Viking Rivers Cruises – Christmas on the Main & Moselle (France, Luxembourg, Germany, Czech Republic) 12 Days

Paris, France
Arrive and check in to your hotel. Long a hub of French culture and cuisine, Paris is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Over the centuries, Parisian culture has been built on the wings of inspiration. Music, film, architecture, literature, dance and the visual arts all have their brilliant place in the museums, theaters, bookstores and remarkably preserved buildings of this magnificent city. At the center of it all is the Champs-Élysées. With its inviting riverside promenade, graceful bridges and splendid views of all things Parisian, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum.

Paris, France
As Paris prepares for the winter months and the festivities ahead, the city’s streets come alive. Patrons of pavement cafés can be seen sipping hot chocolate, wrapped up in woollens against the cold, and shop windows are a grand affair depicting scenes from fairy tales, Santa Claus and his workshop, or a snowy winter wonderland. From November on, leading department stores, including Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, present their seasonal displays often featuring clever animation; their grand openings are hotly anticipated each year.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Paris at Christmas
Duration: 4 hours      
Revel in the major sights of the “City of Light” during a festive drive amid twinkling lights. Begin along the famed Champs-Élysées, viewing the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his triumphs. Admire the illuminated sights of Paris, including the celebrated Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid entrance and Town Hall. Continue into the Latin Quarter, then drive by Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Luxembourg Gardens, Musée d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde, and the recently restored Grand Palais and Petit Palais. See the Les Invalides complex of military buildings, where the tomb of Napoleon sits, and the École Militaire. Cap your tour with an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars. Before returning to the ship, enjoy some free time at one of the Christmas markets in the city center.

Reims, France
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to your embarkation city. Reims, nestled in the heart of the renowned Champagne region, is home to one of France’s largest Christmas markets. More than 140 stalls grace the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter, in the heart of the city center, while craftsmen display their wares at the market in the courtyard of the Palace of Tau. The famous Reims Cathedral is decorated in a colorful light display that showcases the magnificent architectural details of this 13th-century Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO Site.

Shore Excursions – Festive Reims Cathedral & the Luxembourg American Cemetery
Duration: 9 hours      
Explore the stunning Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and pay your respects to fallen US soldiers. During a guided tour, view the cathedral’s exterior and admire the Gothic architectural features. See the Gallery of Kings, then step inside to view the stunning stained glass windows dating from the 13th through 20th centuries, including the glorious north rose window and windows designed by Marc Chagall. You will also have free time for lunch (at your own expense) and to browse the stalls of the Christmas market, immersing yourself in the yuletide atmosphere as you shop for regional specialties and festive gifts. During a visit to the solemn Luxembourg American Cemetery, you can take a moment to pause and reflect on the events of World War II. Many of the 5,073 US soldiers laid to rest here fought in the infamous Battle of the Bulge, including General George S. Patton.

Trier, Germany
Set in the historic heart of Trier, the bustling and colorful Hauptmarkt is the city’s main gathering place and the center of holiday festivities. Its rich repository of Romanesque, Gothic and baroque-style architecture provide a romantic backdrop to its cozy Christmas market. There, vendors display handcrafted decorations and serve regional specialties, such as vintner hot mulled wine from the Moselle. The nearby Domfreihof adds to the yuletide atmosphere that abounds throughout the Old City, its market set in the shadow of the impressive 13th-century Trier Cathedral. Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom.

Bernkastel, Germany
Treasured for its rich history, Trier was once the regional capital of the Holy Roman Empire. After Emperor Constantine the Great had a vision of Christ, he and his mother Helena built great churches and cathedrals here. A few still stand, the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of Trier among them. The 20,000-seat amphitheater, the Roman Bridge and the massive Porta Nigra, the ancient city gate, are further relics of that time. Today, Trier is a picturesque town surrounded by forests and vineyards, known also as the birthplace of Karl Marx and as a vibrant university town.

