Kick off the season amid Europe’s holiday markets during a river cruise along the Rhine River. Stay two days in charming Interlaken in the Swiss Alps, then spend seven nights sailing through France and Germany, discovering Christkindlmarkts in historic towns from Strasbourg to Cologne.
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Holiday Markets: A Rhine River Cruise
Featuring a Stay in the Swiss Alps
11 days from $3,990
Kick off the season amid Europe’s holiday markets during a river cruise along the Rhine River. Stay two days in charming Interlaken in the Swiss Alps, then spend seven nights sailing through France and Germany, discovering Christkindlmarkts in historic towns from Strasbourg to Cologne.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE
brochureWHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Valerie, N.The Christmas markets along the Rhine are magical. Each one has a different look and feel, a different version of gluhwein and schokolade, different crafts and ornaments and sweets, different fragrances and atmospheres. The holiday lights and decorations make one feel the wonder of the season, like being a child again. I would happily repeat this tour to refresh my holiday spirit.
- Charles M.The Holiday Markets tour is a magical way to see Germany, Luxembourg, and Paris as the cities and people wonderfully display the joy of the season!
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
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Victoria Jungfrau Hotel
Interlaken, Switzerland
Located in the heart of Interlaken, the deluxe Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is evocative of the days of Europe’s Belle Epoch. For more than 150 years this gracious Grand Hotel has maintained its position as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Guest rooms are bright, airy and welcoming with all of the comfort and amenities one expects in a five-star hotel. You’ll enjoy three dining options and a comfortable full-service bar. The Victoria Jungfrau makes a perfect base while exploring Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland. The entire hotel is smoke-free and WiFi is complimentary.
Expectations: River cruise that docks at each port for disembarkation. Morning, afternoon, or full-day excursions at a moderate pace. Ship gangway can have steep incline depending on docking location and water levels. Standing and walking for long periods of time during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities, including holiday markets. Walking over sometimes difficult terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, absence of elevators). Winter conditions likely with colder temperatures, snow, and wind always possible. Travelers may encounter cold weather, icy and/or snowy streets, walkways, and steps, requiring more effort and time. Some longer walks to get to city centers where coaches are prohibited. Choice of excursions with varying activity expectations offered on some days. A winter hat and warm clothing that can be layered, comfortable sneakers or walking shoes or boots with a good tread, with warm socks are recommended.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).
Optional Pre and Post-Cruise Extensions - (2024) Berlin or (2025) Mainz, Germany
Overview
(2024) Berlin: The capital of Germany is a must-see travel destination, especially when it comes to the advent season when the city turns into a real-life Christmas-fairy-tale. There are about 80 Christmas markets spread out all over the city to explore while enjoying sweet treats and classic mulled wine. Charlottenburg Palace is a magical experience where you can discover seasonal crafts and wintertime treats, including the ubiquitous roasted chestnuts. Believed to be the most beautiful square in Berlin, the Gendarmenmarkt is particularly exciting during the holiday season. Browse as craftsmen carve intricate traditional wooden gifts and create sparkling Christmas tree ornaments. It is also a popular spot for artists to gather and display their work. Expect everything from jugglers and fire-eaters, to a variety of musical performers.
Please note that optional extensions are at additional cost to the traveler with program features as outlined in the itinerary.
Accommodations
The upscale Intercontinental Hotel Berlin sits next to leafy Tiergarten Park and a pleasant walk to the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Relax in a bright, elegantly appointed guest room featuring all the modern amenities, take a refreshing swim in the inviting indoor pool or indulge yourself with a treatment in Spa Intercontinental. After a full day of touring, enjoy cocktails in the Marlene Bar and experience fine dining in a chic 14th-floor restaurant that offers splendid panoramic city views. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
Number of Nights: 3
Itinerary
Optional Pre-cruise Extension
(Extension date: November 30–December 4, 2024*) prior to our December 3-13, 2024 program.
*date includes departure/overnight transatlantic flight from US.
Day 1 & 2 - U.S. Gateway Cities / Berlin
Depart the U.S. on your evening transatlantic flight for Berlin, Germany. Upon arrival at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport, clear brief immigration and customs formalities. You’ll be met and assisted with transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel Berlin where accommodations have been reserved. After settling in, join your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director for a short walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding the hotel. The balance of the day is free so you can explore on your own.
