Tours & Vacations
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine & Main
A 7-day Christmas-market river cruise from Nuremberg to Strasbourg through festive towns along the Main and Rhine.
Length7 days / 6 nights
FormatChristmas-market river cruise
ActivityEasy to moderate; excursions vary
Route
Nuremberg • Bamberg • Würzburg • Wertheim • Miltenberg • Frankfurt • Mainz • Speyer • Strasbourg
Why This Trip Stands Out
An approachable river-cruise option that combines Nuremberg and Strasbourg with smaller towns and historic cities along the Main and Rhine.
- Nuremberg and Strasbourg at Christmas.
- Bamberg, Würzburg, Wertheim and Speyer along the route.
- One hotel unpacking experience aboard the river cruise ship.
- Full-board dining and drinks with lunch and dinner.
- Optional excursion packages let travelers choose how much guided touring they want.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 | Nuremberg
Embark in Nuremberg and settle into the ship near one of Germany’s best-known Christmas markets.
Days 2–3 | Bamberg & Würzburg
Cruise through Franconia with time for historic centers, seasonal markets and an optional visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Days 4–5 | Wertheim, Miltenberg & Rhine Cities
Continue through smaller riverside towns before reaching Frankfurt and Mainz.
Days 6–7 | Speyer & Strasbourg
Finish with the Upper Rhine, optional Heidelberg sightseeing and Strasbourg’s famously festive old town.
What You Get
What’s Included
- 6 nights in an outside river-view stateroom
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the ship
- Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- 24-hour coffee and tea
- Wi-Fi
- Cruise director, onboard entertainment and enrichment
- Port and lock fees
- Gratuities
Your Stay
Where You’ll Stay
Accommodations are aboard the river cruise ship in an outside stateroom. Cabin category and deck location affect pricing.
Getting Around
Transportation
The core itinerary is by river cruise ship, with motorcoach or walking transportation used for optional shore excursions.
Food & Dining
Meals & Dining
Full-board dining is included aboard the ship, along with wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.
More to Add
Optional Experiences
Shore-excursion packages are available at additional cost, including city tours and seasonal visits such as Rothenburg and Heidelberg.
Stay a Little Longer
Extensions Available
Additional hotel nights in Nuremberg or Strasbourg can be coordinated before or after the cruise.
Make It Yours
Ways to Customize It
I can coordinate flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels and additional Europe travel around the sailing.
Group Details
How the Group Works
This is a scheduled river cruise sailing rather than a traditional escorted motorcoach tour.
A Good Match?
Who This Trip Is Best For
Travelers who want an approachable Christmas-market river cruise with full-board ship life and flexibility to add the excursions that interest them.
Before You Choose It
A Few Things to Know
Shore excursions are not bundled into the base cruise fare. Market dates and operating hours can change locally, and water conditions can affect river itineraries.
Interested in This One?
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Pricing & availability: Prices shown are starting prices from the applicable tour operator and were available when last verified. Unless noted otherwise, pricing is per person based on the occupancy shown above. Availability, taxes, fees, supplements, promotions, and supplier terms can change. Your exact price and availability will be confirmed before booking. Nothing is confirmed until payment is applied.