Shore Excursions – Trier Highlights & Christmas Market
Duration: 4 hours    
Discover Trier, a once-mighty regional center of the Roman and Holy Roman Empires, and its festive holiday market. Vestiges of Rome’s power are everywhere, seamlessly mingling with a vibrant and active modern city. Pass the Roman amphitheater and admire the massive Roman baths, which include the largest baths north of the Alps. You will also see the remarkably preserved Roman city gates, the Porta Nigra; the dark colored stones of this UNESCO World Heritage Site once served as the formidable entrance to the city. Marvel at the edifice-like Cathedral of Trier and the Liebfrauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, one of Germany’s earliest Gothic churches. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the vibrant Christmas market, its yuletide cheer filling the squares of both the medieval main market and cathedral. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own before returning to your ship.

Bernkastel, Germany
The medieval Old Town of Bernkastel transforms itself during the holidays, with its cobblestone streets decked out in lights and the aroma of mulled wine, gingerbread and almonds filling the air. Picturesque half-timbered houses form the backdrop for about 40 stalls, where vendors showcase seasonal wares such as traditional handicrafts and jewelry. The market square is also home to the region’s largest Advent calendar, festively displayed in the window of a local pharmacy. The market’s highlight is the arrival by boat of Santa Claus, accompanied by swimmers carrying torches.

Cochem, Germany
The holiday season transforms the squares and narrow cobblestone alleyways of Cochem’s Old Town into a wintery fairy tale. Festive lights line the streets and the promenade along the Moselle River, giving the city a cozy, yuletide atmosphere, and vendors display local handicrafts from the shelves of their wooden stalls. Visitors can savor a Riesling stollen, a traditional German Christmas bread, as well as yeast dumplings, pastries, white mulled wine—a Moselle specialty—or regional delicacies made from the renowned red vineyard peach.

Shore Excursions – Cochem Walking Tour & Reichsburg Castle
Duration: 3 hours   
Explore one of the most picturesque towns on the Moselle, ascending to its hilltop castle for a fantastic panorama. You will begin your excursion with a short drive up to the lofty perch of the 1,000-year-old Reichsburg Castle, conquered by Louis XIV in the Nine Years’ War and later purchased and restored in a splendid Gothic Revival style by a Berlin businessman. Return to the town below for a walking tour among impressive landmarks. You will see its medieval town gate and pass various churches, including the 15th-century St. Martin’s. In the market square, admire the bay window of the baroque Town Hall and see the 17th-century Capuchin Monastery, once a haven for friars and today a lively cultural center. After, explore on your own. You might want to taste some of the town’s award-winning mustard from a local 200-year-old mustard mill, the last of its kind in Europe.

Winningen, Germany
Hugging a gentle curve in the Moselle River, Winningen enjoys stunning vistas of forested hills and limestone cliff faces on the river’s opposite banks. The small city’s Weingüter, or wine taverns, showcase the valley’s famed Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Elbling that are nurtured in steeply terraced vineyards draping nearby slopes. In a region with many renowned wine towns, Winningen is less well-known, and therein lies its charm. Its typical German streets are lined with half-timbered buildings and are a pleasure to explore.

Shore Excursions – Koblenz Christmas Market On Your Own
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes     
Experience the festive magic of Koblenz’s Christmas market, a holiday haven in a historic city, at your own pace. Board a shuttle for the market, where you can breathe in the air filled with the delightful scents of freshly roasted almonds, mulled wine and gingerbread. You may choose to explore the festively decorated city center, perhaps stopping to view the Jesuitenplatz and admiring the half-timbered houses that encircle the square, along with the remarkable Advent calendar crafted from the dormer windows of the baroque town hall. Alternatively, take the opportunity to visit other nearby squares, home to enchanting market stalls offering traditional Christmas goods. Or board a cable car for a ride over the Deutsche Eck to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and its captivating Christmas garden. At the end of your visit, you will meet at a predetermined location and transfer to your ship.

Mainz, Germany
Mainz is part of the Rheinhessen wine region, Germany’s largest wine region that is renowned for producing high-quality white wines, such as Riesling. Wine has long played a key role in the city’s economy and culture, with numerous wine festivals and events throughout the year, including the Mainzer Weinmarkt and the Mainzer Weinwoche. The city is also home to the renowned Geisenheim University, which offers programs in viticulture and oenology. Mainz’s wine culture and history continue to thrive today, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation in winemaking.

