A relaxed Christmas cruise that starts in Koblenz, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine, and ends with a full day at one of Germany’s largest Christmas markets in Frankfurt. Along the way you do your Christmas shopping, taste the treats at the markets and enjoy a Christmas lunch on the water, while the crew of the festively decorated MS Leonora takes care of the rest.
On day 2 we already sail the Romantic Rhine, with vineyards and castles on both banks, and in Rüdesheim the Christmas Market of Nations awaits. We then continue up the river to Mainz and along the Main to Frankfurt. There is time in each port to visit the Christmas markets.
The cruise is also available in the opposite direction – from Frankfurt to Koblenz – and the two can be combined into eight nights on board.
Highlights
- Christmas markets in Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mainz and Frankfurt
- Sailing the Romantic Rhine between Koblenz and Rüdesheim
- 5-day river cruise on MS Leonora
- All meals on board
- English-speaking staff on board
- Free WiFi
Itinerary
Day 1Embarkation, Koblenz
After you arrive on MS Leonora, the ship's cruise manager welcomes you in the lounge and goes through safety procedures and practical information. Before the welcome dinner there is time for a first visit to the Koblenz Christmas market or some Christmas shopping in the town's pedestrian streets. Overnight in Koblenz.
Day 2Koblenz and the Romantic Rhine
The ship stays in Koblenz until 13:00, so the morning is free for the Christmas market in the old town, where stalls fill the decorated squares and cobbled streets with mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread. In the afternoon we sail through the Romantic Rhine with vineyards and castles on both banks, arriving in Rüdesheim at 20:00. In the evening you can stroll along the lively Drosselgasse and perhaps try the local Rüdesheimer Kaffee.
Day 3Rüdesheim and Mainz
The morning is spent in Rüdesheim, where the Christmas Market of Nations fills the old town with stalls and specialities from many countries. At 14:00 we sail on, arriving in Mainz at 16:30. The evening is free for the Christmas market, set against the city's historic old town. The stalls sell handmade ornaments, gifts and local crafts, and you can taste stollen and bratwurst.
Day 4Frankfurt
Early in the morning we sail from Mainz along the Main, arriving in Frankfurt at 09:30. The whole day is free for the Christmas market, known for its stalls with bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and mulled wine, and for its lights, garlands and Christmas trees. Overnight in Frankfurt.
Day 5Frankfurt
Disembarkation in Frankfurt at around 09:00. Our Christmas market cruise on the Rhine comes to an end.
Please note: Sailing times are approximate and may change due to water levels, weather, locks or other conditions.
What is included?
Included
- 5 days / 4 nights on MS Leonora
- English-speaking staff on board
- All meals and selected drinks
- Entertainment on board
- All cabins are outside cabins with window, shower/toilet, hairdryer and air conditioning
- Port and passenger fees
Not included
- Most drinks on board
- Drinks package – available to purchase
- Excursions
- Transport to and from the ship
- Service charge, €8 per person per day
Prices and dates come straight from our booking system and are always up to date. We are happy to help with transfers, excursions and flights – just ask in your enquiry.
