Christmas on the Rhine

Get to know this delightful city steeped in equal parts French and German culture. Join your guide for a drive through the German Imperial District and the European Quarter, home to institutions such as the European Union and the Council of Europe. Pass remarkable Renaissance architecture en route to the city center for a walk through picturesque Petite France, the former Tanners’ District surrounded by the Ill River and crisscrossed by charming canals. Here, you will see the Old Customs House and the bridges with their defensive towers. In Cathedral Square, view the magnificently restored Strasbourg Cathedral. One of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals, it was the world’s tallest building from 1647 to 1874. Enjoy free time to admire the great Gothic rosette window, beautiful red sandstone portal and remarkable astronomical clock.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas at Europe’s oldest market, sampling mulled wine and delicious festive fare. Take a guided walk through the city’s medieval streets—home to the seat of the European Parliament. In the heart of the city, behold the magical setting of Strasbourg’s Christmas market. Colorful stalls displaying arts and handicrafts are surrounded by food merchants and vendors offering traditional treats. From Alsatian cheeses and meats to local Christmas beer and the cinnamon-hued scent of glühwein (spicy mulled wine), taste your way around. Pick up a gift or two for friends and family—perhaps a traditional gingerbread house. Later, see the landmark Gothic cathedral and tour the romantic Petite France, the city’s canal-laced Old Town lined with half-timbered houses. Here, enjoy a typical Alsatian meal of choucroute—a hearty, winter-warming dish of sausages and sauerkraut.

Discover Strasbourg’s mix of German and French culture during a scenic drive and canal boat ride. Journey through the Alsatian capital’s German Imperial District and the European Quarter, home to institutions such as the European Union and the Council of Europe. Pass remarkable Renaissance architecture en route to the city center, where you will board a boat for a relaxing journey through charming Petite France. Surrounded by the Ill River and crisscrossed by charming canals, the former tanner’s district is home to the Old Customs House and the bridges with their defensive towers. After disembarking in the old town, walk to Cathedral Square and view the magnificently restored Strasbourg Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals. Enjoy free time to admire the great Gothic rosette window, beautiful red sandstone portal and remarkable astronomical clock.

Explore a historic castle, discovering its Christmas traditions and walking through its storied rooms. Drive into the heart of Alsace to visit the medieval castle of Haut Koenigsbourg, a symbol of Alsatian heritage. Perched atop a rocky promontory, the castle guarded the Upper Rhine Plain until its destruction during the Thirty Years’ War and was later rebuilt in the 20th century. Upon arrival, approach the castle on foot and enter through its high gate before exploring with your guide. Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit through several displays and explore the lower courtyard, the blacksmith’s workshop and the mill, before ascending a spiral staircase to see the lord’s residence. In the arms room, discover a collection of pikes, halberds and crossbows. Finally, stroll through the medieval garden to see myriad plants which were used for decoration and cooking.

Discover the yuletide traditions of Gengenbach during a stroll through its Old Town and Christmas market. Meet your guide and set off on foot through medieval Gengenbach, passing through one of the historic city gates and walking along narrow, cobblestone alleyways. See the baroque-style Benedictine abbey and St. Mary’s Church, its impressive tower considered one of southern Germany’s finest, as well as the 18th-century Löwenberg Palace and the half-timbered Scheffel House. Enjoy free time to browse the Christmas market, where you can search for mementos or sip a cup of mulled wine and nibble on roasted almonds. Cap your tour at the Town Hall, each year it is transformed into the world’s largest Advent calendar house. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the season as you watch the daily opening of another calendar window on the building’s facade, then return to your ship.

Explore a historic cellar for a look into viticultural history before visiting Strasbourg’s Christmas Market. Meet your guide and set off for the Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg, a medieval hospital cellar. Descend into its cool cellar and discover how the patrons of the hospital would pay for their care with a part of their harvest. See the storerooms that once held grain and other goods and walk through the collection of oak-barreled wine, some of which date back to the 16th century. Among them is a barrel from 1472, believed to contain the oldest barreled white wine in the world. During your visit, you may taste a selection of wines from the cellar. Finally, return to Strasbourg’s streets and head to its renowned Christmas Market, which first operated in 1570. Here, you will have free time, perhaps sampling seasonal treats or browsing the stalls.