Published itinerary
Christmas Markets Along the Rhine
Basel ↔ Düsseldorf · 7 nights / 8 days · Late Nov – Dec · 2026 & 2027
The sailing
Christmas Markets Along the Rhine
Tauck's Christmas Rhine itinerary connects Basel and Düsseldorf in eight days and seven nights aboard ms Inspire. It includes Strasbourg, Rüdesheim, and Cologne rather than Amsterdam. Check the daily schedule and direction for time ashore instead of assuming an overnight market visit.
Route reference checked 2026-10-12. Ships, excursions, and direction can vary by departure.
Best for travelers who prefer a scheduled rhine journey with tauck-led touring.
Trip highlights
- Basel and Strasbourg
- Rhine Valley towns
- Cologne's Christmas markets
- Tauck-led cultural visits
What's included
- Scheduled sightseeing and Tauck events
- Selected onboard alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
- Included gratuities as specified by Tauck
- Tauck Directors
Quick facts
- Route
- Basel ↔ Düsseldorf
- Length
- 7 nights · 8 days
- Departures
- Late Nov – Dec · 2026 & 2027 — ask us for current dates & availability
- Cruise line
- Tauck River Cruising
- Ship
- ms Inspire
- River
- Rhine
The ports of call
Market cities along the route
These guides cover selected ports, excursion cities, and endpoints—not a guaranteed market visit in every city. Check opening dates, transfers, excursion choices, and time ashore for your departure.
Switzerland
Basel
Basel, the eastern anchor of Rhine sailings, hosts two of Switzerland's grandest Christmas markets in its medieval old town.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreFrance
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed 'Capital of Christmas,' hosts France's oldest market (since 1570) across its UNESCO old town.
Typical season: Late November to Christmas Eve; check the travel-year calendar
ExploreGermany
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations lines the Drosselgasse with stalls from 25+ countries, in a Rhine-gorge wine town famous for Riesling.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreGermany
Cologne
Several themed Christmas markets fill Cologne's center, anchored by the Cathedral Market and Heinzel's Winter Fairytale in the Old Town.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreMore from this line
Other Tauck River Cruising sailings
More on the Rhine
Other Rhine sailings
Same river, different line or different dates — see how the operators compare.
Magical Christmas Markets of Germany
Nuremberg ↔ Frankfurt · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · debuts 2027
Request pricing
quote on request
Christmas on the Rhine
Amsterdam → Basel · 7n · Late Nov–Dec · select 2026–2028 departures
Request pricing
quote on request
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Amsterdam ↔ Basel · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · 2026–2028
Request pricing
quote on request
Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine
Amsterdam ↔ Basel · 7n · Nov 24–Dec 15 · live 2026 options checked Oct 11
$4,430
2026 example · pp
Ready to plan this voyage?
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