TEL: 503-227-7220
CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISE
BACK FOR 2024
Rhine River, The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland
DESCRIPTION
Tables groan and tents swell with candles, nutcrackers, nativity scenes, toys, gingerbread, gluhwein, and ornaments of every kind. The holidays bring a romantic shopper’s paradise to The Netherlands, France, Germany, and Switzerland. The cruise, from Amsterdam to Basel, dazzles the senses with Christmas markets in Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Heidelberg, and Strasbourg. Don your warm coat, boots, gloves, and a hat, to hit the cobblestones of charming Old-World towns with their Gothic cathedrals, quaint squares, black and white timber framed buildings, canals, and locks. The beauty of the Rhine unfolds every day as we float by castles, fortresses, and the famous Lorelei Rock.
The Emerald Star is the perfect vessel on which to live this dream journey, with only 182 passengers, featuring all outside cabins. Its amenities include a cinema, walking track, putting green, gym, and pool. Additionally, wine, beer, and soft drinks are complimentary at lunch and dinner, wi-fi is complimentary, AND ALL GRATUITIES ARE INCLUDED.
BOOK NOW to assure your cabin choice.
ONLY 12 CABINS AVAILABLE.
INCLUDED
7 nights cruising
Daily breakfast lunch and dinner
Wine, beer and soft drinks lunch and dinner
All gratuities on ship and shore
On board entertainment
Complimentary WiFi
Emerald Cruises Star
Cabin availability is limited and is based on a first come, first served basis.
It is critical to ACT NOW!
from$3339
8
days
see further pricing options in description
DEC 7-14, 2023
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
DECEMBER 7
Board Emerald Star in Amsterdam. Get acquainted with the vessel and its crew. Enjoy your first dinner on board.
DECEMBER 8
We find Amsterdam every bit as charming as the photos. A canal boat ride gives you time to delight in this capital city of The Netherlands. Excursion included.
DECEMBER 9
The seven markets of Cologne create a wonderland for shoppers. The historic cathedral is the site of the town Christmas tree, where you will find plenty of sweets, local delicacies, and that soul warming hot glühwein.
DECEMBER 10
The sail through the Rhine Gorge is highlighted by castles and quaint towns, and the famous Lorelei Rock. Arriving at Koblenz we meet the Moselle River and see the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This Christmas market is full of cottage-style stalls specializing in those traditional gingerbread hearts. Guided tour included
DECEMBER 11
Heidelberg, Germany is our aim this morning. Our coach tour from the port of Ludwigshafen takes us to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle and a wine-tasting in the heart of the city. Guided tour included
DECEMBER 12
Strasbourg, France is the capital of the Alsace, and a local guide will lead a walking tour through the picturesque town with its Old Quarter. You will recognize this UNESCO World Heritage Site with the medieval black and white timber-framed buildings. The Christkindelsmärik there is one of the oldest in Europe. Guided tour included
DECEMBER 13
Begin your shopping with a guided tour to the Black Forest Highlands and the picture-perfect market at Ravenna Gorge. Free guided tour
DECEMBER 14
Basel is where we bid tot ziens, aufwiedersehen, au revoir, and ade to the Star and her crew. Bring an extra bag for all your purchases. You are going to need one.
AMSTERDAM, BASEL, and/or ZURICH
ENHANCE YOUR ADVENTURES WITH PRIVATE OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
We will construct a custom plan for you, with no planning fee.
There is much more to Amsterdam than windmills and canals. While overcoming your jet lag, consider a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank’s home, the Rijksmuseum, with its Rembrandts, and the Hidden Churches. The food scene includes, apple pies, split pea soups, Indonesian rijsttafel, and those giant pannenkoeken, with savory or sweet toppings.
Zurich is a winter wonderland of cleanliness and safety. There are 9 more market venues to explore. Although you may have had cheese fondue, the classic raclette may be a new melted cheese experience for you in Switzerland. And oh ----- the chocolate!
DETAILS
Your $600 deposit by check secures your space. Final payment due September 1, 2024. Travel insurance is strongly advised and available. It should be purchased at time of booking to protect your investment.
Guests must be able to independently maneuver stairs with our railings, walk unaided for intermediate distances uneven surfaces, be able to independently board and disembark a river vessel, bus, and train.
Itinerary is subject to change without notice. And all payments are nonrefundable.
Cancellation policy
ALL payments are nonrefundable.
Exclusions: Mayflower Cruises & Tours reserves the right to alter its refund and cancellation policy when a substantial amount of cancellation or postponement of travel is attributable to: conditions resulting from an act of God, natural or man- made disaster, fire, government action, civil disorder, war, hostilities between nations, or unavailability of transportation through no fault of Mayflower Cruises & Tours.
