Overview
RHINE CHRISTMAS MARKETS CRUISE
on The Scenic Jasper
Zurich to Amsterdam
December 15 to December 22, 2026
Talk about Christmas Treats! This cruise was too good a deal to pass up, so we grabbed some group space to share with you! This is the perfect way to spoil yourself this holiday season. Our special group prices include air, tours, drinks, gratuities and more. Fill out an info request form below or call us for more details and pricing- and don’t wait, availability is limited!
Embrace the magic of the festive season as you sail along the legendary Rhine River. Explore Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, the oldest market in France, which has been captivating visitors for more than 400 years.
Be enchanted by fairytale villages dusted with snow and lively squares decorated with twinkling lights and huge Christmas trees. You’ll also sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, visit Freiburg, the gateway to the Black Forest and enjoy an exclusive private concert in the grand Bruchsal Palace.
Throughout your journey, experience the enchantment of the magical traditions of Christmas, from the fragrant aroma of gluhwein and roasted chestnuts to bustling markets bursting with festive excitement.
Cruise Pricing starting from
$4,195* per person for Window Cabin or
$5,795* for Balcony Cabin
Contact us for more information:
*Ask us about FREE Airfare (up to $1,500 pp value!)
or choose
Cruise-only Savings, with rates starting from $4,195 pp (after $1,000 savings).
Final payment due 30 days after deposit.
Itinerary
Rhine Christmas Market Cruise – Zurich to Amsterdam – Scenic Jasper
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Day 1 Tues, 15 Dec – Zurich with transfer to Basel (D)
Welcome to Zurich, transfer to Basel where the crew of your Scenic Space-Ship will warmly greet you. Raise your glass to the marvelous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception.
Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:30 PM
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Day 2 Wed, 16 Dec – Breisach (B,L,D)
Take the morning to enjoy the luxuries of your Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps enjoy coffee in your suite, delivered by your personal butler, followed by breakfast in Crystal Dining.
You’ll arrive in Breisach, a charming town on the Rhine, this afternoon.
Scenic Freechoice:
Enjoy local festivities with the following Scenic Freechoice options:Guided tour of Colmar with Christmas Markets: Take a tour of Colmar, the cultural centre of the Alsace region. You’ll stroll medieval lanes lined with delightful Christmas markets and absorb the confluence of French and German architecture. After your tour, enjoy free time at the markets.
Guided tour of Freiburg Christmas with Markets: Located on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a picturesque city. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the 13th Century Freiburg Cathedral, which survived WWII bombings.
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Day 3 Thur, 17 Dec – Kehl/Strasbourg (B,L,D)
This morning you will wake up in the city of Kehl, the gateway to Strasbourg. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany, making it a unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture.
Join your local guide on a walking tour of Strasbourg. After your guided tour you have free time to explore the magical markets. Strasbourg has some of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe with the town squares and pedestrian zone coming alive with festive cheer.
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Day 4 Fri, 18 Dec -Mannheim (B,L,D)
You will arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Known as a ‘chessboard city’ for its methodical grid of streets, it is also the home of some of the world’s most brilliant engineering minds, including Carl Benz, founder of Mercedes-Benz.
Scenic Freechoice:
Today you can choose from a selection of Scenic Freechoice on offer:Orientation tour of Heidelberg: From Mannheim, you will transfer by coach to Heidelberg. Enjoy a brief walking tour of Heidelberg, including the old town, and then enjoy ample free time to explore on your own.
Historical tour of Heidelberg: As well as a guided tour of Heidelberg, this option includes a visit to Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Explore the courtyard, the balcony that offers an incredible view over the Old Town and view the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest Wine Barrel located in the castle’s Cellar.
Scenic Enrich
Private classical concert at Bruchsal Palace: Enjoy a private evening concert at Bruchsal Palace. Be greeted at the Palace with a welcome drink before witnessing the grandeur of the theatre room and taking in a fabulous classical concert. Your memorable performance will feature accomplished musicians and a soloist. -
Day 5 Sat, 19 Dec – Rüdesheim (B,L,D)
This morning you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards that have been cultivating wine for a staggering two millennia.
Take a mini- train from the pier to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where some 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th century play themselves for your enjoyment. You will have time to wander through this beautiful town before returning to your Scenic Space-Ship.
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Day 6 Sun, 20 Dec – Rüdesheim > Cologne (B,L,D)
At dawn, your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise the Rhine Gorge, one of the most picturesque regions on this journey. After sailing past spectacular vineyards and ancient castles, you’ll arrive in Cologne, known for its laidback lifestyle, auto industry and the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland.
Take the time to discover Cologne on a walking tour. Visit the city’s centrepiece and icon, Cologne Cathedral, and its magnificent Christmas Markets, where local vendeors sell delicious treats and decorations.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will depart after dinner, allowing you plenty of time to be immersed in the tastes and scents of Christmas.
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Day 7 Mon, 21 Dec – Düsseldorf (B,L,D)
Early this morning you’ll arrive in Düsseldorf. The city comes alive during the Christmas season with lively markets, festive music and the scent of mulled wine sweetening the air. The Old Town is brimming with festive revelers and the famed Konigsallee is lined with traditional market stalls.
Enjoy a walking tour of Düsseldorf with a local guide. Discover traditions of the festive season before free time to explore the city’s Christmas markets.
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Day 8 Tue, 22 Dec – Amsterdam (B)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your final port of Amsterdam to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.
Please book your flight to depart after 8:00 AM.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from what is stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
This is group space on Scenic Cruise Lines to be booked through The Vacation Artists, LLC.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to Scenic’s terms and conditions.
Terms and Conditions: A non-refundable initial deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of booking, with full payment required 90 days before departure. This offer is not combinable with any other offer. Offer available to residents of the 50 United States & Washington D.C. only. Offer may be extended, canceled, or withdrawn without notice. Pricing is correct at the time of print. Visit scenicusa.com/terms-and-conditions for complete terms and conditions.
^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost.
The Scenic Difference – Truly All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury Cruising
- Soak up the festive atmosphere in Europe during visits to the Christmas Markets along the Rhine River
- Discover Heidelberg Castle sitting above the wonderful city of Heidelberg
- 5-Star Scenic Space-Ship with up to 163 guests
- Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
- Exclusive Scenic Enrich experience with a private classical evening concert at the spectacular Bruchsal Palace – Exclusive to Scenic
- Personalize your trip with included Scenic Freechoice activities
- Enjoy a choice of up to five on board dining experiences, from casual to fine dining
- All meals included while on board
- Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day — not just at meal times
- Butler service for every suite
- Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
- Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
- Return airport transfers
- All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore
Testimonials
Many thanks to Linda for putting together our family’s wonderful first-time trip to Italy. She asked us the right questions and made thoughtful suggestions while building our itinerary. Linda was able to get a good feel for our family in order to determine the best tours and accommodations for us throughout our trip. We had specific accommodation requirements and Linda was able to find hotels that fulfilled our needs. Besides the fact that Linda is a pleasure to work with, her experience and attention to detail made our trip so smooth and enjoyable. Thank you, Linda!
My hubs and I were at a loss for where to Honeymoon. Ruth helped us decide and planned the entire trip flawlessly. We only had to pick a budget and what activities! Made it easy and fun! Thank u!!