This 8-day Cruise Takes You to Some of Europe’s Most Festive Christmas Markets—and You Can Buy Tickets Now

While the holidays might seem far away, it’s never too early to plan a yuletide escape—yes, even before the start of summer. This holiday season, Abercrombie & Kent invites travelers on a luxurious journey through the heart of Europe with its “Christmas Markets on the Rhine” cruise.

For eight festive days, passengers sail along the scenic Rhine River, stopping in storybook towns aglow with twinkling lights and the holiday spirit. From charming market stalls to historic squares decked with seasonal splendor, this itinerary offers a convenient way to experience Europe’s most beloved Christmas traditions.

Beginning in Strasbourg, France, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” guests can wander through one of Europe’s oldest and most popular Christmas markets, set against a backdrop of timber-framed houses. A highlight of Strasbourg is a visit to the Cave des Hospices, the city’s oldest wine cellar, where guests can sample local vintages and learn about the region’s winemaking heritage.

From Strasbourg, the cruise makes its way to Freiburg in Germany’s legendary Black Forest. Here, market stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, traditional nutcrackers, and the irresistible aromas of bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and steaming cups of spiced glühwein (mulled wine). The route also winds through several quaint villages in the Alsace wine region.

In Heidelberg, Germany, guests are transported to a fairytale holiday setting, nestled beneath the romantic ruins of the town’s historic castle. Notable activities include an exclusive cocktail reception and a gourmet chef’s table dinner, with plenty of time to visit the festive holiday markets that line the city’s cobbled streets.

In Rüdesheim, travelers can explore the famed Drosselgasse, a picturesque street lined with charming shops, and take a guided walking tour of the medieval town of Koblenz. In the evening, the Captain’s Gala dinner provides a celebratory event on board with fine cuisine and Rhine River views.

Next, the itinerary leads to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. A visit to the Beethoven-Haus Museum offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the legendary composer.

The cruise concludes in Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most awe-inspiring cathedrals and some of its most beloved Christmas markets. After exploring the Cologne Cathedral, guests can meander through festive stalls and try lebkuchen—the spiced gingerbread holiday favorite.

This exciting eight-day trip, starting from $7,995 per person, runs from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8 and includes a one-night hotel stay before and after the cruise. Guests will sail aboard the luxurious and modern Amadeus Star, enjoying hotel-style comforts, gourmet cuisine, and private small-group excursions led by an experienced resident tour director.

For more information, visit abercrombiekent.com.