Rhine Holiday Markets (Basel to Cologne)

A 9-Day Uniworld River Cruises tour starting from $1,899

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Starting Price: $1,899 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 9 Days
Countries Visited: Central Europe, Germany, Switzerland
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  • Single Supplement Savings
  • Young travelers SAVE 50% on select itineraries
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Category:
Tour Operator: Uniworld River Cruises
Tour Code: UNI243-224
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Cities Visited:
See Description

Switzerland, France, and Germany provide the perfect backdrop for this true connoisseur's Christmas Markets cruise. Visit the delightful Christmas Markets of Basel, Switzerland, and Strasbourg, France.

 
 •  7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the regal River Queen
 •  All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
 •  Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
 •  6 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
 •  State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
 •  Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners
 •  Captivating onboard local entertainment
 •  Signature lecture: “European Christmas Traditions”
 •  An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
 •  All transfers on arrival and departure days (Please see transfer guidelines in the Terms and Conditions)

 

 •  7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the regal River Queen
 •  All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
 •  Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
 •  6 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
 •  State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
 •  Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners
 •  Captivating onboard local entertainment
 •  Signature lecture: “European Christmas Traditions”
 •  An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
 •  All transfers on arrival and departure days (Please see transfer guidelines in the Terms and Conditions)
 
Day 1: Depart home gateway city to Basel


Day 2: Basel
Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg where you'll be transferred to the ship. (D)

Day 3: Basel
Featured Excursion: Basel walking tour and Christmas Market
Your city walk introduces you to Basel, Switzerland's second-largest city. Over the centuries, it has been a center for banking, trade, and education, all of which are showcased by its striking Town Hall and exquisite patrician homes. Delight in Basel's Christmas Market in the heart of the historic Old Town, and visit the illuminated Christmas Street, which is beautifully decorated with over 100 Christmas trees. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)

Day 4: Strasbourg
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg canal cruise and Christmas Market
Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, Strasbourg is known as “The Crossroads of Europe” and home of the magnificent, single-spire Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral and many beautiful half-timbered houses. See Strasbourg as it has been seen through the centuries-on a canal cruise. Cruise past the Ponts-Couverts, which are covered bridges linked by Medieval watchtowers once used for observation purposes. Admire the modern building that houses the European Parliament, and enjoy Petite France, which is especially picturesque at this time of year. And visit the oldest Christmas Market in France in a breathtaking setting right in front of Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral. (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Speyer (Heidelberg)
Featured Excursion: Full-day Heidelberg and Christmas Market
Situated on the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is one of Germany's most beautiful cities and one of the best-preserved Medieval cities in Europe. It is also home to one of Germany's oldest universities. Your tour of Heidelberg takes you past the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a once fortified Gothic castle, and through Old Town, which is all dressed up for the holidays. You'll have ample time to explore the Heidelberg Christmas Market, which spans over five squares. Marvel at the Christmas Pyramid rotating inside the tower at the Marktplatz, or take a ride on the carousel. (BB, D)

Day 6: Mainz, Rüdesheim
Featured Excursion: Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum
Enjoy the morning at leisure in the town of Mainz, once home to Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. Stroll through Old Town and the city square, where you'll see Kaiserdom, St. Stephan's Church, and Kurfu-rstliche Schloss. Explore the St. Nicholas Christmas Market with the 1,000-year- old St. Martin's Cathedral as a backdrop. During the afternoon, cruise from Mainz to Ru-desheim, located in the heart of the Rhine Valley. Ru-desheim has been a magnet for romantics ever since the early 19th century. Its rolling hills, historical monuments, and winding alleyways are a real treat. While in Ru-desheim, you'll visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum and its unique collection of mechanical musical instruments, which is housed in one of Ru-desheim's 16th-century mansions. (BB, L, D)

Day 7: Cruising the romantic Rhine, Koblenz
Featured Excursion: Koblenz walking tour and Christmas Market
In the morning, you'll cruise to Koblenz via the breathtaking 40 miles of the upper-middle Rhine Valley, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its 40 castles strung like pearls on the hillside, and the famous Lorelei Rock, the valley is the perfect example of the romantic Rhine. Once you arrive in Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, you'll begin your walking tour through romantic alleys with their half-timbered houses decorated for the season. You'll pass by St. Castor's Church, the Church of Our Lady, Schängel Fountain, and historic City Hall. Afterward, delight in the Koblenz Christmas Market with its dozens of wooden stands offering arts and crafts, spicy mulled wine, and sweet Christmas cakes, and watch the local children skating on the Christmas Market rink. (BB, L, D)

