Magic of Advent on the Rhine (Cologne - Strasbourg)

Introduction

Day 1: Cologne Although the weather in Cologne is mild, even in December, and the thermometer rarely drops below zero degrees, nevertheless, the Rhine metropolis welcomes you with wintery charm. After embarkation in the afternoon, you will have plenty of time to explore your festively decorated AMADEUS ship, followed by a Welcome Cocktail with the on-board cruise management. Thereafter, you will savor your first culinary delights on board at our stylish AMADEUS Welcome Dinner, during which our chef will put you in an appropriately celebratory mood for your upcoming winter trip. Late at night your ship will set off for Koblenz. Stay Cologne Departure at 10pm

Day 2: Koblenz > Rudesheim In and around Koblenz, Rudesheim You reach Koblenz before breakfast and you can explore the romantic town in the northern Rhineland-Palatinate during the course of an extended sightseeing walk, allowing the Christmas flair of the old town to charm you. Thereafter, your trip continues through the magical Middle Rhine Valley, past the legendary Lorelei rock. The enchanting landscape loses none of its charm in the winter months and this section of the Rhine is rightly considered one of the most beautiful! Late in the afternoon, you will reach the wine town of Rüdesheim, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Rhine Valley. Discover this picturesque little town during a relaxed stroll and enjoy the pre-Christmas atmosphere, before your AMADEUS ship continues southwards after dinner. Stay Koblenz 7am - 11am Stay Ruedesheim 5pm - 10pm Excursions Koblenz walking tour Excursions Rüdesheim walking tour incl. music cabinet museum

Day 3: Speyer In and around Speyer Christmas magic awaits you again today in Speyer, where you arrive punctually at breakfast time. You can take a tour to the old imperial residence town of Heidelberg, where you can enjoy not only numerous tourist attractions, but can also admire and enjoy the regional handicrafts, as well as the gingerbread and glühwein available at the romantic Christmas market. After lunch, you have the opportunity to explore Speyer. Here, too, a beautiful Christmas market awaits you, which you should not miss. Spend a relaxed evening enjoying the contemplative advent atmosphere before you continue to France during dinner. Stay Speyer 8am - 7.30pm Excursions Excursion to Heidelberg with Christmas Market Speyer walking tour with Christmas Market

Day 4: Strassbourg The south of France welcomes you in the morning with Christmas cheer. Visit the surrounding area and fall under the spell of the wintery Alsace and Obernai. In contrast to these dreamy landscapes, during the course of a city tour, discover the most beautiful aspects of the exciting metropolis of Strasbourg. In the pre-Christmas season, the beautifully decorated shops which set the city aglow with festive light are particularly worth seeing. Of course, you will also visit the Christmas market. As your trip nears its end, round it off with some hot punch and enjoy the romantic atmosphere, before the exclusive Captain’s Gala Dinner in the evening. During your last night on board, your ship remains anchored in Strasbourg. Stay Strassbourg 7.30am - overnight Excursions City Tour of Strasbourg with Christmas Market Wintry Alsace and Obernai

Day 5: Strassbourg Now it is time to say “Adieu.” After fortifying yourself at a generous breakfast, our crew will gladly assist you at disembarkation. Before you leave Strasbourg and make your way back home, our crew, in the name of the entire AMADEUS team, wishes you a pleasant journey and a joyous festive season!