Christmas and New Year on the Rhine 2025

Travel to Mainz and embark Spirit of the Rhine.

Depart 2100.

Mainz is known for its medieval market square, which will be hosting the city’s main Christmas market, on the doorstep of 1000-year old St Martin’s Cathedral. Handmade toys, ceramics and candles are among the goods you can expect to find on sale here.

The city’s other attractions include St Stephen’s church, which features stained glass windows by artist Marc Chagall, and Gutenberg square which features a statue of the father of modern printing Johannes Gutenberg, who was born in Mainz in the 14th century.

Arrive 1900.

Relax and enjoy the facilities on board Spirit of the Rhine before arriving in Kehl this evening.

Depart 2100.

Strasbourg, the elegant capital of Alsace, features cobbled streets, medieval architecture and a Gothic cathedral with an astronomical clock.

See some of the highlights of the old quarter on an included excursion and cruise along the city’s scenic canals before disembarking in the city centre for some free time. 

Afterwards, you can choose to return to Spirit of the Rhine for lunch and relaxing afternoon on board, or remain in Strasbourg to explore further independently for the afternoon, returning to the ship using our complimentary transfer service. Coach access is restricted in Strasbourg, so there will be a walk of approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile back to the coach after your time in the city centre.

Sail overnight.

Arrive 0830.

This morning, an included excursion visit Heidelberg. Enjoy a walk along the winding alleys of the old town, with its shady squares and historic university.

Continue through the Jewish Quarter and up to the castle, where you can join a tour around the inner courtyard and the castle garden before exploring the residence ruins and the famous giant barrel.

In the afternoon you may choose to walk into Mannheim where the city centre has a grid-like structure and is home to the main market square with its baroque fountain and statues.

Depart Mannheim, 0930.
Arrive Rüdesheim, 1630.

Enjoy a leisurely Christmas day on board, soaking up the festive atmosphere as you enjoy Christmas Dinner.

Depart Rüdesheim, 1300.
Scenic Cruise, Middle Rhine Gorge.
Arrive Boppard, 1700.

The popular wine town of Rüdesheim has a traditional old town of half-timbered houses. Among its main attractions is a long narrow street, the Drosselgasse, which is lined on both sides with traditional wine taverns and overlooked by the glockenspiel tower with its hourly chimes.

Enjoy the scenery this afternoon, as Spirit of the Rhine navigates the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Gorge, past a forested landscapes dotted with ancient castle ruins.

Depart Boppard, 1400.
Arrive Cologne, 2200.

The waterfront of this classic Rhineland wine town is overlooked by the twin towers of St Severus Church and vineyards. There are extensive Roman remains, medieval fortifications and half-timbered buildings.

Depart 2100.

Founded by the Romans, Cologne has long been an important trading centre and was once home to the composers Schumann and Mendelssohn. The city’s main attraction is the twin-spired Gothic cathedral which dominates the skyline. There are also baroque palaces, medieval churches and a 16th-century City Hall. The cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town are home to characteristic churches and guilds.

Continue sailing this evening and overnight.

There will be a complimentary shuttle service into the city dependant on the distance of the ship’s berth.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1400.

Located on the Waal River, historic Nijmegen can trace its roots back to Roman times. One of the city’s museums, the Valkhof Museum, is situated on the site of an old Roman encampment.

Other attractions include the De Waagh, the original market weigh house, located in the city centre, where the cobbled streets are also home to a number of street cafes and the distinctive tower of St Stephen’s church.

This afternoon, observe the change in scenery as you cruise along the Dutch waterways towards Antwerp.

Sail overnight

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Walk from Spirit of the Rhine into the city to see some of the city’s many highlights, such as the 16th-century Market Square which is home to the famous Brabo fountain and a large Gothic cathedral. The city was a great centre for the arts in the Renaissance period, with Rubens and Van Dyck both living and working here. Antwerp is also one of the leading centres in the world diamond industry.

Cruise overnight towards Rotterdam.

Arrive 1000.

The city of Rotterdam was restored following bombing during World War Two and is now home to an array of modern architecture including the Markthal, a combined indoor food market and apartment block, Erasmus Bridge – the philosopher Desiderius Erasmus was born here in Rotterdam – and the Cube Houses, built at an angle across a pedestrian bridge.

You can see some of the highlights during an included coach tour by coach and on foot. There are a number of sculptures in the city including works by Picasso, De Koning and Gabo. The city is known for its New Year festivities and annual fireworks display.

Depart Rotterdam, 0400.
Arrive Amsterdam, 1500.

Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, started life as a fishing village in the 13th century. Among the most interesting sights in the city are the Royal Palace on Dam Square, the floating flower market, the Central Railway Station, which is built on thousands of wooden piles, and the grand 19th-century Rijksmuseum.

As the sun goes down, enjoy an included cruise along Amsterdam’s canals to the city centre with its historic bridges and gabled houses. See the famous Skinny Bridge, the Montelbaanstoren tower and the Jewish Quarter.

Today you can explore the city further independently. Tree-shaded canals, historic bridges, colourful cafes, gabled buildings and plenty of bicycles combine to create an atmosphere that is unique to this city.

Disembark Spirit of the Rhine and begin your return journey.