Day 8: Cologne
Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour, cathedral visit, and Christmas Markets
Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Town as you make your way to the cathedral, the city's beloved landmark and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cologne boasts no fewer than five Christmas Markets, so we have planned an entire day in this city for you to discover these markets at your own pace following the tour. Be sure to visit the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, as well as Alter Markt in front of the City Hall, Neumarkt in Cologne's shopping area, and the Medieval Christmas Market in front of the Chocolate Museum. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner) Note: No tours inside of the Cologne Cathedral on Sundays or Catholic holidays.

Day 9: Depart Cologne
Disembark the ship and transfer to Cologne Bonn Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in lovely Lucerne.

 

Don't miss our current specials:

         
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(Land Only)
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12/6/2010 - 12/15/2010
$1,999
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12/20/2010 - 12/29/2010
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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

River Queen

2010 Condé Nast Travel Readers' Poll Best Small Ship.

Entered service 1999; Refurbished 2006; 66 staterooms; 132-passenger capacity; European officers and crew; 9- and 12-night cruises in Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.

The River Queen is the most unique river cruise ship in Europe. Her exterior resembles the great steamships of the 1930’s, while her plush interior provides a classical elegance reminiscent of the famous Art Deco style.

Facilities onboard River Queen:

  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens, a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes
  • The suites have additional amenities and services including: slippers; coffe machine; bottle of wine upon arrival; fruit and cookie plate; morning coffee, and shoe shine
    Additional for 2010:  Free laundry services and daily newspaper
  • Beautiful panoramic main lounge with a fireplace (the only working fireplace on any river cruise ship) and  full-service bar, cozy Captain's lounge and library, elegant restaurant, sun deck, fitness room, massage treatments, sauna, gift boutique, guest and ironing facilities, and elevator
  • Complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
  • 24-hour reception service
  • Wireless Internet access in public areas

 

River Queen

Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image

Catrgory 1- 5 Stateroom
Catrgory 1- 5 Stateroom

Catrgory 1- 5 Stateroom

Catrgory 1- 5 Stateroom: approximately 151 sq ft

  • Lavishly Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites: have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the RHine Deck have rench balconies. Other amenites include: a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes

 


Suite
Suite

Suite

Suite: approximately 215 sq ft

  • Lavishly Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites: have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the RHine Deck have rench balconies. Other amenites include: a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes
  • The suites have extra amenities and service including: slippers; coffee machine; bottle of wine upon arrival; fruit and cookie plate; TV with DVD player; a refrigerator; and morning coffee, shoe shine, and free laundry services
  • Beautiful panoramic main lounge with full-service dar, cozy Captain's lounge and library, elegant restaurant, sun deck with chess and shuffleboard, sky lounge, fittness room, sauna, massage treatments, gift boutique, guest laundry and ironing facilities, and elevator
  • Complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
  • 24-hour reception service
  • Wireless Internet access in public areas

Ship Facts:

  • Inagurated: 1999
  • Refurbished: 2006
  • Length: 361 ft (110 m)
  • Width: 37.5 ft (11.40 m)
  • Decks: 3 + sun deck
  • Staterooms: 66
  • Passenger Capacity: 132
  • Voltage: 220v
  • Onboard Currency: Euro

Ship Amenities:

Cabin Size: Approximately 151 sq. ft.
Suites: 4
Suite Size: Approximately 215 sq. ft.
Window Size: Moselle Deck = 6 ft. (1.86 m.) x 1.4 ft. (0.43 m.);
Main Deck = 6 ft. (1.86 m.) x 2.6 ft. (0.78 m.)
Danube Deck = 6.4 ft. (1.94 m.) x 3 ft. (0.93 m.)
Rhine Deck = 3 ft. (0.90 m.) x 5.8 ft. (1.78 m.)
Voltage: 220 volts
Elevator: Yes
Restaurant: Open seating
Library: Yes
Laundry Service: Available
Launderette: Yes
Ironing Facilities: Yes
Gymnasium: Yes
Sauna: Dry Sauna

