Low Deposits
Free Monthly Payments
99% Customer Satisfaction
UK's Largest Independent Travel Agent
Featured Deal Types

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Emerald Cruises Emerald Star
Date 16th Dec 26
Nights 7 Nights
1
Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, quintessential cafés and innovative galleries that showcase contemporary art and the works of world-renowned artists, such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt. You’ll be met at the airport by a member of our friendly team and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, you'll enjoy some free time to explore the narrow-cobbled streets and gabled houses of the Dutch capital at your leisure. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
2
Amsterdam
Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capitals, UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Dutch empire was once considered among the most influential in the world. Throughout the town, you’ll marvel as you explore the delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear, drinking hot mugs of mulled wine and indulging in their favourite festive foods.
3
Duesseldorf - Cologne
Today you will have the chance to visit Duesseldorf and it’s modern architectonic wonders. Afterwards we sail towards Cologne, where you’ll have the opportunity to wander the markets at your leisure, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.
4
Koblenz
Today, we’ll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets.
5
Mannheim (Heidelberg)
Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which overlooks the Rhine River and a red-roofed skyline. Some of the most successful painters of the Romantic era drew inspiration from Heidelberg Castle, including British artist William Turner, who depicted images of the ruins in several of his paintings. Afterwards, stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, touching on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany.
6
Kehl – Strasbourg
This morning, we will dock in Kehl, and you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, the historical centre of the city, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings, and charming canal system. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets to enjoy traditional Alsatian Christmas treats and to shop for presents and stocking-fillers.
7
Breisach
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Rhine town of Breisach. Entrenched between two countries, it’s also known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands on your way to the Hofgut Sternen complex located at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge. It was here that in 1770 Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI. As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll also have the chance to see the postcard-worthy Christmas market situated underneath the 40-metre-high Ravenna Viaduct. Be amazed by the magical aroma of Black Forest specialties and unique handcrafted regional products sold there.
8
Basel
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and your Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas with you.
Why Book
Why Book
  • Riviera Deck, Stateroom From £2,674pp
  • Vista Deck, Balcony suite from £3,657pp
  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Canal cruise
  • Walking tour of Duesseldorf with Christmas markets visit Cologne Christmas markets & beer experience
  • Orientation Walk of Koblenz with Christmas markets visit Guided tour of Heidelberg with Christmas markets visit
  • Guided tour of Strasbourg with Christmas markets visit
  • Guided tour of Breisach with Christmas markets visit
  • Guided visit to the Christmas market at Ravenna Viaduct
  • 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

Get in touch now to book this deal or make an enquiry

Background
Emerald Star
Overview

Discover the stunning European rivers with mesmerising views from your accommodation, the Sun Deck, The Terrace, and the Horizon Bar & Lounge.

Emerald Star
Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - Reflections Restaurant Emerald Star - The Terrace Emerald Star - The Terrace Emerald Star - The Terrace Emerald Star - The Terrace Emerald Star - Sky Barbecue Emerald Star - Healthy Dining
Food & Drink

Delectable dining on board our Star-Ships

Nothing beats sipping on your favourite drink at the Terrace as you watch the stunning scenery pass you by. Setting the benchmark in on board dining, the Reflections Restaurant is an elegant space to enjoy exquisite culinary experiences, imbued with continental flavours.

Explore the unique flavours of the regions you sail through

We believe that food should reflect local flavours, which is why our menus take inspiration from the regions we sail in. Our chefs source local ingredients, creating meals that capture authentic cuisine no matter where your journey takes you.

Entertainment

Relax and connect on board in the inviting social spaces

From the chilled and relaxed vibe of the Horizon Bar & Lounge to the open-air surrounds of the Sun Deck, you’ll find plenty of spaces on board to enjoy the company of new-found friends.

Emerald Star - Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema Emerald Star - Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema Emerald Star - Horizon Bar and Lounge Emerald Star - Horizon Bar and Lounge Emerald Star - Horizon Bar and Lounge Emerald Star - Horizon Bar and Lounge Emerald Star - Horizon Bar and Lounge Emerald Star - Sun Deck Emerald Star - Sun Deck Emerald Star - Sun Deck Emerald Star - Sun Deck Emerald Star - Sun Deck Emerald Star - Sun Deck Emerald Star - Reception Emerald Star - Reception Emerald Star - The Wheelhouse
Emerald Star - Pool Emerald Star - Pool Emerald Star - Pool Emerald Star - Pool Emerald Star - Fitness Area Emerald Star - Walking Track Emerald Star - Wellness Area Emerald Star - Hairdressers Emerald Star - Hairdressers
Health & Fitness

Discover Europe with EmeraldACTIVE

If you want to feed your body and mind during your cruise, we’ve got you covered with EmeraldACTIVE. During your Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Danube, or Douro cruise, our activity managers will be on hand to help you stay active during your voyage.

For mind, body & soul

Discover new ways to keep up your current fitness regime and wellbeing exercises, with fun activities, expert-led workout sessions, or a rejuvenating spa treatment^.

^Additional cost.

Terms & Conditions
Advertised offers are based on 2 adults sharing the lowest category stateroom/cabin/suite unless otherwise stated. Single supplements may apply. Offers are subject to availability and can change without any prior notice and may go up or down in price. Cruise Line campaign(s) and saving messages are strictly controlled by the Cruise Line(s) and are subject to change or be withdrawn without notice. Flight inclusive packages, where promoted, are based on the cheapest UK departure airport so please ask for further details. Advertised hotels, if any, are suggested however are changeable at a possible additional cost.  All prices and port itineraries are correct at the time of print but are subject to change by the Cruise Line(s) without prior notice. Hays Travel reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions in this brochure. Some ports of call may be tendered whereas vessels drop anchor a short distance away and use small boats to reach the shore. Full board to all-inclusive inclusions vary by the Cruise Line(s) and restrictions may apply. Some onboard facilities and items may incur a charge. Select destinations may require travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to be completed prior to travelling. Hays Travel LTD excepts no responsibility or compensation for any incomplete forms or declined entries from the respective country or countries that the individual(s) are visiting.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Emerald Star
16th Dec 26
7 Nights
From
£2,674PP
Terms of Business Privacy Notice Copyright © Hays Travel 2026
ABTA Payment Types