Day 3 – Berlin
Breakfast will be served each morning of your stay in the hotel. See the main sights of this fascinating city on an East/West tour including Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, the Alexanderplatz, the Kliniker Brücke, and much more. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to discover the local Christmas Markets or one of Berlin’s remarkable museums. (B)
Day 4 - Berlin
The entire day is at leisure for independent exploring. Your Smithsonian Travel Director will be available at the hospitality desk for suggestions on special events, points of interest, restaurants, and dining reservations. (B)
Day 5 - Berlin / Dusseldorf
This morning, depart the hotel and transfer to Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof (Central Rail Station) for the ICE high-speed train to Dusseldorf. On arrival, transfer to the ship at the dock in the Rhine River. (B)
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Optional Post-cruise Extension
(Extension date: December 12-15, 2024) at the conclusion of our December 2-12, 2024 program.
(Extension date: December 18-21, 2024) at the conclusion of our December 8-18, 2024 program.
Day 1 – Dusseldorf / Berlin
Breakfast will be served onboard ship. Afterward, disembark the ship and depart Dusseldorf via the ICE high-speed train to Berlin. On arrival at the rail station in Berlin, you’ll be met and assisted with transfer via motor coach to the Intercontinental Hotel Berlin where accommodations are reserved. After settling in, join your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director for a short walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding the hotel. The balance of the day is free so you can explore on your own.
Day 2 – Berlin
Breakfast will be served each morning of your stay in the hotel. See the main sights of this fascinating city on an East/West panoramic tour including Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, the Alexanderplatz, the Kliniker Brücke, and much more. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to discover the many local Christmas Markets or one of Berlin’s remarkable museums. (B)
Day 3 - Berlin
The entire day is at leisure for independent exploring. Your Smithsonian Travel Director will be available at the hospitality desk for suggestions on special events, points of interest, restaurants, and dining reservations. (B)
Day 4 – Berlin
This morning, depart the hotel and transfer to Berlin’s International Airport for the return flight to the U.S. (B)
Please note that the itineraries associated with this program may change due to operational or navigational considerations.
Overview
(2025) Mainz: Located in the heart of the Rhine wine region, Mainz has been an important cultural center for thousands of years. Every winter, the city transforms itself into a cozy winter wonderland with one of Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets. The 10th-century Cathedral of St. Martin becomes a dramatic backdrop for vendors selling handmade crafts, as well as candied almonds, chestnuts and mulled wine. Smaller WinterZeit markets dot the city, and concerts and traditional stage productions of fairy tales play regularly during the yuletide season. You’ll also enjoy day trips to Wiesbaden and a stop in Bonn, birthplace of Beethoven.
Please note that optional extensions are at additional cost to the traveler with program features as outlined in the itinerary. Since the printing of our Spring 2024 River Cruising catalog, Mainz replaces Berlin for all 2025 optional pre or post cruise extension dates.
Accommodations
Set in the very heart of the city, overlooking the Rhine River, the Hilton Mainz is close by to the Congress Centrum Mainz, and just one block from the historic Old Town area. Unwind in your spacious and modern guest room with a large bath, work area and complimentary coffee/tea service as well as WiFi. Restaurant Weinstube, serves international and local favorites in a welcoming atmosphere. There is a fitness center on site.
Number of Nights: 3
Optional Pre-cruise Extension
(Extension date: November 25-29, 2025*) prior to our November 28-December 8, 2025 program.
*date includes departure/overnight transatlantic flight from the US to Frankfurt, Germany.
Day 1 & 2 - U.S. Gateway Cities / Frankfurt / Mainz
Depart the U.S. on your evening transatlantic flight for Frankfurt, Germany. Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, clear brief immigration and customs formalities. You’ll be met and assisted with the short transfer to the Mainz. Check in to the Hilton Mainz. The balance of the day is free so you can explore on your own.