Shore Excursions – Mainz Walking Tour & Gutenberg Museum
Duration: 2 hours  
Take a guided tour of a city that boasts more than 2,000 years of history. Walk with your guide through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, stopping to explore Mainz Cathedral. This soaring landmark is more than 1,000 years old. Marvel at its six magnificent towers and step inside, if services allow, to admire hundreds of years of religious works on display, as well as the tombs of powerful prince-archbishops of a bygone era. Stroll past medieval houses and storefronts to the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the inventor of movable type and book printing. Founded in 1900—500 years after the birth of Johannes Gutenberg—the museum features a fascinating exhibit that covers the history of the printed word. During your visit, you may browse its many beautiful books and fascinating printing technologies, including a replica of Gutenberg’s workshop.

Shore Excursions – Mainz Christmas Market On Your Own
Duration: 3 hours      
Enjoy free time to discover the enchanting ambiance of Mainz’s Christmas market at your leisure. From your ship, set off on foot for the market, a yuletide tradition that dates back to 1788. Located in front of the awe-inspiring, 10th-century St. Martin’s Cathedral, this festive market boasts approximately 100 immaculately adorned stalls showcasing traditional crafts, ornaments and delectable regional delights. Marvel at the towering, richly decorated 33-foot Christmas pyramid and the largest hand-carved Nativity scene in Europe. As twinkling lights illuminate the market, let the joyous sounds of carols and the gleeful laughter from the carousel draw you into the heart of the festivities. Perhaps take the opportunity to savor a warm cup of aromatic glühwein or a seasonal treat as you stroll. When you are ready, you may walk back to your awaiting ship.

Heidelberg, Germany
In Heidelberg’s Marktplatz, a replica of the world’s largest wine barrel, the Heidelberg Tun, is on display and a highlight of the city’s festive market. Enchanting wooden huts are decorated with reindeer, ornaments and colorful ribbons. Department store windows reflect picturesque winter scenes. Smaller markets feature unique handicrafts, such as hand-carved figurines or handblown ornaments, while Karlsplatz, framed by the romantic backdrop of Heidelberg Castle, is home to one of Germany’s most beautiful ice rinks.

Scenic Sailing: Main River, Spessart
Journey along one of Germany’s most important waterways today, passing landscapes that embody the country’s scenic beauty and storybook charm. You will sail by quaint riverside villages, undulating farm country and the sylvan forests of the Spessart woodlands. Along the way, you just may lose yourself in the dreamy canvases of half-timbered houses, historic castles and splendid palaces. This is the Germany once ruled by dukes and brought to magical life by the imagination of the Brothers Grimm, who grew up in the town of Hanau and wove fantastic tales from these banks.

Würzburg, Germany
In the heart of Würzburg’s Old Town with a backdrop of the historic Falkenhaus and Gothic Marienkapelle, the Advent Market showcases a range of mouthwatering traditional food and sweets that are customary in Bavaria for the festive season. The scent of spices fills the air with stalls providing tasty treats, including Christmas cookies and roasted almonds. Local artisans can be seen in action, creating decorative pieces for the holiday season, from glass, straw, pewter and pottery to wooden toys.

Shore Excursions – Würzburg Residence & Christmas Market
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes  
Tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s most ornate palaces, and visit the town’s Christmas market. Drive to the former residence of the Würzburg prince-bishop, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; built in 1719, it took 25 years to complete. Admire the overhead ceiling with its stunning, 6,400-square-foot “Four Continents” fresco painted by Venetian artist Giovanni Tiepolo. View a series of elegant rooms, the colonnaded chapel and the baroque and English-style gardens lined with ornate statues. Afterward, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Würzburg, and see the Romanesque Cathedral, the Neumünster church, the market square and Town Hall, and the oldest wine bar in town. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market where you can sample delicious Franconian treats or a traditional aromatic glühwein as you browse the stalls for yuletide offerings.

