Rhine Christmas Markets river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, 16 December 2026 (7 nights)

A charming German town situated along the Rhine, which is just a bridge away from France, Breisach is a picturesque place with a skyline dominated by Breisacher Stephanmunster – a 13th-century Romanesque Gothic cathedral towering over this region bordering the Black Forest. Home to one of Europe’s largest wine cellars, this is an ideal destination for anyone interested in the wineries and vineyards found throughout the Rhine Valley; you’re certain to find a scenic spot to sip on something delicious when in Breisach, anyway, even if the winemaking process doesn’t interest you as much as the final product. Interestingly, much like other towns and cities along parts of the Rhine which act as a border to France, Breisach also spent some time as a French territory – having been given to France during the Peace of Westphalia in 1684, before being annexed back to the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1805. This, and its continued close proximity to parts of France – Volgelsheim and the unique fortified town of Neuf-Brisach to be specific – have afforded Breisach a unique culture and cuisine. So, when you’re not enjoying a scenic riverside stroll or venturing further afield to appreciate the vibrant valleys surrounding this town, you can expect an incredible culinary experience here. Somewhere offering travellers a slower-paced shore experience, this destination is a refreshing example of authentic life on the Rhine and somewhere where everyone will find something they enjoy.

Sitting just across the Rhine from the French city of Strasbourg, Kehl is a charming German town boasting modern amenities, plenty of idyllic places to take a stroll, and more than enough authentic cafes and restaurants for you to enjoy when you arrive. With fewer than 40,000 residents, Kehl will never feel busy; but, as a small city surrounded by beautiful landscapes littered with branching waterways from the Rhine, there’s still a buzz about this place. It’s something of a hidden gem along the river Rhine, and somewhere where you won’t need to worry too much about tourist traps and the pressure of ticking major landmarks off your sightseeing travel wish list. However, its location on the French-German border has afforded it a rather interesting history – it’s spent time as a French territory more than once over the centuries, with it technically being a suburb of Strasbourg as late as 1953!

An intriguing river cruise destination known for being an industrial hotspot where some of the world’s most important inventions originated, Mannheim – a vibrant ‘chessboard’ city with streets and avenues laid out in a strict grid formation – sits between the Rhine and Neckar rivers, on the border of the Rhineland-Palatinate state and a bridge away from Ludwigshafen. Being home to the first commercial automobile, the modern bicycle, and the first crude oil tractor, among many other things, Mannheim’s reputation as the city of inventors is explored throughout its fascinating selection of museums and culturally significant sites. With the University of Mannheim also considered the ‘Harvard of Germany’, that’s unlikely to change anytime soon; and, this is something that exemplifies the cutting-edge modernity you’ll find as you explore this incredible city – both technologically and culturally. Whether you’re looking to explore the high arts, the sensational cuisine, or the fascinating history of Mannheim of the wider Baden-Württemberg state, this city is well-equipped to cater to you. And, much like any other city on the Rhine, you’ll find idyllic riverside routes to stroll along just a short distance from the city centre. So, however you want to spend your time in Mannheim, you can rest assured knowing it will be a rewarding experience.

Something of a gateway destination for those looking to explore German wine culture, and the breathtakingly beautiful Rhine Valley region, Rüdesheim is a stunning small town on the banks of the Rhine boasting a rich history of wine-making, surrounded by breathtaking vineyard-covered hillsides, and littered with interesting historic landmarks. Oh, and it has charm in abundance. Everywhere you look, there’s something exciting to enjoy, and every type of traveller will be catered for. If you want to soak up the sunshine and sample the local wines and cuisine, Drosselgasse – this town’s most famous street – is where you’ll want to visit. However, if you want to sightsee, you’ll find several cable cars taking tourists into the elevated hiking areas surrounding the town, where scenic views of the Rhine and surrounding area await. Despite its size, Rüdesheim is a bustling centre for tourism in the region; however, while that does mean it may be a little busier than the other small German towns you visit, it’s still just as charming. Rüdesheim will be one destination from your adventures through Germany and Central Europe you remember.

Something of a gateway destination for those looking to explore German wine culture, and the breathtakingly beautiful Rhine Valley region, Rüdesheim is a stunning small town on the banks of the Rhine boasting a rich history of wine-making, surrounded by breathtaking vineyard-covered hillsides, and littered with interesting historic landmarks. Oh, and it has charm in abundance. Everywhere you look, there’s something exciting to enjoy, and every type of traveller will be catered for. If you want to soak up the sunshine and sample the local wines and cuisine, Drosselgasse – this town’s most famous street – is where you’ll want to visit. However, if you want to sightsee, you’ll find several cable cars taking tourists into the elevated hiking areas surrounding the town, where scenic views of the Rhine and surrounding area await. Despite its size, Rüdesheim is a bustling centre for tourism in the region; however, while that does mean it may be a little busier than the other small German towns you visit, it’s still just as charming. Rüdesheim will be one destination from your adventures through Germany and Central Europe you remember.

A major German city with a rich history, charming culture, impressive landmarks, and contrasting experiences that will suit every type of traveller, Düsseldorf is easily one of the most exciting destinations you can visit when you’re cruising along the winding Rhine River. Boasting a remarkable historic city centre with more than enough museums to visit, this is a dream for history buffs. Similarly, though, culture vultures will also find an incredible variety of experiences to explore – with world-class architecture to admire, art exhibitions to attend, and so much more. You’ll also find an impressive culinary scene in Düsseldorf; while there will be plenty of places to enjoy traditional German foods and beverages, this city is also home to Europe’s third-largest Japanese community. So, if you want to sample something a little more exotic, a trip to the vibrant Little Tokyo is in order. This cultural hotspot is complemented by Japanese gardens in Düsseldorf’s expansive Nord Park, which is just one of the charming green-spaces worth spending some time wandering through when the sun is shining. If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, Düsseldorf has several major parks and scenic riverside routes, and you’ll find even more idyllic landscapes to admire further afield. Although, with just so much to explore and enjoy in Düsseldorf itself, you may want to save that for your next visit to this remarkable city.

Wander along picturesque canals, explore world-class museums, and enjoy the vibrant culture of this iconic Dutch city.