Viking Rivers Cruises – Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle (France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland) 12 Days

Paris, France
Arrive and check in to your hotel. 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.

Paris, France
Parisian Christmas markets are filled with good cheer as mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and tasty morsels of cheese and chocolate are served across the city. Tuileries Garden is the largest marché de Noël in Paris, combining traditional market stall offerings with carnival themed attractions. Its Ferris wheel offers a prime spot to view the city from above. The charming Montmartre district offers the perfect place to shop for unique handcrafted gifts, while the Hôtel de Ville provides a stunning backdrop to its stalls, bathing its neoclassical facade in twinkling lights.

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.

Trier, 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 & Christmas Market
Duration: 3 hours    
Explore Cochem, one of the most picturesque towns on the Moselle, and discover its lively Christmas market. Take 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 its 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. After, explore on your own. Stroll the stalls of the colorful Christmas market, its festive atmosphere filling the squares and alleyways of the Old Town. You may choose to sample a glass of mulled white wine, a specialty from the region, before returning to your ship.

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.

Koblenz, Germany
Koblenz is a traditional German country town with a wine heritage that spans centuries; a key ingredient for the warming glühweinthat is served from taverns and market stalls during the holiday season. The scent of cinnamon, cloves and spices waft from steaming mugs as the sounds of festivities fill the air from one of the many musical performances, creating a toe-tapping atmosphere. Centered around the Schängel fountain, the Koblenz Christmas market offers all the flavors of the yuletide season from its famous Christmas bakery.

Shore Excursions – Historic Koblenz at Christmas
Duration: 4 hours  
Take a festive stroll around Koblenz to explore its historic past and visit the Christmas market. Begin your tour at Deutsches Eck, the city’s famed German Corner and home to a popular equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. After time to admire the sculpture, continue your walk among the narrow streets. Revel in the yuletide atmosphere in the heart of the Old Town and admire the beautiful old school that has operated as the Koblenz City Hall since 1895. Get acquainted with local Christmas traditions during a stroll through the cheerful Christmas market; six different locations, between Münzplatz and Zentralplatz, host the festivities. As you pass the charming stalls, the sweet aroma of traditional holiday favorites, such as glühwein and roasted almonds. Indulge in a delicious, sweet treat before returning to your ship.

Scenic Sailing: Middle Rhine, Germany
The Rhine River flows through one of Germany’s most scenic regions. As you sail its most picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine, you will pass vineyard-blanketed hills whose steep slopes require vintners to pick grapes by hand, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Splendid castles line the banks, all of which have stories to share, and the Lorelei Rock presides at a dramatic curve in the river. Here, legend has it that a river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet.

Mainz, Germany
Located in the heart of the Rhine wine region, Mainz has been an important cultural center for thousands of years. Every winter, the city transforms itself into a cozy winter wonderland with one of Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets. The 10th-century Cathedral of St. Martin becomes a dramatic backdrop for vendors selling handmade crafts, as well as candied almonds, chestnuts and mulled wine. Smaller WinterZeit markets dot the city, and concerts and traditional stage productions of fairy tales play regularly during the yuletide season.

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.

Mannheim, Germany
Mannheim’s Christmas market is a holiday season shopping extravaganza, centered around the city’s iconic water tower. One of Germany’s oldest and largest markets, more than 160 booths host vendors from around the world, offering handicrafts and handmade items. Beautiful glassware, and carved wooden toys and games, sit alongside Christmas lanterns, colorful baubles and ornaments, all of which are presented in quaint wooden houses. Luxurious cashmere scarves, sheepskin mittens and felt hats are the ideal purchase to take home as gifts for friends and family.

Shore Excursions – Mannheim & Yuletide Market
Duration: 3 hours 
Celebrate the Christmas season and discover the history and culture of Mannheim. Transfer by motor coach to the city center to explore the “Chessboard City” of Mannheim, famed for its grid-like layout dating back to the 17th century. Set out on a walk to see one of the city’s imposing landmarks, the Wasserturm (Water Tower), and discover the various districts and its oldest building, St. Sebastian Church. If you are lucky, you may hear the glockenspiel from the tower that rings three times a day. Immerse yourself in the yuletide season at the Christmas market and learn how advent was celebrated here in the past. Enjoy free time to browse for unique gifts as you relish in the festive scents and sounds of the colorful market stalls, before returning to your ship.

