A wonderful cruise along the beautiful Rhine, enjoying the fine hospitality of CroisiEurope, taking in some beautiful atmospheric Christmas markets along the way. Surround yourself in scents of mulled wine, cinnamon, hot chocolate and pretzels; sparkling lights and festive decorations; and stalls full of artisanal wares, tasty treats and fabulous gift ideas! Please note: For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, CroisiEurope reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise. *All drinks during meals and at the bar on Mona Lisa are included. Not included: Champagne, Perrier, wine from the wine list, drinks at overnight hotel or on excursions. Details and prices of optional excursions will be sent to you closer to the date of departure.
Day 1 We make our way to Dover for the short Channel crossing to Dunkirk. Once in France, we travel across Belgium and onto our overnight hotel (half board).
Day 2 After breakfast, we drive to Strasbourg, with suitable stops along the way, arriving early afternoon. For four centuries now, the emblematic ‘Christkindelsmärik’ has been working its magic in this beautiful city. Over 300 wooden chalets, spread around different squares in the city, invite you to make some mesmerising discoveries in a fairytale atmosphere! Late afternoon we board the MS Mona Lisa, there is a welcome cocktail before dinner on board.
Day 3 Spend the morning cruising to Speyer, where you could enjoy a free afternoon in the city or take an optional excursion to Heidelburg and its Christmas Market. After a guided tour of the old town, explore the enchanting market spread though three brightly decorated squares with an antique carousel and Winter Wonderland. Return onboard for dinner and evening entertainment.
Day 4 We cruise toward Rüdesheim, where you can explore the fabulous Christmas Market for the afternoon. The 120 wooden chalets display many artisanal objects, great gift ideas, amazing decorations and delicious culinary specialities! You could join the optional excursion and board the road train for a tour of the city and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet. This museum holds approximately 350 mechanical instrument exhibits from delicate music boxes to a gigantic piano-orchestrion. Return on board for dinner, but you could then return to the famous Drosselgasse to enjoy the festive ambience.
Day 5 We cruise through the beautiful Rhine Valley, where each twist and turn reveals another castle atop a peak above sprawling vineyards, and arrive in Koblenz after lunch. The ‘Koblenzer Weihnachts Markt’ is packed with fantastic stalls and wonderful festive food and drink, and set up across several squares in the picturesque old town. The optional excursion takes you up by funicular to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, for remarkable views across the city and some insight into this historic castle.
Day 6 We disembark in Cologne early morning and travel via the motorways to Dunkirk for our Channel crossing. We continue back to the local area.
Part of the CroisiEurope fleet of river cruisers, the MS Mona Lisa is an intimate-sized ship with just 47 cabins across two decks. The ensuite cabins have TV, hairdryer and safe. Facilities include lounge bar, comfortable restaurant (set menu) and sundeck. There is no lift and main deck cabins are accessed down stairs.
