, Dawn and Destiny can guide you through some of Europe’s most magical stretches of water and help you explore many of the continent’s most arresting and enchanting cities. The five sister vessels, boasting a modest capacity of 182 guests apiece, are all blessed with a selection of wonderful amenities and features. Our brand new Emerald ‘Star Ships’, the Emerald Dawn and the Emerald Sun, have made their debut voyages and have received high marks from our guests. You’ll enjoy all the same great features, including our open air system in the balcony suites and the indoor/ outdoor pool area, that make the “Star Ships” the 2014 Cruise Critic Editors’ Pick award winners for best new river ships. No matter which river cruise you choose, all your meals on-board the ship; beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; on-shore excursions and touring; a special selection of EmeraldPLUS experiences; all travel and transfers from selected airports; and all tipping are included in the price. It’s what we like to call ‘Exceptional Emerald Value’. Step on to an award-winning ship where the spacious Sun Deck offers panoramic views of the stunning scenery. Relax in the fresh air while enjoying a light lunch and a glass of wine al-fresco on The Terrace. Enjoy insightful excursions in every port at no extra cost and we take care of tipping so you don’t have to think about it. You wouldn’t expect all this from a river cruise, but on an Emerald Waterways river cruise, you can look forward to it.

Ship Cabins

Emerald Stateroom

All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. Plus, they’re bigger than other standard staterooms, providing excellent value for money. Included in your stateroom: Picture window (approximately 1500mm L X 340mm H) | Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hair dryer | Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Queen-size hotel-style bed | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge

Emerald Stateroom

We make solo travel easy and comfortable as all of our Star-Ships, except Emerald Radiance, boast two Emerald Single Staterooms. Home to a deluxe single bed, a bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, you’ll have all the comforts you need at your fingertips. Your picture window welcomes in a lovely amount of light and individual climate control ensures you can keep at a comfortable temperature regardless of which season you’re travelling in. A flat screen TV and infotainment system shows films and television programmes, so you can spend mornings and evenings relaxing in comfort before an exciting day ahead. Catch up with loved ones, using the suite’s telephone or the free Wi-Fi, and enjoy a drink from your minibar.