About theTrip
Tis' The Season
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages. Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars, and markets embrace the holiday season. This eight-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.
Highlights:
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Christmas Markets Galore: Plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gifts for everyone back home.
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Deeper Cultural Introductions: E]These markets truly highlight the tastes and craftsmanship of each region. Truly get to enjoy the delicacies of each region and shop local like a local.
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Gourmet Dining: The Chef creates daily menus based on the destination of the ship that day. The menu reflects fresh ingredients and national recipes that bring the local flavor aboard.
Aboard the
Viking Sigrun
I spent my honeymoon aboard this very ship! ​
Sigrun is the leader of a band of nine Valkyries, the horse-riding women who descend upon battles to decide which soldiers die and which live. She dies from sadness after her lover Helgi is slain by her brother Dagr, and is later reborn as a Valkyrie herself.
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Only 190 guests
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Crew: 53
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Length: 443 feet
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Year built: 2019
Sun Deck Features
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Loungers with a View
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Walking Track
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Herb Garden
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Putting Green
​Dining
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Aquavit Terrace & Lounge, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship for al fresco dining
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Lounge & Bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
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Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
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Daily Treats at 24/7 Self-Serve Coffee Bar
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Late-Night Snack in the Lounge
Other Onboard Features
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Library & onboard shop
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Elevator from Middle to Upper Deck only; no elevator access for categories E & F
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Free Wi-Fi
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Laundry service
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Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride
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Flat-screen Infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand, and in-house programming
MARISSA MASSA-CIRILLO
Join Me
I am personally hosting this trip alongside another amazing travel advisor friend of mine! Two advisors for the price of one ! So you are in good hands from planning to sailing!
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River cruising is one of my favorite ways to explore Europe and I have sailed 4 different itineraries, The Christmas market season is
a special one I can't wait to experience with you!
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Join me for one of the daily excursions or meet me in the bar at the close of each day to share all the fun gifts you are bringing back to family and friends, or what yummy treats you tried at the market!
Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVE BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland’s best-kept secret.
During the holiday season, the medieval Old Town is transformed into a magical yuletide affair. Cobblestone streets are lined with wooden chalet-style huts selling all manner of festive treats and gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a warming cup of aromatic glühwein in a decorated boot-shaped mug. Hand-carved tree decorations, cheerfully painted ceramics and delicious food are sold from stalls throughout the city.
DAY 2
BREISACH, GERMANY
In the heart of Breisach’s old town, with a backdrop of the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s cathedral, the Weinachtsmarkt is a highlight of the season. Steaming aromatic glühwein served in decorated mugs, alongside tasty yuletide treats, is sold from festive wooden huts and taverns, keeping visitors warm as they browse market stalls for gifts and handicrafts. The nearby Black Forest provides a fairy-tale atmosphere; its towering, snow-covered spruce trees resemble a winter wonderland.
DAY 3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city’s cathedral square taking center stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colorful wares, fine food, and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d’epices (gingerbread).
RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY
Located in the picturesque Rhine Valley, we sail to Rüdesheim which is brimming with festive cheer. The vibrant Drosselgasse, a narrow alleyway lined with decorated restaurants and bars, is the perfect place to explore and immerse in the spirit of the holiday season. Traditional Rhineland music provides the backdrop to a tankard of Christmas beer. Market stalls offer an array of tasty morsels from various nations, and local artisans demonstrate their talents with displays of unique, handcrafted gifts.
DAY 4
MANNHEIM, GERMANY - Scenic Sailing - RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY
Mannheim’s Christmas market is a holiday season shopping extravaganza, centered around the city’s iconic water tower. One of Germany’s oldest and largest markets, more than 160 booths host vendors from around the world, offering handicrafts and handmade items. Beautiful glassware, and carved wooden toys and games, sit alongside Christmas lanterns, colorful baubles and ornaments, all of which are presented in quaint wooden houses. Luxurious cashmere scarves, sheepskin mittens and felt hats are the ideal purchase to take home as gifts for friends and family.
KOBLENZ, GERMANY
Koblenz is a traditional German country town with a wine heritage that spans centuries; a key ingredient for the warming glühwein that is served from taverns and market stalls during the holiday season. The scent of cinnamon, cloves and spices waft from steaming mugs as the sounds of festivities fill the air from one of the many musical performances, creating a toe-tapping atmosphere. Centered around the Schängel fountain, the Koblenz Christmas market offers all the flavors of the yuletide season from its famous Christmas bakery.
DAY 5
Scenic Sailing MIDDLE RHINE - KOBLENZ, GERMANY
The Rhine River flows through one of Germany’s most scenic regions. As you sail its most picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine, you will pass vineyard-blanketed hills whose steep slopes require vintners to pick grapes by hand, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Splendid castles line the banks, all of which have stories to share, and the Lorelei Rock presides at a dramatic curve in the river. This infamous river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet.
