Christmas Rhine Cruise
This over-50s Christmas river cruise of the Rhine passes through Germany and France, exploring Cologne and Strasbourg. Enjoy a Frohe Weihnachten on this festive cruise along the Rhine! The fragrance of gingerbread and hot Glühwein, glittering decorations and the joyous sound of carol singers… Celebrate Christmas 2022 with traditional cheer during this magical cruise, which unites the stunning scenery of the Rhine with the festive traditions of Germany and France. Look forward to an included visit to the beautiful historic quarter of Strasbourg, which is nestled on an island and is a showcase of impressive architectural heritage, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and splendid Rohan Palace.
Spend Christmas Eve relaxing aboard Spirit of the Rhine as you sail from Strasbourg via Gemmersheim to Speyer, where you’ll have the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass. Enjoy the wintery scenery of the Middle Rhine on the morning of Christmas Day as your ship sails from Speyer to Rüdesheim, where you can spend the afternoon at leisure. A traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings will be served on board your ship. On Boxing Day you’ll arrive in the pretty town of Lahnstein, a new port of call for Saga River cruises, where you may like to visit spectacular Marksburg Castle.
Your Tour Includes
TRAVEL
VIP door-to-door travel service from anywhere on the UK mainland
Included travel insurance
Return coach travel via ferry
ACCOMMODATION
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
All gratuities on board
EXPERIENCES
Koblenz and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Heidelberg and its castle
Strasbourg's historic quarter
FOOD & DRINK
20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Drinks reception and Captain’s dinner
Day 1 UK - Cologne
Travel by coach from Folkestone to Cologne via Eurotunnel. Embark Spirit of the Rhine in Cologne and enjoy dinner on board as you cruise overnight to Koblenz.
Day 2 Koblenz
Arrive in Koblenz early this morning and after breakfast on board set off on an included excursion into the city.
Spend the afternoon and rest of the day relaxing on board as your ship cruises towards Mannheim.
Day 3 Mannheim
Early this morning you’ll arrive in the city of Mannheim, set beside the Rhine and Neckar rivers.
From here an included excursion takes you to the historic university city of Heidelberg.
Following your visit you’ll re-board Spirit of the Rhine and spend the afternoon on the water sailing towards Strasbourg.
Day 4 Strasbourg
Sail across the border into France early this morning, arriving in the capital of Alsace in time for breakfast on board and an included morning visit to the city’s historic quarter.
Return to your ship for lunch on board and in the afternoon you can either make use of our included shuttle service back into the city, or perhaps join an optional excursion to the beautiful wine-producing town of Obernai.
Your ships moors overnight in Strasbourg.
Day 5 Strasbourg - Gemmersheim - Speyer
Bid France a fond farewell this morning as you leave Strasbourg behind and enjoy a relaxing day sailing along the Rhine to Gemmersheim, arriving late this afternoon.
Continue sailing to Speyer in the early evening, arriving later in the evening. Time permitting, you can attend Midnight Mass and experience the festive traditions of Germany.
Day 6 Speyer - Rudesheim
Spend a peaceful Christmas morning cruising the beautiful Middle Rhine. Then, after lunch, you're free to explore the charming town of Rüdesheim. Perhaps join an optional trip to Siegfried's Museum of Mechanical Music.
Look forward to a traditional Christmas dinner on board.
Day 7 Rudesheim - Lahnstein
Depart Rüdesheim this morning and sail to Lahnstein, arriving at lunchtime.
From here you can join an optional excursion to Marksburg Castle, an imposing medieval fortress set atop a hill further along the river.
This evening, Spirit of the Rhine will continue sailing towards Cologne through the night.
Day 8 Cologne - UK
Disembark Spirit of the Rhine and travel by coach to the UK via Eurotunnel.
