Christmas on the Rhine

Discover Freiburg, the city known for its medieval old town and enchanting Christmas markets. Admire the scenery on a panoramic drive to the city, situated on the southern edge of the Black Forest, followed by a stroll through the historic center. Follow your guide as you learn the history of Freiburg and the Christmas traditions of the past and today. A highlight of your walk is the medieval Freiburg Münster, dating back to the 13th century. Located in the heart of the Old Town, the Gothic-style cathedral has more than 90 gargoyles guarding it. Pause and admire the detailed figures dotted around the stunning landmark. Visit the Christmas market in the city’s main square and delight in the bright lights and decked-out stalls of this festive setting. Enjoy an organ recital before returning to your ship.

Experience the historic charms of Colmar and Riquewihr, and their colorful Christmas markets. The small towns in the Alsace region of France are known for their quaint cobblestoned streets, half-timbered houses and beautiful canals. Meet your guide and travel by motor coach to Colmar for a guided walking tour of its historic center. Admire the early Renaissance buildings, picturesque alleys and the Gothic architecture of St. Martin's Church. Afterward, you will enjoy free time to explore the delightful Christmas market stalls. You will rejoin your guide for lunch at a local restaurant where you will savor authentic Alsatian cuisine, an interesting infusion of French and German fare. Continue to the nearby town of Riquewihr, home to vibrant shops and a quaint Christmas market. Enjoy time at your leisure to browse the stalls and sample local delicacies if you wish.

Explore the charming town of Staufen and sample the wares of a renowned schnapps distillery. Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, Staufen is known for its association with Faust, the protagonist of the famous German legend. Join your guide on a stroll through the Old Town, its cobblestone streets lined with many examples of colorful 16th-century architecture. Learn about the town’s history and Faust’s bargain with the devil. Admire views of the ruins of medieval Stauf Castle, set high on a terraced hilltop. Cap your tour at the Schladerer distillery, a family-run business that has been practicing their craft for nearly two centuries. Gain insight into their innovative production process and enjoy a few samples of their delicious schnapps, a clear brandy distilled with fruit. Afterward, discover more of Staufen on your own, before returning to your ship.

Explore the charming town of Staufen and sample the wares of an organic winery. Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, Staufen is known for its association with Faust, the protagonist of the famous German legend. Join your guide on a stroll through the Old Town, its cobblestone streets lined with many examples of colorful 16th-century architecture. Learn about the town’s history and Faust’s bargain with the devil. Admire views of the ruins of medieval Stauf Castle, set high on a terraced hilltop. Enjoy free time to further explore Staufen, then transfer to the small town of Ebringen for a visit to the Missbach winery, family-owned since 1758. Learn about the production methods and the winery’s pioneering role in producing organic wines, then head to the rustic cellar for a tasting of several different wines. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Visit the Colmar Pocket, where Allied forces pushed back Nazi troops during the brutal winter of 1944–1945. US forces fought alongside the French Army to overthrow the German occupation of this key region. The charming French countryside provided the backdrop for three months of fighting, until the Allied armies forced the German retreat. Travel with your guide to the Colmar Pocket Memorial Museum, where artifacts provide personal context to those difficult months. Stop at the US War Memorial on Mt. Sigolsheim to pay homage to those who laid down their lives to free France. You will also drive to Ostheim, the first village liberated in the campaign, and cross the Maison Rouge Bridge, following in the footsteps of US forces who freed the French village of Holtzwihr. At the Audie Murphy Memorial, honor one US soldier’s heroic stand that changed the course of this pivotal campaign.

Discover the seasonal charm and cultural practices of Germany’s Schwartzwald, the fabled Black Forest. Travel through the scenic winter landscape of southwestern Germany to the Black Forest. Upon arrival, walk through the woods to Hofgut Sternen Hotel, where you will be greeted with a mug of mulled wine. Here, join a local chef to prepare traditional Swabian maultaschen, a meat-filled dumpling, before enjoying a lunch of local dishes. Then, discover the inner workings of the iconic cuckoo clock during a demonstration. After, have free time explore on your own or join an optional walk to the Ravena Viaduct, a feat of engineering. Attend another cooking class, this time focusing on the the Black Forest’s renowned cake, followed by the classic tradition of kaffe und kuchen. Finally, transfer to Freiburg to explore its festive Christmas market before returning to your ship.