Speyer, Germany
Speyer’s Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. With the historic Old Gate as a stunning backdrop, market stalls are brimming with yuletide treats, serving Christmas cookies and steaming mugs of aromatic glühwein. Skaters don their woolen hats and gloves, and take to the ice for some festive fun, while visitors browse for unique handmade gifts. The holiday atmosphere continues into January, bringing the opportunity for New Year merrymakers to enjoy the festivities and sample regional specialties, such as potato soup and yeast dumplings.

Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city’s cathedral square taking center stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colorful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d’epices (gingerbread).

Shore Excursions – Strasbourg Highlights
Duration: 4 hours
Get to know this delightful city steeped in equal parts French and German culture. Join your guide for a drive through the German Imperial District and the European Quarter, home to institutions such as the European Union and the Council of Europe. Pass remarkable Renaissance architecture en route to the city center for a walk through picturesque Petite France, the former Tanners’ District surrounded by the Ill River and crisscrossed by charming canals. Here, you will see the Old Customs House and the bridges with their defensive towers. In Cathedral Square, view the magnificently restored Strasbourg Cathedral. One of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals, it was the world’s tallest building from 1647 to 1874. Enjoy free time to admire the great Gothic rosette window, beautiful red sandstone portal and remarkable astronomical clock.

Basel, Switzerland
A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland’s best-kept secret. During the holiday season, the medieval Old Town is transformed into a magical yuletide affair. Cobblestone streets are lined with wooden chalet-style huts selling all manner of festive treats and gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a warming cup of aromatic glühwein in a decorated boot-shaped mug. Hand-carved tree decorations, cheerfully painted ceramics and delicious food are sold from stalls throughout the city. After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination.

Shore Excursions – Basel Highlights & Festive Markets
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes  
Immerse yourself in festive cheer where three nations meet—Switzerland, France and Germany—by foot and by motor coach. Discover Basel’s inviting cluster of medieval buildings and explore the festive markets on foot. With your guide, visit Marktplatz, or Market Square, surrounded by guild halls of late Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles. Admire the ornate spires of the Rathaus, or Town Hall, and stroll to the Münsterplatz, where the thin towers of the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral overlook the wooden chalets of the festive market. Its red sandstone was quarried from the nearby Vosges Mountains in neighboring France. Enjoy free time to browse the city’s Christmas stalls, and perhaps sample a local delicacy, such as freshly prepared röstis, a fragrant fondue, a grilled bratwurst, or a grittibänz—a delicious, sweetened brioche shaped like a gingerbread man.

Zürich, Switzerland
Arrive and check in to your hotel. Zürich’s oldest Christmas market is set along the medieval streets of the lively Niederdorf neighborhood. Centrally located next to the main train station, more than 140 stalls comprise the Christkindlimarkt, where the air is heavy with the aroma of mulled wine and spices. The scene is dominated by a looming Christmas tree decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Nestled between the elegant Zürich Opera House and the shores of Lake Zürich, the Wienachtsdorf creates an enchanting Christmas village where a mug of glühwein can be enjoyed while browsing for seasonal mementos.

Zürich, Switzerland
Overlooking Lake Zürich and spanning the banks of the Limmat River, Switzerland’s largest city is often cited as one of Europe’s most livable. It is the country’s financial heart, but its residents also embrace their natural surroundings, from soaring alpine peaks to the lake’s shimmering waters. Zürich is home to a lively and impressive arts culture. The avant-garde Dada movement was born here in 1916 and two of its most important churches boast stained glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti. More masterworks reside in the city’s renowned Kunsthaus, including an enormous water lily painting by Monet.

Shore Excursions – Zürich Walking Tour & Lake Cruise
Duration: 4 hours
Take in the impressive sights of Switzerland’s stunning lakeside city by boat and by foot. Enjoy sweeping views of Zürich from its namesake lake, embarking on a scenic cruise along pristine waters surrounded by alpine splendor. Sit back and relax as you marvel at the beautiful surroundings. Next, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s Old Town, the core of Zürich that was once enclosed by walls. The city is home to many colorful guild houses—former merchants’ quarters that create a fairy-tale aura. Stroll along the quay of the Limmat River, whose waters flow through the city’s heart. View the Rathaus, built in 1690, and the many churches: Fraumünster, which ruled the town until 1336; Grossmünster, founded by Charlemagne; and St. Peter’s Church, which boasts the largest church clock face in Europe. Walk down Zürich’s bustling shop-lined main street before returning to your Hotel.

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