Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.

Welcome to Switzerland and the start of your Christmas cruise journey. You’ll be met at the airport by a member of the Emerald Cruises team and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM. Meal: D

Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach is a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St Stephen’s church is perched on a volcanic hill and visible from a great distance. Join your local guide for a walking tour of Breisach. See the Stephanmünster cathedral, the Rad-brunnen sculpture, the Franciscan Monastery, and walk the pretty streets around Marktplatz. Afterwards, visit the Christmas market. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct
DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Arrive in Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is an iconic example of 19th-century German Imperial architecture. Strasbourg is also at the heart of the Alsace wine region. Your guided walking tour will include the Grand Île, Strasbourg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical city center, known for its medieval timber-framed buildings. See the Maison Kammerzell, one of the most famous buildings in Strasbourg, and Petite France, the postcard-worthy historic district with a charming canal system and half-timbered houses. Afterwards, visit one of its most charming Christmas markets to enjoy traditional Alsatian treats and shop for presents. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)

Take in the beauty of the heart of the Rhineland, where red-roofed villages line the river and historic castles dot the hills. Travel to nearby Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Afterwards, explore the city’s romantic Christmas markets that are spread throughout its historic squares. Cruise on to Rüdesheim this evening. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)

Cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors to their death with her song. Later, arrive in the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairytale. Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. It’s now a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner, and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe. Afterwards, explore the town’s beautiful Christmas markets. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Cruise to the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne, where the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland can be found during the holiday season. The city is home to many Christmas markets, and the most spectacular one sits in front of the twin spires of the Neo-Gothic Cologne Cathedral. Look for stalls selling traditional lebkuchen, a beloved round or heart-shaped type of gingerbread that usually includes honey, cardamom or candied fruit. Later, arrive in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf. With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene and passion for fashion, it’s one of the country’s most intoxicating cities. It also has a proud tradition of elaborate Christmas decorations, festive celebrations and seven themed Christmas markets. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Cologne Christmas market & beer experience (extra expense)

Welcome to The Netherlands. This is a wonderful destination year-round, but during the Christmas period, its cities sparkle with fairy lights and Christmas cheer. If snow dusts the narrow-cobbled streets, you’ll find the Dutch warming up with oliebollen and appelbeignets – traditional deep-fried treats sold from chalet-style stalls that pop up across Amsterdam’s many Christmas markets. Meals: B, L, D

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After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and Emerald Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German & French villages and the magic of Christmas with you. Meal: B