Viking Cruises

Christmas on the Rhine & Main

Length: 10 nights
Region: Rhine & Main
Countries: Germany, France, Switzerland

This cruise runs from Nuremberg to Basel through Germany, France and Switzerland. Stops include Bamberg, Würzburg, Frankfurt, Baden-Baden and Strasbourg, with two days in Nuremberg and two in Basel.

Nuremberg · Bamberg · Würzburg · Marktheidenfeld · Frankfurt · Baden-Baden · Strasbourg · Breisach · Basel

Highlights

Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt
Nativity scene in Bamberg's Maximiliansplatz
Sailing the Main River through the Spessart

Day by day

Shown from Nuremberg to Basel. Direction and ports can vary by sailing.

Day 1
Nuremberg: boarding
Nuremberg, Germany
Board the ship in Nuremberg, home to one of the world's oldest Christmas markets, known for lebkuchen and Nuremberg bratwurst.
Day 2
Nuremberg: Old Town
Nuremberg, Germany
See the walled Old Town and the Imperial Castle, once a seat of power for German kings, then visit the Christkindlesmarkt.
Tours: Christmas in Nuremberg (included), Nuremberg & World War II
Day 3
Bamberg: Advent market
Bamberg, Germany
The market fills Maximiliansplatz, with a large Franconian nativity scene. Artisans show their crafts at Elisabeth Church.
Tours: Bamberg Walking Tour & Festive Market (included), Franconian Beer Culture
Day 4
Würzburg: Residenz and Advent market
Würzburg, Germany
Tour the Bishops' Residenz, then visit the Advent market beside the Falkenhaus and Marienkapelle, with local food and working artisans.
Tours: Würzburg Residence & Christmas Market (included), Festive Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Day 5
Marktheidenfeld and the Main River
Marktheidenfeld, Germany
Visit the Marktplatz market, set among half-timbered homes near a medieval bridge over the Main, and see nearby Lohr am Main.
Tours: Marktheidenfeld & Lohr am Main (included)
Day 6
Frankfurt: Christmas market
Frankfurt, Germany
One of Germany's oldest and largest markets, dating to 1391, spreads across several squares in the city center.
Tours: Festive Frankfurt by Foot (included), Highlights of Heidelberg at Christmas, Frankfurt on Foot & Jewish Historical Museum
Day 7
Baden-Baden: spa town
Baden-Baden, Germany
Visit this UNESCO-listed spa town, known for its hot springs since Roman times, and its Christmas market.
Tours: The Spa Town of Baden-Baden at Christmas (included), Rastatt Favorite Palace
Day 8
Strasbourg: Christkindelsmärik
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg's market in the cathedral square dates to 1570, making it the oldest in France. The included tour adds a canal cruise through Petite France.
Tours: Festive Strasbourg with Canal Cruise (included), Christmas Flavors of Alsace, Gengenbach at Christmas, Medieval Castle of Haut Koenigsbourg at Christmas Time
Day 9
Breisach and the Black Forest
Breisach, Germany
The Weihnachtsmarkt sits in the old town near St. Stephen's Cathedral. The included tour goes to the Black Forest.
Tours: German Traditions & the Black Forest (included), Festive Colmar & Riquewihr, Medieval Staufen & Schnapps Distillery, Medieval Staufen & Wine
Day 10
Basel: Christmas markets
Basel, Switzerland
Wooden huts line the cobblestone streets of the medieval Old Town, selling carved decorations, ceramics, food and mulled wine.
Tours: Basel Walking Tour & Festive Markets (included), Highlights of the Alps, Novartis’s Campus on Foot, Cheese Fondue Evening, Highlights of Basel
Day 11
Basel: departure
Basel, Switzerland
Leave the ship and travel home, or continue on a post-cruise extension.

Dates

Availability changes. Ask us to confirm.

2026

November 27Nuremberg to Basel

2027

November 27Nuremberg to Basel
November 28Nuremberg to Basel
November 30Nuremberg to Basel
December 7Basel to Nuremberg
December 8Basel to Nuremberg
December 10Nuremberg to Basel

What's included

Stay

River-view stateroom
Queen-size bed with a twin-bed option
Private bathroom with shower and heated floor
Robes and slippers on request
Flat-screen TV with movies on demand

Dining

All onboard meals
Beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water, 24 hours a day
Bottled water in the stateroom, replenished daily

Excursions

One shore excursion in every port of call
Visits to UNESCO sites
Destination Performances

Also included

Free Wi-Fi
Port taxes and fees
Enrichment lectures

Virtuoso benefits

Dedicated Onboard Host

A personal Virtuoso host sails with your group, present throughout the voyage to answer questions and ensure every detail runs exactly as planned.

Private Welcome Reception

An exclusive cocktail reception at the start of each sailing, arranged solely for Virtuoso Voyages guests with introductions facilitated by your host.

Shipboard Credit

$100 per stateroom on voyages under 14 nights; $200 per stateroom on voyages of 14 nights or more, to spend freely on dining, spa, or excursions.

Exclusive Shore Experience

A private shore excursion, VIP tour, or private car and driver whose itinerary is shaped entirely around your interests and pace — never a group schedule.

Specialty Dining

Complimentary reservations at specialty restaurants on select sailings, including chef's tastings and curated wine pairings on participating vessels.

Spa & Wellness Access

Select spa treatments, wellness credits, and onboard amenities included on participating voyages across our preferred cruise partners.

Get Started

Ask about this cruise

Tell us which Christmas on the Rhine & Main sailing you have in mind. We'll check availability and add every benefit we can.

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