3 Day Rhine River Cruises

Rhine cruises for 3 days

Compiled by

MelissaRhine travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days Christmas Rhine River, incl. Strasbourg and Colmar

  A festive 3-day cruise spans France and Germany, showcasing Strasbourg's Cathedral Christmas Market, Colmar's art district, and Breisach's midnight mass. The voyage, costing around $800, includes full-board dining aboard MS Victor Hugo, with visits to France's largest Christmas market at Place Broglie.

  

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  • Day 1

    Strasbourg

    Board your ship in Strasbourg at 3 PM. Plan to arrive by 2:30 PM to check in and get comfortable in your cabin. The afternoon takes you to Strasbourg's famous Christmas market near the Gothic cathedral and Place Broglie. December is chilly with temperatures around 3°C (37°F). The market really comes alive after sunset at 4:30 PM when lights sparkle across the historic center. A local tip: Visit Place Broglie first since it's usually less busy than the cathedral square early in the evening.

    
  • Day 2

    Breisach & Colmar

    Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Colmar. The 2-3 hour journey gives you great views of the Black Forest on one side and the Vosges Mountains on the other. Colmar's beautifully preserved old town hosts six different Christmas markets, each with its own special focus. Make time for the Petite Venise neighborhood where historic half-timbered houses reflect in the quiet canals. "The covered market in Colmar's old customs house had the most amazing selection of local gingerbread and Alsatian wines. Go hungry - the samples are generous!" Your evening includes a special Christmas Eve dinner on the ship before an optional midnight mass in Breisach. The St. Stephansmünster cathedral sits on top of a hill. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight for the walk up since the cobblestone steps can get slippery.

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Strasbourg

    Spend your final morning cruising back to Strasbourg, arriving between 3-4 PM. This last stretch lets you take in the Rhine's winter scenery and small medieval villages along the way. While disembarkation is smooth, remember that taxis are limited on Christmas Day. Book your transportation ahead of time if needed.

    

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• Rhineland Christmas on the Romantic Rhine (port-to-port cruise) - VICTOR HUGO

  The enchanting Rhine celebration connects Strasbourg's Cathedral Market, cultural Colmar, and historic Breisach. Special moments include Christmas Eve dinner, midnight mass, and France's largest Christmas market at Place Broglie. MS Victor Hugo provides all-inclusive comfort with daily excursions.

  

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  • Strasbourg France

    39 mi

  • Colmar France

    10 mi

  • Breisach Germany

    38 mi

  • Strasbourg France

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• 3 Days Rhine River, incl. Cologne and Rüdesheim

  

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  • Day 1

    Cologne Embarkation

    Board the DCS Amethyst 2 in Cologne after 2 PM. The ship docks near Cologne's Old Town a 10-minute walk from the famous Cathedral. Get there early to explore Cologne's historic center before boarding since the Cathedral area fills up by mid-afternoon. You can store your luggage on the ship and use the included porter service between the dock and your cabin.

    
  • Day 2

    Rüdesheim to Koblenz

    Start your day in Rüdesheim known for its historic Drosselgasse lane and excellent Riesling wines. Consider taking the optional wine tasting tour (€39) through the vineyards. October's weather is perfect for outdoor tastings. The ship then sails through the Rhine Valley's most beautiful section past numerous hilltop castles. Get your camera ready when passing the famous Loreley Rock. You'll reach Koblenz in late afternoon. Take the optional guided walk (€29) to the Deutsche Eck where the Rhine and Moselle rivers come together. This spot offers the best sunset photos in the city. If you want amazing evening views over the lit-up rivers take the cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It runs until 7 PM in October.

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Cologne

    Have breakfast during the cruise back to Cologne and disembark after the meal. The ship's convenient location puts you just 1 km from Cologne's main station if you have afternoon travel plans.

    

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