Day 3 – Mainz
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel take a short walk to the Old City of Mainz where you’ll explore the area further on a narrated walking tour. Mainz is brimming with centuries old buildings, charming cobblestone streets and a vibrant cultural scene. Spend time at the city’s dazzling Christmas Market and marvel at the towering Christmas tree in the market center. (B)
Day 4 – Mainz / Wiesbaden
Travel across the Rhine river to Wiesbaden, a city continuously inhabited since Roman times. Enjoy a narrated tour of the old city with time to explore in the Christmas market set on the Schlossplatz, where you can view the city palace, the market church and the new and old town hall. Enjoy a late afternoon and evening at leisure back at the hotel. (B)
Day 5 – Mainz / Bonn / Dusseldorf
This morning enjoy breakfast then check out of your hotel. Depart by deluxe motorcoach to begin your journey to Dusseldorf. On the way to the ship stop in Bonn, birthplace of Beethoven. See the Bonn Minster, one of Germany’s oldest churches and spend time in the city’s delightful Christmas market. Gather for lunch at a local restaurant then continue on to Dusseldorf in the late afternoon. Arrive at the ship where you will embark and join the main program. (B,L)
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Optional Post-cruise Extension
(Extension date: December 13-16, 2025) at the conclusion of our December 3-13, 2025 program.
(Extension date: December 20-23, 2025) at the conclusion of our December 10-20, 2025 program
Day 1 –Dusseldorf / Bonn / Main
This morning say farewell to the ship and depart by deluxe motorcoach to begin your journey to Mainz. On the way stop in Bonn, birthplace of Beethoven. See the Bonn Minster, one of Germany’s oldest churches and spend time in the city’s delightful Christmas market. Gather for lunch at a local restaurant then continue on to Mainz in the late afternoon. Check in to the Hilton Mainz. The balance of the day is free so you can explore on your own. (B,L)
Day 2 – Mainz
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel take a short walk to the Old City of Mainz where you’ll explore further on a narrated walking tour. Mainz is brimming with centuries old buildings, charming cobblestone streets and a vibrant cultural scene. Spend time at the city’s dazzling Christmas Market and marvel at the towering Christmas tree in the market center. (B)
Day 3 – Mainz / Wiesbaden
Travel across the Rhine river to Wiesbaden, a city continuously inhabited since Roman times. Enjoy a narrated tour of the old city with time to explore in the Christmas market, set on the Schlossplatz, where you can view the city palace, the market church and the new and old town hall. Enjoy a late afternoon and evening at leisure back at the hotel (B)
Day 4 - Mainz / Frankfurt Airport/ U.S. Gateway Cities
This morning, depart the hotel and transfer to Frankfurt Airport for the return flight to the U.S. (B)
FlexAir is designed to provide you with the flexibility and choice you need to personalize your air travel experience. Explore a wide range of flight options in consultation with our experienced travel professionals to select the flights, routing, class of service, and dates of travel that most fit your needs. Our partner tour operator has negotiated contracts with a wide variety of carriers that allow them to hold flight reservations and then issue your ticket close to departure without additional fees. This protects you from the need to purchase published-fare tickets, which must be ticketed within 24 hours of purchase. FlexAir reservations provide the flexibility to adjust reservations without penalty and to accommodate extensions and upgrades right up until ticketing time, usually around 60 days before departure. We look forward to providing you with more choice and the best possible itinerary for your air travel plans.
Program Includes:
- Guaranteed transfers between the airport and your overseas accommodations upon arrival and departure (in most cases). We will provide you with all of the details you need to guarantee your transfer.
- Air schedule change and delay assistance. Book FlexAir to ensure assistance should schedule changes or delays impact your air travel plans.
- Flight insurance worth up to $250,000, subject to policy terms, is automatically included.
- Confirmed airline seat assignments at the time of booking (in most cases).
Guidance on water levels and itinerary modifications
Your ship is designed with state-of-the-art flexibility in navigating rivers. On rare occasions, river cruising is subject to challenges due to unannounced river lock maintenance and/or weather-related increases or decreases in river depth. Extreme conditions may render a portion of a river itinerary unnavigable.
Should your river cruise be affected:
- You will receive a revised schedule outlining any changes prior to your departure either by regular mail or email.
- Any additional transportation, hotel accommodations, meals or special events, as a result, changes to the published itinerary will not increase the price of your trip.
- All ports of call and trip highlights contained in your original itinerary will be included in your revised schedule. Under these extreme circumstances, additional motor coach travel, ship changes and/or hotel nights may be required to ensure participants experience the trip safely and as advertised.
Amadeus Silver III
One of the bright stars in the Amadeus fleet of luxury river ships the Amadeus Silver III features a total of 72 staterooms and 12 luxurious suites. Suites feature walk-out balconies, corner sofas and walk-in closets. A majority of the other staterooms feature automatically lowerable panorama windows, offering a spectacular view of the passing river landscapes. All guest rooms feature modern and spacious bathrooms, in-room safes, spacious wardrobe areas, flat screen televisions, telephone, safe, minibar and air conditioning which can be individually regulated. The River Terrace invites you to relax outdoors, while offering a breathtaking view of your surroundings. Dine on European seasonal specialties accompanied by regional wines at lunch and dinner. Relax in the Panorama Lounge or the more intimate Amadeus Club and take in the passing landscape while enjoying a light refreshment. There is a spacious sundeck, fitness center and a spa offering massage services. Wi-Fi service is provided and is complimentary.
