Christmas All Inclusive River Cruise - The Rhine & Alsace
- Duration: 6 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEI10269
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
6 days
CE6CCE
Celebrate Christmas in a truly special way with this wonderful All Inclusive Christmas river cruise, combining the relaxed elegance of river cruising with the magic of Christmas in one of Europe’s most atmospheric regions. Designed for those who want to enjoy the season without the stress, this is a Christmas where everything is taken care of, leaving you free to relax, explore and celebrate.
Your holiday includes an ALL INCLUSIVE, full board river cruise through the beautiful Rhine and Alsace region, known for its charming towns, storybook scenery and festive traditions. From the moment you step on board, you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality, seasonal décor and a friendly atmosphere that makes this feel like Christmas away from home – in the best possible way.
All meals are included throughout your cruise, along with drinks with meals and at the bar. On Christmas Day itself, enjoy an extra-special celebration with a festive Christmas Day Lunch (Alsace style!) and dinner once again with drinks included, so you can raise a glass and savour the occasion without a worry.
During the cruise you will have time to visit the Christmas Market in Colmar, one of the most popular in Europe whilst also having the opportunity to experience Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
In addition, you’ll also enjoy free time in Strasbourg on Christmas Day. Often referred to as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is a magical place to explore at your own pace, with its historic streets, festive atmosphere and beautiful architecture creating an unforgettable backdrop to the day.
Your holiday also includes overnight accommodation both before and after the cruise on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, allowing you to travel comfortably and enjoy a relaxed start and finish to your festive break.
With everything thoughtfully included – accommodation, meals, drinks, festive celebrations and unforgettable destinations – this Christmas river cruise offers a warm, memorable and wonderfully easy way to celebrate the season.
To find out more about your cruise, please follow this LINK
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
Join your coach early this morning and head for the ports and your short sea crossing to France. Travel on to your comfortable overnight hotel where dinner is included and you can enjoy a good night's sleep.Days 2 to 4
Day 2
Enjoy a tasty breakfast before heading on to Strasbourg to join your ALL INCLUSIVE river cruise. Settle in, explore your ship and enjoy a welcome cocktail before delicious evening meal with all your drinks included and some festive onboard entertainment.
Day 3 - Christmas Eve
After a good night's sleep and hearty breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Colmar and its beautiful Christmas Market. In the evening enjoy a tasty Christmas Eve dinner. For those who wish to, there is also an oportunity to attend Midnight Mass in the pretty town of Briesach.
Day 4 - Christmas Day
Wake up to another glorious breakfast as the ship returns to Strasbourg. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on the ship or in Strasbourg as you wish, but don't miss our included Christmas Lunch. Return to the ship in the evening for another great dinner washed down with more inclusive drinks before turning in for a last night on board.
Day 5
After a final leisurely breakfast, rejoin your coach and head north to your comfortable overnight hotel, with a stop en route. Dinner is once again included as you enjoy a final sleep in France.Day 6
Enjoy breakfast before rejoining you coach for the journey back to the UK and home, full of festive memories - and maybe just a few souvenirs from your Christmas in Alsace?Tour includes
- Return short sea crossings
- Overnight accommodation in both directions with breakfast & dinner included
- 3 nights Full Board with Drinks Inclusive cruise
- Welcome Cocktail on MS Beethoven
- Typical Alsatian Christmas Day Lunch
- Entertainment evenings on board
- Visit to Colmar Christmas Market
- Free time to explore Strasbourg at Christmas
- Optional Midnight Mass in Breisach on Christmas Eve
- Direct Coach Travel
- Net Zero Carbon
Optional cruise gratuities not included
Strasbourg at Christmas
At Christmas time, Strasbourg truly earns its reputation as the Capital of Christmas. One of the oldest and most celebrated Christmas destinations in Europe, the city transforms into a magical festive showcase filled with tradition, warmth and unmistakable seasonal charm.
From late November throughout the festive period, Strasbourg’s historic centre glows with thousands of lights, beautifully decorated streets and welcoming wooden chalets. The famous Christmas markets are spread across several squares, each offering its own atmosphere, from traditional crafts and handmade gifts to tempting seasonal treats. The air is filled with the comforting aromas of mulled wine, spiced biscuits, roasted chestnuts and freshly baked breads, inviting you to slow down and savour the moment.
The city’s stunning architecture provides a breathtaking backdrop to the celebrations. Half-timbered houses, winding canals and the magnificent cathedral create a picture-perfect setting that feels straight out of a Christmas story. Gentle festive music, choirs and decorations add to the joyful ambience, making every stroll through the city a pleasure.
Despite its popularity, Strasbourg at Christmas retains a welcoming, traditional feel. Whether you’re browsing the markets, enjoying a cosy café or simply wandering the illuminated streets, the city offers a wonderfully atmospheric and memorable way to experience the magic of Christmas in Alsace.
Colmar Christmas Market
A visit to the Christmas Market in Colmar feels like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. With its half-timbered houses, winding canals and colourful façades dusted with festive charm, Colmar is one of the most enchanting places in Europe to experience Christmas.
During the festive season, the town comes alive with beautifully decorated market squares, each with its own character and atmosphere. Wooden chalets glow with twinkling lights, offering handcrafted gifts, traditional decorations and unique seasonal treasures. The scent of mulled wine, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts and fresh pastries fills the air, creating a warm and inviting ambience that’s impossible to resist.
As you wander through the cobbled streets, you’ll discover local Alsatian specialities such as spiced biscuits, gingerbread, festive breads and regional wines. Choirs, musicians and gentle festive music add to the magical atmosphere, making every corner feel joyful and welcoming.
What makes Colmar especially special is its intimate, storybook feel. Unlike larger cities, the Christmas markets here are easy to explore at a relaxed pace, allowing you to truly soak up the festive spirit without feeling rushed or crowded.
Whether you’re browsing for gifts, enjoying local treats or simply strolling through the illuminated streets, Colmar’s Christmas Market offers a wonderfully traditional and memorable festive experience that captures the heart of Christmas in Alsace.
Back to topAccommodation
MS Beethoven
The MS Beethoven is a charming and comfortable river cruise ship, perfectly suited for travellers who want to explore Europe’s waterways in relaxed style. With a warm atmosphere, attentive service and elegant design, the MS Beethoven creates a welcoming home away from home on the Rhine, offering scenic cruising and unforgettable experiences throughout your journey.
Designed with comfort and enjoyment in mind, the ship features well-appointed cabins and suites, many with panoramic windows or French balconies that let you take in the passing riverside scenery from the comfort of your own room. Public areas include a bright and spacious lounge where you can unwind with a drink, enjoy social moments with fellow guests, or simply relax and watch the river drift by. The sun deck is a favourite gathering place for guests, offering open-air views perfect for taking in the gentle landscapes, historic towns and vineyards that line the river.
Dining aboard the MS Beethoven is a highlight, with delicious meals prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients and served in a stylish restaurant setting. Throughout your cruise, you’ll enjoy regional dishes, international classics and special festive menus that reflect the character of the destinations you visit.
With friendly, professional crew and a relaxed pace that’s ideal for all types of travellers, the MS Beethoven delivers a delightful river cruising experience filled with comfort, culture and memorable moments.