Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle

  • From AU$6,195
  • |
  • 12 Days
  • |
  • 10 Guided Tours
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  • 4 Countries

Speyer, Germany

  • Carousel with Speyer Clock Tower Backdrop

Speyer’s Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. With the historic Old Gate as a stunning backdrop, market stalls are brimming with yuletide treats, serving Christmas cookies and steaming mugs of aromatic glühwein. Skaters don their woolen hats and gloves, and take to the ice for some festive fun, while visitors browse for unique handmade gifts. The holiday atmosphere continues into January, bringing the opportunity for New Year merrymakers to enjoy the festivities and sample regional specialties, such as potato soup and yeast dumplings.

Mannheim, Germany

Mannheim’s Christmas market is a holiday season shopping extravaganza, centered around the city’s iconic water tower. One of Germany’s oldest and largest markets, more than 160 booths host vendors from around the world, offering handicrafts and handmade items. Beautiful glassware, and carved wooden toys and games, sit alongside Christmas lanterns, colorful baubles and ornaments, all of which are presented in quaint wooden houses. Luxurious cashmere scarves, sheepskin mittens and felt hats are the ideal purchase to take home as gifts for friends and family.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Historic cathedral in European town square

Speyer Walking Tour

Enjoy a fascinating stroll through Speyer, home to the largest of the three Romanesque imperial cathedrals.

Included
Historic cathedral in European town square

Speyer Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours      

Explore Speyer’s Profound History and Magnificent Architecture

Enjoy a fascinating stroll through Speyer, home to the largest of the three Romanesque imperial cathedrals. It is believed that the Protestants earned their name here in 1529 after citizens and royalty drafted the “Protestation at Speyer,” proclaiming their right to practice Christianity as they please. In 1689, Louis XIV’s troops plundered Speyer and left it in ruins; over many decades, it was artfully rebuilt. During your walk, you will marvel at the exterior of the red sandstone cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eight emperors are entombed here, including some of the most notable Holy Roman Emperors. Reconstructed after Louis XIV’s invasion, its six towers dominate the skyline. Pass the Jewish courtyard, once home to one of the most important medieval synagogues, and Speyer’s Altpörtel, or Old Gate, the last remains of the town’s fortifications. There will also be time to stroll the city’s charming, shop-lined main thoroughfare.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Illuminated Christmas Market by Historic Tower

Mannheim Christmas Market On Your Own

Immerse yourself in the spirt of the season during a self-guided exploration of Mannheim’s Christmas market.

Included
Illuminated Christmas Market by Historic Tower

Mannheim Christmas Market On Your Own

Duration: 3 hours      

Self-Guide Exploration of Yuletide Tradition

Immerse yourself in the spirt of the season during a self-guided exploration of Mannheim’s Christmas market. Late this afternoon, transfer by shuttle to the market; set in front of the city’s iconic Wasserturm (“Water Tower”), it is a festive highlight in Baden-Württemberg and one of oldest of its kind in Germany. Upon arrival, set out to stroll its more than 200 festively decorated yuletide stalls offering traditional German Christmas goods, handmade crafts and delicious treats at your own pace. Enjoy time to browse for unique gifts as you relish in the inviting aromas and cheerful sounds that permeate this enchanting atmosphere. You may also choose to enjoy a variety of attractions, perhaps taking a ride on the vintage, 130-year-old carousel. When you are ready, make use of the hourly shuttle service and return to your awaiting ship.

* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Festive Christmas market with glowing carousel

Heidelberg, Martin Luther’s Worms & Christmas Market

Explore two of Germany’s most historic cities, Heidelberg and Worms, and visit a festive Christmas market.
Festive Christmas market with glowing carousel

Heidelberg, Martin Luther’s Worms & Christmas Market

Duration: 9 hours      

Medieval Cities and Yuletide Cheer

Explore two of Germany’s most historic cities, Heidelberg and Worms, and visit a festive Christmas market. Drive with your guide to Worms, where 2,000 years of history encompass emperors, kings, Nibelung legends, Jewish history and the edict that declared Martin Luther a heretic for his religious beliefs. A city tour reveals the major highlights of First Kingdom of Burgundy’s former capital. You will stop to explore the Imperial Worms Cathedral, one of Germany’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. After, head to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany. During your stay, stroll the charming streets of the baroque-style Old Town, browse the stalls at a lively Christmas market and visit the Heidelberg Castle, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance. The romantic, red sandstone structure began as a royal residence and was later enhanced by a palace and fortress.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.