Amadeus Star
Joining the fleet in 2019, The Amadeus Star retains the design essence found throughout the Amadeus fleet. Spacious personal accommodations, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in every cabin, and superior service from our knowledgeable and attentive crew.
Settle into the quiet luxury of your cabin where you can enjoy state-of-the-art infotainment or host a private party in the spacious sitting area in every suite. When the sun lowers in the Western skies, slip into your favorite evening clothes and wander into the elegant wine bar. Soft voices fill the air as new friends gather to enjoy a four-course dinner as the Amadeus Star’s attentive staff anticipates your every request.
Amadeus Imperial
The stylish 82-cabin MS Amadeus Imperial, evocative of a grand European hotel, debuted in 2020 as the newest flagship in the innovative Amadeus fleet. Travelers can relax on the River Terrace, or gather in the Amadeus-Club or Panorama-Bar for entertainment. Savor European specialties at the restaurant’s breakfast and luncheon buffets. Dinner menus offer regional cuisine, and local wines complement both lunch and dinner. All guest rooms feature modern and spacious bathrooms, in-room safes, spacious wardrobe areas, flat screen televisions, telephone, safe, minibar and air conditioning which can be individually regulated. Shipboard amenities include a sun deck, fitness center and massage room. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Amadeus Silver III
One of the bright stars in the Amadeus fleet of luxury river ships the Amadeus Silver III features a total of 72 staterooms and 12 luxurious suites. Suites feature walk-out balconies, corner sofas and walk-in closets. A majority of the other staterooms feature automatically lowerable panorama windows, offering a spectacular view of the passing river landscapes. All guest rooms feature modern and spacious bathrooms, in-room safes, spacious wardrobe areas, flat screen televisions, telephone, safe, minibar and air conditioning which can be individually regulated. The River Terrace invites you to relax outdoors, while offering a breathtaking view of your surroundings. Dine on European seasonal specialties accompanied by regional wines at lunch and dinner. Relax in the Panorama Lounge or the more intimate Amadeus Club and take in the passing landscape while enjoying a light refreshment. There is a spacious sundeck, fitness center and a spa offering massage services. Wi-Fi service is provided and is complimentary.
Amadeus Star
Joining the fleet in 2019, The Amadeus Star retains the design essence found throughout the Amadeus fleet. Spacious personal accommodations, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in every cabin, and superior service from our knowledgeable and attentive crew.
Settle into the quiet luxury of your cabin where you can enjoy state-of-the-art infotainment or host a private party in the spacious sitting area in every suite. When the sun lowers in the Western skies, slip into your favorite evening clothes and wander into the elegant wine bar. Soft voices fill the air as new friends gather to enjoy a four-course dinner as the Amadeus Star’s attentive staff anticipates your every request.
Amadeus Imperial
The stylish 82-cabin MS Amadeus Imperial, evocative of a grand European hotel, debuted in 2020 as the newest flagship in the innovative Amadeus fleet. Travelers can relax on the River Terrace, or gather in the Amadeus-Club or Panorama-Bar for entertainment. Savor European specialties at the restaurant’s breakfast and luncheon buffets. Dinner menus offer regional cuisine, and local wines complement both lunch and dinner. All guest rooms feature modern and spacious bathrooms, in-room safes, spacious wardrobe areas, flat screen televisions, telephone, safe, minibar and air conditioning which can be individually regulated. Shipboard amenities include a sun deck, fitness center and massage room. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Valerie, N.The Christmas markets along the Rhine are magical. Each one has a different look and feel, a different version of gluhwein and schokolade, different crafts and ornaments and sweets, different fragrances and atmospheres. The holiday lights and decorations make one feel the wonder of the season, like being a child again. I would happily repeat this tour to refresh my holiday spirit.
- Charles M.The Holiday Markets tour is a magical way to see Germany, Luxembourg, and Paris as the cities and people wonderfully display the joy of the season!
Highly Recommended
Also Recommended
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For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.
In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.
To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.
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