Exploring the French and German Christmas markets by river is a fabulous way to celebrate the magical, childhood essence of Christmas. There are so many amazing things to see that it is hard to know where to start: Christmas trees, gold-foil angels, nut crackers, ginger bread, roasted almonds and the legends of Saint Nicholas. Each day is just like unwrapping one beautiful present after another as you sail along the Rhine and soak up the authentic festive atmosphere in the traditional markets while also exploring the historic cities, picturesque towns and beautiful, wintry countryside that flank the Rhine River. 

Day One

Embarkation in Mainz. Boarding the Royal Crown in Mainz takes place in the early afternoon. There will be time to explore the ship and get settled in your suite or cabin before joining your Cruise Director for a welcome cocktail. Departing Mainz in the late afternoon you will enjoy a scenic evening cruise towards Worms while dinner is served on board.

Day Two

Worms and Speyer. This morning the Royal Crown docks in Worms, the City of the Nibelungs. During an optional guided walk you may set out on a journey through history, meeting kings and emperors, learning about the myths and legends related to the Nibelungs. Discover a magnificent Cathedral and follow the traces of Judaism and Martin Luther. Of course, you will also visit the charming Christmas market with its "living Nativity scene". During the course of the afternoon, the Royal Crown will arrive into Speyer. Founded by the Romans, it is one of Germany's oldest cities. Your optional walking tour through Speyer reveals a medieval town with a grand heritage and a compact historical centre dominated by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Festively decorated booths and surprises of all kinds await you at Speyer's magical Christmas market which is held in front of the Old Mint. Choirs and bands provide an entertaining musical programme while cultural contributions from towns twinned with Speyer include traditional arts and crafts as well as local culinary specialties.

Day Three

Strasbourg. Arriving into Strasbourg just after breakfast, disembark for an optional tour by coach and on foot. The city centre of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site is a buzzing network of small squares, narrow streets and palaces. Marvel at the cathedral or explore the historic tanner and mills quarters – referred to as La Petite France – with their magical 500-year-old half-timbered houses. There is also abundant time to visit the Christmas market. In its 431st year, this market is the oldest one in France. It is also one of the largest in the country, and the setting in front of the Cathedral is just breathtaking.

Day Four

Mannheim. This morning the Royal Crown stops at Mannheim, the starting point for today's optional excursion to Heidelberg. Every year, millions of visitors from all over the world are inspired by this youthful town that is steeped in history. With its red walled imposing Heidelberg Castle, Germany's oldest university, the old quarter, the market place and the River Neckar running through it, it is one of Germany’s most charming cities. Romantic and idyllic, cosmopolitan and dynamic – Heidelberg effortlessly combines the apparent opposites of myth and modernity. Heidelberg's Christmas market extends over five squares: Anatomiegarten, Bismarckplatz, Kornmarkt, Marktplatz and Universitätsplatz. It is great not only for its beautiful Christmas decorations but also for a leisurely stroll with stunning views. A wide array of crafts and tasty regional delicacies add to the Christmas spirit in this historic town. Alternatively you may choose to visit the Mannheim Christmas market on your own. Surrounded by an expansive Art Nouveau garden, it is a wonderful place to walk around getting ideas for Christmas presents and decorations.

Day Five

Arrive in Mainz this morning and spend some free time exploring this charming town. Departing from here in the late afternoon enjoy a scenic cruise towards Rüdesheim. Here, the Christmas market brings a distinctly festive feel to the romantic old quarter and its popular Drosselgasse, with 120 stalls, which represent Christmas traditions from all around the world. Back on board, you set sail towards Cologne while dinner is served.

Day 6

Today the Royal Crown enters the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. With its mighty castles and striking ruins, steep vineyards and pretty villages, it is the highlight of this cruise. The legend of the Lorelei Rock has provided the inspiration for artists and poets over the years. As you sail into the port you will see the breathtaking image of Cologne with its skyline dominated by the cathedral. You may wish to join an optional city tour today or explore the delightful Christmas markets on your own.

Day 7

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise, arriving into Koblenz at lunchtime. You may wish to join an optional walking tour. Fortress walls, castle towers and palaces are a nod to a turbulent past. Founded by the Romans, Koblenz is situated on the "German Corner", where the Rhine and Mosel rivers meet. Ehrenbreistein fortress and Stolzenfels castle form part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s traditional Christmas market is held in the Old Town, just minutes away from the main shopping area. Wooden stalls feature an extensive range of hand-made goods and Christmas decorations, as well as countless unusual seasonal gift ideas.

Day 8

Enjoy your final breakfast on board as the Royal Crown docks in Mainz. This marks the end of your cruise.

Royal Crown
Year 2011 Rates in US Dollars

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