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Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. Growing up, my family had their own holiday traditions that we still continue, and I've started my own traditions with my children. I've even incorporated my love of Christmas into my travel--I buy an ornament from each city I visit for my special "Travel Tree" I put up in my office. Knowing all of this, it should be no surprise that visiting the famed Christmas Markets of Europe became a travel goal of mine as soon as I learned of them.
Last December, my family and I embarked on a memorable Christmas market river cruise on the magnificent Rhine River, accompanied by nine dear friends. This 7-night voyage allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rich history and traditions of the markets. Imagine walking through the streets, strolling through by stalls adorned with twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon and fresh gingerbread filling the crisp air. Each city has its own recipe for Glüwein, a hot mulled wine that comes in a collectible mug, the perfect drink for winter. One of my favorite stops is Strasbourg. Not only is the Cathedral looking over the markets there one of the most breathtaking I have ever seen, but Strasbourg is also known as the "Capitol of Christmas." For over 400 years now, this town with its French and German histories has been bringing the magic and wonder of the holidays to guests from around the world. The feeling of being there is hard to describe, it truly is something one has to experience for themselves.
This trip was beyond anything I could have expected, and exceeded every expectation I had. When it came time for me to decide where I wanted to lead my first group trip, the decision was easy. I can't wait to share the Christmas Markets with others, and hope you will join me this December 11-18, 2023 on the AmaMora. You can view our itinerary below by clicking the arrow for each day. Would you like to come along? Email me for more information at info@carryonvacays.com
Basel is a charming city located in the northwest corner of Switzerland, bordering Germany and France. During the holiday season, the entire city transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Visitors can start their tour at the Basel Christmas Market, where they'll find over 180 decorated stalls selling handmade gifts, decorations and delicious foods, such as gingerbread cookies, Swiss chocolates, and mulled wine.
Choose between excursions in Basel or Lucerne today. Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Both tours offer free time to visit Basel’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne or spend your afternoon there. Old Town Lucerne hosts one of the Christmas Markets, with its trademark--the largest Advent Wreath in Switzerland at almost 10 feet wide! Whether you choose the full-day excursion or half-day tour to Lucerne, you’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century, plus enjoy free time to explore the Christmas Markets.
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town Gengenbach stroll through the town’s narrow streets full of half-timbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas Market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th century town hall.
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas Markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft and even a submarine! Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.
Let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle.
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, and see other local sights. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Amsterdam is a lively and vibrant city that becomes even more enchanting during the Christmas season. The city is decorated with colorful lights and festive decorations that give the streets a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. Please note: tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour.