Christmas Markets Cruise on the Romantic Rhine

December 6, 2026 thru December 15, 2026

We embark on a magical journey through the heart of Europe on our Christmas Markets Cruise along the Romantic Rhine, where twinkling lights, festive music, and old-world charm fill the air. From our overnight flight to Switzerland, we begin with a pre-stay in Zurich before boarding our luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel. Each day brings the joy of exploring fairy-tale towns like Breisach, Strasbourg, and Heidelberg, where guided tours and scenic drives lead us to festive Christmas markets brimming with handcrafted treasures. We wander medieval streets in Koblenz and soak in the views while cruising through the legendary Rhine Gorge, stopping to marvel at the Lorelei Rock. In Cologne, the aroma of Glühwein fills the air as we stroll among seven themed Christmas markets. We wrap up our festive adventure with a canal cruise through Amsterdam’s glittering waterways before bidding farewell, filled with holiday cheer and cherished memories.


Transportation

Roundtrip air transportation from ABQ

Transportation

Deluxe Motorcoach

Transportation

7 night cruise on the Rhine

Duration

10 days, 9 nights

Activity Level 3

Moderate

Meals

23 meals included (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners)

Availability

Available

Documents Required

Passport


Tour Highlights

  • Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Guided Tour of Breisach, Germany
  • Black Forest Highlands
  • Hofgut Sternen
  • Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct
  • Guided Tour of Strasbourg
  • Christkindelsmärik, one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets
  • Guided Tour of Heidelberg including Heidelberg Castle with wine tasting
  • Koblenz Walking Tour
  • Rhine Gorge
  • Ehrenbreitstein Fortress via aerial tram
  • Koblenz Christmas Markets
  • Cologne’s seven themed Christmas markets
  • Amsterdam canal tour t
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
  • Plus Much Much More!

Inclusions

  • Roundtrip air transportation ABQ to Zurich and Amsterdam – ABQ (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
  • All transfers
  • 7-night cruise with all meals on board
  • 1 nights lodging in Zurich
  • Baggage handling (for one piece)
  • 23 meals included (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners)
  • Shipboard gratuities (not including optional activities)
  • Government fees & air taxes
  • Your SUN TOURS escort (with 15 or more travelers)


Days 1 & 2– Depart the USA

Today we depart the USA for your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland. Upon arrival, we transfer to our pre-stay hotel, Hotel Krone Unterstrasse.

Day 3 - Embarkation in Basel, Switzerland

After a delicious breakfast, transfer to your awaiting motorcoach and journey to the town of Basel where your captain and crew await to welcome you aboard your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Enjoy time to become acquainted with your new accommodations, and this evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.

Meals Included: (B, D)

Day 4 – Breisach, Germany

Begin the day with a guided tour of Breisach, also know as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region.  This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands on your way to the Hofgut Sternen complex located at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge. This was the site where, in 1770, Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI.  During this holiday season, see the picture-perfect Christmas market situated underneath the 130’ high Ravenna Viaduct where unique handcrafted regional items await your perusal. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening.

Meals Included: (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Strasbourg, France

Upon arrival in Kehl (docking site for Strasbourg), travel by coach across the river to Strasbourg, Shop for unique treasures at the Christmas market in Heidelberg the capital city of the Alsace Region in France.  A local guide leads you on a walking tour through this picturesque town.  Stroll along the Grand Île and through the charming Old Quarter, ‘La Petit France’.  Admire the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river locks and its centerpiece, the Gothic cathedral.  Enjoy free time to visit the stalls of Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest in Europe, before returning to the ship.

Meals Included: (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Mannheim – Heidelberg, Germany

From the port of Mannheim, depart by coach for Heidelberg. Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes a wine tasting and a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Neckar River and a red-roofed skyline.  A stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town touches on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany, further enhancing your visit to this historic city. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening.

