Tauck River Cruises, Christmas Markets Along the Rhine from Basel, December 6, 2023

Cruising from: Basel, Switzerland;

Departure Date: 6 December, 2023;

Cruise Line: Tauck River Cruises;

Cruise Ship: MS Inspire;

Duration: 8 days;

Ports of Call: Basel, Lucerne, Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Cologne, Dusseldorf;

Day 0 Basel, Switzerland

Basel, nestled on the Rhine river, is Switzerland's third-largest town and, partly because of its proximity to France and Germany, has a strong sense of its own identity. Historic landmarks of the city include the large market square with its richly decorated red sandstone town hall and the late Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. The city of culture, for connoisseurs, has the highest concentration of museums in the country. Basel also has a beautiful Old Town, modern architecture, and famous traditional Basel honey cake.

Day 1 Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne, nestled between a backdrop of towering mountains and a sparkling lake, is one of Switzerland's most visited cities. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland. Tradition and modernity stand side-by-side with ease in Lucerne, as the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Centre, designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one the architectural highlights of the town.

Day 2 Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is the capital and largest city of the Grand Est region of France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Strasbourg is the second most popular tourist city in France, after Paris. There are three main attractions: the cathedral, historic quarter of Petite France, with its half-timbered medieval houses and its quays overlooking branches of the river Ill and the Strasbourg Christmas market, the oldest and biggest historic Christmas market in Europe. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys and the reflections of half-timbered houses with sloping roofs, reminiscent of those seen in fairytales

Day 3 Baden-Baden, Germany

Baden-Baden is one of the world's best-known spa towns and one of the most popular places to visit in Germany. Baden Baden is also a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, with many golf and tennis clubs, as well as equestrian sports such as horse racing. Baden-Baden is rich with elegant architecture from the opulent casino, to the charming cathedral. In the city's centre, there is a charismatic church and the natural surroundings of the Lichtentaler Allee with bountiful blooms, towering trees, and the sparkling Oos river that runs parallel to the picturesque pathway.

Day 4 Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is a university town in Baden-Wurttemberg situated on the river Neckar in south-west Germany. Heidelberg remains primarily a university and residential city. It is one of the most romantic cities in Germany, thanks to its picturesque riverside location, its beautiful old buildings and bridges, and the castle ruins that overlook the town center. Attracting nearly four million visitors each year, the city is chock-full of historic sites and attractions for tourists, as well as excellent dining and entertainment experiences.

Day 5 Rudesheim, Germany

Rudesheim is a German town in the Rhine Gorge, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in this region. Rudesheim is known for two things: wine and the Rhein (Rhine) river. A historical landmark Drosselgasse is an integral part of the town's past. Rudesheim offers restaurants, cafes, bars, wine stalls, gelaterias, souvenirs shops and hotels. Next to its extensive vineyards, the city's rich cultural and historic background make it one of the most intriguing places to visit in the country.

Day 6 Cologne, Germany

Cologne is fourth largest city in Germany and largest city of the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia. One of the key inland ports of Europe, it is the historic, cultural, and economic capital of the Rhineland. Cologne is famous for its 12 great Romanesque churches - especially the magnificent Cologne Cathedral - all an easy walk from the historic Old Town. Its university is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. Among its attractions are Roman remains, medieval churches, Baroque palaces, and museums that reflect such diverse subjects and the various products for which it is known: fragrances, mustard, and chocolate.

Day 7 Dusseldorf, Germany

Dusseldorf is a university town and a center of art and fashion. This old electoral capital is also a city of wide streets lined by elegant shops, with a ring of parks and gardens encircling its vibrant downtown area. As an important cultural center, Dusseldorf has dozens of museums and in excess of 100 art galleries. Dusseldorf has a well-to-do reputation underpinned by its chic shopping street Konigsallee and the revitalised harbour where the big names in architecture have contributed buildings.