DAY 6
COLOGNE, GERMANY
Themed winter markets feature across Cologne during the holiday season, inviting visitors to browse colorful market stalls for handmade gifts, beautiful artwork and colorful crafts. The towering Gothic Cologne Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop to the city’s festivities and array of offerings from its red wooden stalls. Beneath the pointed roofs of Cologne harbor’s tented market, unique crafted goods are displayed amid the twinkling lights of boats bobbing in the marina.
DORDRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS
Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland. Throughout the city, there are hundreds of historic monuments and landmarks, including the Grote Kerk and the 13th-century Augustinian monastery known as Het Hof. The picturesque waterways and decorative bridges of Dordrecht exude a bygone era and are best explored on foot. The inner-city harbors are centuries old and lined with grand warehouses that have now been transformed into elegant homes. With a relaxed atmosphere and a plethora of quaint cafés and shops, Dordrecht oozes old-world charm.
DAY 7
SCENIC SAILING: WAAL & MERWEDE -
​DORDRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS
Sail the bucolic waters of the Rhine, deep into the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt Delta, as classic Dutch landscapes unfurl all around. Flat farmland, charming windmills and svelte poplar trees line the shores, and vast tracts of land stretch in all directions. Gaze upon Friesian cows and tidy villages with their neatly laid farmhouses and marvel at how much of this land was reclaimed from the sea, with the aid of traditional windmills and the construction of dikes.
DAY 8
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of Viking's post-cruise extensions or customizing your own!
Pre & Post Cruise Extensions
LAKE LUCERNE AT CHRISTMAS (Pre)
2 Nights | 3 Days
Immerse yourself in the holiday traditions of this Swiss town along the banks of Lake Lucerne, its Christmas markets set against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps. A guided stroll will take you to see the 14th-century Chapel Bridge and baroque churches of the medieval Old Town.
+$999pp
BASEL AT CHRISTMAS (Pre)
2 Nights | 3 Days
Celebrate the festive season as you revel in the spirit of Christmas in Basel. Shop for handicrafts at quaint markets, a cherished European tradition, and explore the winding cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses and decorated window displays.
+$699pp
CUSTOMIZE (Pre)
Flexible Lengths
Let us help design a custom pre/post extension based on your desired destinations and budget.
Idea Starters Pre:
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Switzerland or Italy Ski Packages
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Vienna for Christmas
+TBDpp
BELGIUM AT CHRISTMAS (Post)
3 Nights | 4 Days
Revel in the spirit of the holidays as you explore the intriguing Belgian cities of Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. View iconic landmarks and stroll historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, then celebrate the season as you immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of traditional Christmas markets.
+$1,199pp
AMSTERDAM (Post)
2 Nights | 3 Days
Navigate Amsterdam’s picturesque canals while discovering its cultural and architectural treasures. Witness the legacy of the Dutch Golden Age that lives on in the city’s gilded mansions and stroll through the Jordaan district, passing historic sites such as Wester Church and the Anne Frank House.
+$799pp - Standard Hotel
+$1299pp - Premium Hotel
CUSTOM (Post)
Flexible Lengths
Let us help design a custom pre/post extension based on your desired destinations and budget.
Idea Starters Post:
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Seasons Greetings from Paris
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Seasons Greetings from London
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​Seasons Greetings from Dublin
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Seasons Greetings from Scotland
+TBDpp
Included
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Overnight Accommodations aboard the Viking Sigrun
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All Meals aboard the ship
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Beer & Wine with Lunch & Dinner
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Included Daily Excursion (8)
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Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers
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Special Surprises Exclusive For Our Travelers ​
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Two Travel Advisor Hosts - Marissa & Marianne :)
Not Included
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Flights and US-based Airport Transfers
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Gratuities
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Optional Excursions
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Optional Pre & Post Add-Ons are available, or we can customize one for you! (Additional Fee)
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Trip Insurance (Cirillo Travel Group will provide a trip insurance quote included with your booking. The policy covers the value of this trip and provides Trip cancellation, Trip interruption, and Medical and Dental Coverage.) You can select the policy you'd like or sign to waive insurance. (Additional Fee)
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**see booking page for more info
CHRISTMAS ON THE RHINE
River Cruise
December 2nd - December 9th 2026
8 Days | 4 Countries
SWITZERLAND | FRANCE | GERMANY | THE NETHERLANDS
From $3,475 Per Person Based on Double Occupancy*
Solo Travelers - Please Reach Out for Pricing
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$500 Deposit per Person Due at Booking
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Final Payment Due: Aug 1, 2025