Meals Included: (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Koblenz

This morning, enroute to Koblenz, sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, where a landscape of castles and quaint towns awaits.  Don’t miss the infamous Lorelei rock and statue and other photo opportunities that abound around every bend. Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. During a walking tour of Koblenz, see the German Corner monument and traverse the cobblestone lanes of the historic city center.  A visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, crossing the river via aerial tram, is also included.  After the excursion, time to visit more than 100 glittering, festive, cottage-style stands filled with Lebkuchenherzen (traditional gingerbread hearts) and other special treats and handicrafts, all creating a magical European Christmas experience.

Meals Included: (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Cologne

Seven markets transform picturesque Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas season. Following a guided walking tour of the city, be sure to pay a visit to the shopping stalls around the Alter Markt, Neumarkt, Rudolfplatz and the UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, beneath which you’ll locate the Christmas tree. Decorated mugs hold steaming hot Glühwein, and local vendors sell handmade sweets and local delicacies at the Christmas market stalls.

Meals Included: (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Amsterdam, the Netherlands

In Amsterdam, board a glass-top canal boat for a morning tour along the UNESCO World Heritage canal system.  Pass historic merchant’s houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, as well as delightful Christmas market stalls. Meander through the Christmas market during your free time to pick up any last minute gifts or souvenirs!

Meals Included: (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Flight back to U.S.A.

It’s time to bid farewell to the Captain and crew and depart for Schiphol Airport as you say goodbye to Europe and return home with lifelong memories of your Christmas markets cruise along the Rhine River.

Meals Included: (B)

Itinerary subject to change.


Package Pricing

Category E - Riviera Deck per person

SOLD OUT!

Deposit: 20% holds your space!

Category D - Rivera Deck per person

SOLD OUT!

Deposit: 20% holds your space!

Category C - Vista Deck per person

SOLD OUT!

Deposit: 20% holds your space!

Category B - Vista Deck per person

SOLD OUT!

Deposit: 20% holds your space!

Category A - Horizon Deck per person

SOLD OUT!

Deposit: 20% holds your space!

Category S - Horizon Deck per person

SOLD OUT!

Deposit: 20% holds your space!

Category SA - Horizon Deck per person

SOLD OUT!

Deposit: 20% holds your space!

Call for single occupancy pricing

SOLD OUT!

Deposit: 20% holds your space!

Final Payment Due:

September 2, 2026

Deposit: N/A

Price Includes

Roundtrip air transportation ABQ to Zurich and Amsterdam - ABQ (not including baggage & in-flight charges)
All transfers
7-night cruise with all meals on board
1 nights lodging in Zurich
Baggage handling (for one piece)
23 meals included (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners)
Shipboard gratuities (not including optional activities)
Government fees & air taxes
Your SUN TOURS escort (with 15 or more travelers)


Booking Policy

**PASSPORT REQUIRED**

FINAL PAYMENT DUE: September 2, 2026

CANCELLATION FEES:

  • $400 – Now – September 2, 2026
  • 100% – After September 2, 2026

TRAVEL PROTECTION STARTS AT $714


ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING

Level 3: Moderate

Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking, 2-3 hours of walking each day. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures.

Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion without the use of a cane or walker mobility aid.

Visit our Activity Level Ratings page for full information on the ratings system.

ITINERARY

For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.

The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.

AIRLINE TICKETS

You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Sunport. If you have a frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.

If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we can make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.

AIRPORT SECURITY

Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A Driver’s License or Passport is preferred. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.

BAGGAGE

We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. Attached find a list regarding commonly asked about items as well as an update. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.

CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES

On our airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.

GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE

The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is not included. If you feel your Tour Director helped you enjoy your tour, we suggest you enclose a gratuity in an envelope and present it individually at the end of the tour. Simply as a guideline, one may consider a per person, per day gratuity of $8.00 per tour guide as an average to be modified by one’s own personal experience. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach/livery drivers. Maid tips are not included.

LODGING REQUESTS

If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.

Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.

TRAVEL REQUESTS

We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.

RESPONSIBILITY

Sun Tours acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS

Please be sure to bring warm clothing, a winter jacket, and a sweater along with good walking shoes and a hat. There are no dress codes for the areas we take you on this tour, but we recommend dressing nicely for dining.


Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!

If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.

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