In this guide
The Rhine is one of the principal Christmas-market routes, combining the Middle Rhine's castle scenery with large city markets and smaller wine towns. Here's how the common itinerary fits together.
The classic itinerary
Most Rhine Christmas sailings run 8 days, Amsterdam to Basel (or reverse). You'll stop at Cologne, the Middle Rhine gorge, Rüdesheim, Speyer or Mainz, Strasbourg, and Basel. The Middle Rhine transit (between Rüdesheim and Koblenz) is the scenic highlight — 40 castles in 40 miles.
The markets you'll see
- Amsterdam — canals, winter events, and selected seasonal markets
- Cologne — several themed markets, including the Cathedral Market and Heinzel's Winter Fairytale
- Rüdesheim — Market of Nations, Drosselgasse, and local wine traditions
- Strasbourg — a citywide market tradition dating to 1570
- Basel — principal markets at Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz
Which lines sail it
Several of the lines we compare offer Rhine Christmas itineraries, including Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Tauck, Uniworld, Scenic, Emerald, and Riverside on selected schedules. Compare the actual departure: routes, inclusions, and ships can change by season.
When to go
Early December (Dec 1–15) is the prime window — all markets fully open, weather reliably wintery. Late November is quieter and cheaper; post-Christmas is a New Year's option.
Tip
If you have time, add a 2-night pre-cruise extension in Amsterdam and a 2-night post-cruise extension in Lucerne (from Basel). It turns an 8-day cruise into a 12-day European Christmas.
Put this into action
Turn this guide into your sailing
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