Board your ship in Basel for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (B)

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town's wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg's Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Colmar Excursion and Christmas markets OR Freiburg Excursion & Christmas markets OR Breisach bike tour

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town's famous Christmas market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas market where, every year, the locals count down to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Strasbourg city tour and Christmas markets OR Guided bike tour
• Gengenbach Advent Calendar

You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along German's Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher's Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets. Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village's sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Heidelberg tour and Christmas Markets OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets OR Philosopher's Path Hike OR Ladenburg bike tour
• Rüdesheimer wine tasting OR Rüdesheimer coffee

Visit Siegfried's whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards or soar high above the town by gondola and later enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas market. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique tour of Lahneck Castle. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Christmas Markets OR Gondola ride and Christmas Market OR Rüdesheim vineyards hike OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
• Exclusive Burg Lahneck Tour

Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Cologne walking tour and Christmas Market OR Düsseldorf walking tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets OR Guided bike tour

Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafés. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B/L/D) *Please note an alternative tour will operate depend on docking location.

Excursions:

• Scenic Cruising into Amsterdam
• Amsterdam canal cruise OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.