Bamberg, Germany
During the holidays, Bamberg is transformed into a winter wonderland, when the city’s Advent market takes centerstage. Maximiliansplatz, in the heart of the pedestrian district, features a large Franconian half-timber nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. At Bamberg im Sand, the Elisabeth Church plays host to an array of artists showcasing traditional arts and crafts, including a blacksmith who provides a demonstration of his creations for visitors.

Shore Excursions – Bamberg Walking Tour & Festive Market
Duration: 4 hours     
Immerse yourself in festive cheer during a visit to Bamberg, the burial place of emperors and home of smoked beer. Join your local guide and head to the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the magnificent 11th-century cathedral with its four imposing towers. The church was rebuilt in late Romanesque and early Gothic styles during the 13th century; this is where both Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II are buried. In Maximiliansplatz, enjoy free time to follow your own whims as you browse the stalls of the Christmas market. Perhaps sample some of the town’s distinctive rauchbier, or smoke-flavored beer, as you shop for festive treats. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season and visitors flock to enjoy its Franconian traditions.

Nuremberg, Germany
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination. The medieval city of Nuremberg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Its streets are lined with wooden huts, offering a variety of homemade treats, including lebkuchen or gingerbread. Specially selected dealers showcase Christkindlesmarkt souvenirs, from cookie cutters to decorative mugs. The air is filled with the scent of grilled Bratwurst; the Nuremberg Bratwurst has been a longstanding culinary tradition of the city for more than 700 years. Transfer to your hotel and settle into your room.

Shore Excursions – Christmas in Nuremberg
Duration: 4 hours    
Immerse yourself in Nuremberg’s intriguing past and get into the yuletide spirit at the Christkindmarket. In the Old Town, admire the half-timbered houses as you stroll the cobblestone streets of the historic walled city. Pass landmarks, such as the 11th-century Imperial Castle, which towers above the medieval city center. See one of the oldest churches in Nuremberg, St. Sebaldus Church, then stop to see the famous Toy Museum and learn about the city’s 600-year-old tradition. Stop to explore the Christkindlmarket on your own and savor culinary delicacies, including grilled sausages, typically accompanied by sauerkraut and a serving of mustard. A staple of the city for more than 700 years, its grilled aroma wafts through the market, along with glühwein and spiced gingerbread. The fragrant treat comes in various shapes, including large, frosted hearts, making for a sweet souvenir.

Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is known as the “City of a Hundred Spires” and it is easy to see why. The towering twin steeples of Týn Church and the beautiful baroque Church of St. Nicholas are among some of the city’s most notable. Best explored on foot, Prague’s Old Town is a maze of ancient cobblestone lanes with the Old Town Square at its core. Here, the medieval Astronomical Clock still chimes today and provides for its viewers a little theater with the “Walk of the Apostles” on the hour, every hour. Arrive and check in to your hotel.

Prague, Czech Republic
Winter in Prague, while cold, is beautiful. Crackling fires in traditional pubs provide warmth to patrons as they step in from the chill of the outdoors. Once inside, an array of hearty fare awaits; traditional dishes include roast pork with dumplings and pickled cabbage or garlic soup. A leisurely stroll across the Charles Bridge on a frosty morning is a picture-postcard sight. Bustling Christmas markets also offer delicious yuletide treats alongside a warming glass of Christmas cheer with spiced mulled wine.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Prague & Christmas Market
Duration: 5 hours      
Get into the spirit of the season during a walk around Prague’s Old Town and visit to a charming Christmas market. Embark on a panoramic drive to the Old Town, an eclectic mix of well-preserved medieval constructions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main square was a major crossroads on 12th-century trade routes and the focal point of the city’s early development; today, it is a repository of Romanesque, baroque and Gothic architecture. Among the buildings you will see are the Týn Church and the 15th-century Astronomical Clock, which comes alive every hour with its “Walk of the Apostles.” Visit an exhibition of Bohemian Christmas decorations, then immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and aromas of a yuletide market in the main square. Browse the quaint stalls nestled around the Jan Hus statue for the perfect ornament with which to decorate your holiday tree back home before heading back to your hotel.

Prague, Czech Republic
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.