Name: Magical Christmas extravaganzas in Alsace and Switzerland along the Rhine (port-to-port cruise)
Brand: CroisiEurope

CroisiEurope

Known for its river cruises, CroisiEurope also offers ocean voyages on two small ships. Guests boarding the 130-passenger La Belle des Oceans (formerly Silversea's Silver Discoverer) can follow in Napoleon's footsteps, visit the hilltop villages of Balagne, and enjoy dinner at a traditional inn. Meanwhile, the 197-guest La Belle de l'Adriatique offers itineraries that take in local traditions.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 2

Mannheim

Day 2

Nierstein

Days 2-3

Rüdesheim am Rhein

Day 3

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Days 4-7

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Days 7-8

Wijk bij Duurstede

Days 8-9

Rotterdam

Often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is long overdue its flowers. Many now consider it the Netherlands' hippest city. Bombed heavily during World War II, it has spent the decades since reinventing itself as one of Europe's most compelling centres of modern architecture. Highlights include the playful Cube Houses by visionary architect Piet Blom and the 'Horn of Plenty', a swirling digital artwork across the ceiling of the Markthal. Take in sweeping views of the city from Euromast Tower before exploring the city's maritime roots at the excellent Maritime Museums.

Days 9-10

Antwerp

Belgium's second city frequently features on Dutch Waterways cruises, and it's easy to see why. Often dubbed a 'capital of cool', Antwerp is an excellent stop for cultural exploration. Spend your day spotting Art Nouveau façades, hunting for treasures in the fashion district or visiting the open-air sculpture park Middelheim. And don't miss the library at the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO-listed site that celebrates the city's printing legacy.

Day 1

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 2

Mannheim

Day 2

Nierstein

Days 2-3

Rüdesheim am Rhein

Day 3

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Days 4-7

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Days 7-8

Wijk bij Duurstede

Days 8-9

Rotterdam

Often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is long overdue its flowers. Many now consider it the Netherlands' hippest city. Bombed heavily during World War II, it has spent the decades since reinventing itself as one of Europe's most compelling centres of modern architecture. Highlights include the playful Cube Houses by visionary architect Piet Blom and the 'Horn of Plenty', a swirling digital artwork across the ceiling of the Markthal. Take in sweeping views of the city from Euromast Tower before exploring the city's maritime roots at the excellent Maritime Museums.

Days 9-10

Antwerp

Belgium's second city frequently features on Dutch Waterways cruises, and it's easy to see why. Often dubbed a 'capital of cool', Antwerp is an excellent stop for cultural exploration. Spend your day spotting Art Nouveau façades, hunting for treasures in the fashion district or visiting the open-air sculpture park Middelheim. And don't miss the library at the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO-listed site that celebrates the city's printing legacy.

MS Gérard Schmitter

Named after the founder of CroisiEurope, the MS Gérard Schmitter sails on the Rhine and the Danube, to meet the many wonders offered by these two romantic rivers.