S.S. Antoinette, 7 Night Rhine Holiday Markets ex Cologne, Germany to Basel, Switzerland
Cruise Line Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Ship S.S. Antoinette
Destination EU Rivers
Nights 7
Departure Date 25 Nov 2027
Description Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe’s most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel’s Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to Place Kléber to behold the enormous, brilliantly lighted tree of Strasbourg. See how the baroque town hall of Koblenz is transformed into an Advent calendar and find unexpected treasures in the stalls clustered around Cologne’s magnificent cathedral.

Revel in brightly painted carousels and handmade ornaments, medieval squares illuminated by twinkling lights, life-sized Nativity figures, and joyful brass choirs. Sail through castle-strewn hillsides and visit charming towns decked in festive finery for a holiday season you will never forget.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 1 - Cologne (Embark)
Arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2 - Cologne
Your local expert will show you favorite haunts around the Old Town and share some of the cathedral’s most intriguing and magical secrets with you.
* A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 3 - Rüdesheim
Your day begins in Rüdesheim, which, like many cities along the Rhine, dates back to Roman times, when the Rhine was the northern border of the empire. Today, Rüdesheim is famous for its beauty and its entertaining alley of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse. Or opt to explore neighboring Wiesbaden’s Christmas Market.
* Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 4 - Germersheim (Baden-Baden)
Wake up and choose your adventure for the day. Today you’ll have two choices: Venture into the storied city of Baden-Baden, whose contemporary flair meshes with hot springs, spas and unspoiled nature, or enjoy a night out at the atmospheric Christmas Market of Speyer. If you speak no German, here’s one phrase you might want to learn now: “Fröhliche Weihnachten,” or “Merry Christmas!”
* Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 5 - Strasbourg
Strasbourg is invariably described as quaint, a rather overused word that in this case is perfectly apropos. It’s also been known as the “Crossroads of Europe” for its strategic location halfway between Paris and Prague. With a friendly local expert, see this historic town with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests, and impossible-to-resist pastry shops that will win your heart. You won’t want to miss the holiday treats like bûche de Noël, the delicious Christmas cake made to look like a yule log.
* Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 6 - Breisach
Breisach is your gateway to the Alsatian wine road. On your excursion to Alsace today, you'll find that the holiday markets in this region have a unique blend of French and German traditions.
* Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 7 - Basel
Basel is a cultural and artistic powerhouse, with all sorts of galleries, theaters, and museums. And at this time of year, the city’s Christmas Market draws visitors from all over Europe, as does its Christmas Street, lined with more than 100 beautifully decorated and illuminated Christmas trees. Do you have a special wish for Christmas? Write it in the Wish Book, which lies open in Basel’s 17th-century Town Hall during Advent, waiting for residents and visitors to express their hopes and dreams for the holiday—or for the world.
* A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 8 - Basel (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg for your flight home.
Sailing Dates
  • 25 Nov 2027
Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

DayDateActivityArriveDepart
1 25/11 Cologne, Germany
2 26/11 Cologne, Germany
3 27/11 Rudesheim, Germany
4 28/11 Germersheim, Germany
5 29/11 Strasbourg, France
6 30/11 Breisach, Germany
7 01/12 Basel, Switzerland
8 02/12 Basel, Switzerland
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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