Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace & 2-Night London Stay

Your festive vacation begins today in London. As you arrive, enjoy a private taxi transfer to your four-star hotel on Euston Square for a two-night stay. Hotel check-in starts from 3:00 p.m., so if you arrive early, you can leave your luggage before setting out into the city.

Your time in London is unescorted and filled with opportunities, with many attractions and museums within walking distance. The holiday season also adds a cozy atmosphere to this world-class city. You might like to explore the West End's attractions, such as Piccadilly Circus, or pre-book admission to the British Museum, home to more than eight million objects that tell the stories of humanity. Other landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament are also within reach.

As evening falls, Oxford Street's lights are switched on, and it becomes one of Central London's best spots for Christmas cheer. After getting a taste of the season's wonders, you might like to explore London's eclectic dining scene, with restaurants serving everything from traditional fish and chips to global cuisine. Overnight London.

With a full free day in London, you can enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out at your own pace. Beginning in November, Christmas markets open up throughout the city, with each offering its own interpretation of the season.

The city's largest market is set in Hyde Park, and here, you can explore more than 100 stalls, enjoy seasonal activities, such as ice skating at the outdoor rink, and even ride roller coasters. Elsewhere throughout the city, you could visit the London Bridge City market, set against a backdrop of some of London's most iconic landmarks; the Leicester Square market, located near the National Portrait Gallery; or the Covent Garden market, famous for its giant Christmas tree. With more than 10 markets from which to choose, you can make them the main event of your day, or visit them in between sightseeing at London's vast array of attractions. Overnight London.

• Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a coach transfers you to London St. Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travelers and together, board the Eurostar to Brussels. On arrival in the Belgian capital, we switch trains, enjoying the changing views as we head east. Our train crosses the German border and eventually arrives in Cologne, situated on the River Rhine.

Here, we board our luxurious cruise ship, bedecked in Christmas finery, for a festive four-night cruise to Strasbourg in France. After a welcome cocktail on board, there is some free time, during which you can step back ashore to get your first taste of Cologne and its Christmas markets. There are seven Christmas markets throughout the city, with the largest being held in front of the iconic, UNESCO-listed cathedral.

Returning to the ship, we enjoy dinner as we set sail through the night toward Koblenz.  Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Eurostar light meal, Dinner

Docking in Koblenz this morning, there is time to explore after breakfast on board. Koblenz is a picturesque city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Famous for its historic charm, its landmarks include the Deutsches Eck, where the two rivers meet, and  Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. At this time of year, the medieval streets, buildings and squares of the Old Town are adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations.

Our cruise then continues for a highlight of the journey: sailing through the Rhine Gorge  and  past Lorelei Rock. This part of the Rhine is regarded as one of the most beautiful stretches,  surrounded by dramatic cliffs, medieval castles, terraced vineyards and charming villages.

Later, we arrive in Rüdesheim, renowned for its Riesling wines. After riding the Winzerexpress into town, enjoy time to wander the Christmas stalls or  maybe sample a Rüdesheim Coffee, made with local Asbach Uralt brandy and served with whipped cream. You could also stroll along Drösselgasse, lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops and wine bars. 

Back on board, we sail toward Speyer after dinner. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day of yuletide charms awaits us today as we moor in Speyer. From here, we set out on a trip to Heidelberg to enjoy a guided tour of the picturesque town, home to Germany's oldest university.  

Heidelberg is also known for its beautiful Old Town and the ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, which we visit. Perched above Heidelberg, the castle is a symbol of Romanticism and provides amazing views of the surrounding forests and the Neckar River.  Afterward, there is time to wander the Christmas markets, huddled in Heidelberg's Old Town. You might like to try traditional German treats, such as Glühwein and gingerbread, or go skating on the ice rink in Karlsplatz.

Returning to Speyer in the afternoon, there is free time to explore independently. Speyer also has a delightful Christmas market, and its imposing Kaiserdom Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's most significant Romanesque churches. After soaking up the festive atmosphere, return to our ship for dinner, before we set sail for Strasbourg.  Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a calm night of sailing, we arrive at our final port of call, Strasbourg, where you have the choice between two excursions.  

You could join a tour of Obernai, a medieval town at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile - named after the patron saint of Alsace. After exploring its charming center of half-timbered houses, narrow alleys and historic buildings, such as the 16th-century belfry and corn exchange, there is also time to wander through the Christmas markets.

Alternatively, stay in Strasbourg for a guided tour of this attractive city, discovering its imposing Gothic cathedral and the canals of the picture-perfect Petite France district.  

After your excursion, the rest of the afternoon is free in Strasbourg. The city sits on the border of France and Germany and blends the best of the two cultures, with colorful half-timbered houses, shops and cobbled streets all aglow with Christmas lights and markets. Our evening is rounded off with a spectacular gala dinner on board. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This magnificent seasonal vacation has provided an unforgettable glimpse at the holidays in Europe. After spending two days in London, surrounded by iconic landmarks and enchanting Christmas markets, a four-night luxury river cruise revealed the traditions and beautiful cities lining the Rhine. Sailing from Cologne to Strasbourg, we docked in quintessential German Christmas market towns and witnessed the castles, vineyards and drama of the stunning Rhine Gorge before arriving in the Alsace town of Strasbourg.

Breakfast is served onboard before we disembark and begin our journey home. A coach transfers us to Strasbourg station, where we board the train to Paris. Switching trains, we continue toward London St. Pancras onboard Eurostar, arriving this afternoon. Your festive cruise vacation comes to an end on arrival, and you are free to continue your onward travels home independently.

• Breakfast, Eurostar light meal