Christmas Markets of the River Rhine (International Airfare Included)

Speyer is a city of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, located beside the river Rhine. Founded by the Romans, it is one of Germany's oldest cities. Speyer is dominated by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Speyer Cathedral, a number of churches and the Altpörtel (old gate). In the cathedral, beneath the high altar, are the tombs of eight Holy Roman emperors and German kings.

Strasbourg is a world heritage UNESCO site, located close to the border with Germany, and provides the perfect base to explore the surrounding Alsace wine region. The city exudes charm, and has a rich and fascinating story to tell. Having been in German hands for some eight centuries, there is still a strong influence on everyday culture, ever-present in the local Alsace dialect, medieval architecture, hearty cuisine and colourful place names. The heart of the old city lies within the arms of the River Ill, forming a small island. It’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, around which the city has grown, dominates the centre and should be the first stop for visitors to the city. The medieval past is most strongly felt along the winding cobbled streets of the "Petite France" area, where tanners and weavers once resided.

Kehl is a town in southwestern Germany in the Ortenaukreis, Baden-Württemberg. It is located on the river Rhine, directly opposite the French city of Strasbourg. In 1338 the first permanent bridge between Kehl and Strasbourg was completed. In 1678 the city was taken over by France, as it was considered to be part of the defence system of Strasbourg. Hence the village was transformed into a fortress in 1683 by the French architect Vauban. Over the centuries to follow, and often dictated by war times, Kehl has sporadically shifted between French and German rule.

Mainz is the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany. In antiquity Mainz was a Roman fort city which commanded the west bank of the Rhine and formed part of the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire; it was founded as a military post by the Romans in the late 1st century BC. The city is located on the river Rhine across from Wiesbaden, in the western part of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main; in the modern age, Frankfurt shares much of its regional importance. The city is famous as the home of the invention of the movable-type printing press, as the first books printed using movable type were manufactured in Mainz by Gutenberg in the early 1450s.

Cologne is surprisingly one of the most visited cities in Europe. For those in the know, Cologne is at once a Romanesque city of great historical beauty, a modern vibrant metropolis and a European centre for Modern Art. One of the largest Gothic structures in existence, the majestic Dom, the city's overseer and talisman that took over 600 years to complete. The city also houses some of the most splendid Romanesque churches anywhere. Much thought was given to the large parts of the city which were rebuilt following World War Two Cologne, resulting in spacious areas full of squares and marketplaces, and well served with greenery on its periphery.

Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle and surrounded by four low mountain ranges is the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz. The city has an abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings, as well as cozy lanes and narrow alleyways, squares and river promenades.

Rudesheim is a winemaking town in the Rhine Gorge a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town belongs to the Frankfurt Rhine Main Region and is Germany’s biggest tourist attraction. Only Cologne Cathedral draws more tourists from other countries. Making the town worth visiting is, not only the excellent wine – the Rüdesheimer Berg is among Germany’s best winegrowing areas – or even the Old Town itself, but also the picturesque Rheingau landscape together with the romantic Rhine.

You'll disembark from your ship this morning, and bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

Upon disembarkation, a shuttle will transfer you to the airport for your outbound flight.

Roundtrip airfare is included in your cruise package.