 

The price of your cruise includes:

  • Intimate, boutique hotel-style cruise ships with an average capacity of 134 guests
  • Luxurious riverview staterooms appointed with hotel-style beds draped in 100% Egyptian cotton linens, cashmere/wool blankets, and European-style comforters. Plus, bathrooms stocked with plush robes, thick towels from Christie’s of Manchester, and L’Occitane body products.
  • A world-class, award-winning all English-speaking attentive staff with a ratio of one staff member to every three guests Guest service satisfaction rates of over 98%
  • Unlike most of our competition all meals are prepared fresh daily using only the finest ingredients from the local ports of call
  • Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner, bottled water in staterooms, and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas on board Uniworld’s company-owned ships in Europe
  • Evening al fresco dining on the sun deck
  • Captivating shore excursions fully hosted by English-speaking local guides who use state-of-the-art Quietvox portable headset systems to enhance guests’ sightseeing experience
  • Complimentary use of bicycles on company-owned ships
  • Exciting onboard local entertainment and insightful lectures
  • Epicurean Adventurer Program on nine itineraries in which guests enjoy a host of culinary delights including private wine tastings, special wine and food pairing dinner, cooking demonstrations, and unique onshore excursions
  • All transfers on arrival and departure days*
  • All riverview staterooms and suites are serviced twice-a-day
A wonderful dining experience calls for a few special ingredients:
  • Inviting ambiance of an elegant restaurant with a beautiful scenic backdrop
  • A professionally-trained culinary staff who stands ready to fulfill your requests including providing recommendations from our wine list planned by our award winning European sommelier
  • Gourmet cuisine prepared fresh daily with the finest ingredients, often brought onboard from local markets
  • International chefs from London’s five-star Meridian Piccadilly and Relais & Châteaux Hotels
  • Al fresco evening dining on the beautiful open-air sun deck
  • Open seating for all dining occasions
Menus change daily and reflect the best of the region and season:
  • Breakfast
    Full buffet breakfast, including made-to-order omelets, pancakes, Belgian waffles, French toast, bacon and sausages to lighter fare – cereals, an assortment of homemade breads, pastries, fresh fruits and juices, fine teas and French Press coffee from organic pure Arabica coffee beans.
  • Lunch
    Fresh salads, seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses, homemade soups and bread, hearty sandwiches and delectable sweets
  • Dinner
    Gourmet entrees from homemade ravioli to filet mignon accompanied by complimentary fine wine, beer, soft drinks, and divine desserts*

*Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are offered on Europe cruises only. Dining choices may vary on cruises in Egypt and China.

Gracious and accommodating, your all English-speaking staff has been well-trained in the art of hospitality. This means getting to know you, understanding your individual preferences, sharing their insights into the destinations you visit and offering you those extra special luxuries that make your experience more personalized.

When you join Uniworld on a river cruise, expect to be well cared for, from port to port. With around the clock 24-hour reception service, whatever you need, day or night, we are here to assist. Here, "well trained" is not just a phrase, but our philosophy. It’s the spirit in which we go above and beyond to ensure your journey provides memories that will last a lifetime.

Save up to $900 per Couple on Select Holiday River Cruises

SAVE $900 per couple on select 2010 Holiday river cruises

Pay in full at time of booking by April 30, 2010 to SAVE up to $900 per couple ($450 per person) off cruise or cruise & air rates on suites or category 1 and 2 staterooms.

This offer is available on the following itineraries:

Rhine Holiday Markets (2010)

Danube Holiday Markets (2010)

Rhine & Main Holiday Markets (2010)

European Holiday Markets (2010)

SAVE $600 per couple on select 2010 Holiday river cruises

Pay in full at time of booking by April 30, 2010 to SAVE up to $600 per couple ($300 per person) off cruise or cruise & air rates on suites or category 3, 4, and 5 staterooms.

This offer is available on the following itineraries:

Rhine Holiday Markets (2010)

Danube Holiday Markets (2010)

Rhine & Main Holiday Markets (2010)

European Holiday Markets (2010)

Young Travelers Save 50% off

Young travelers (between ages of 4 – 18) SAVE 50% off cruise only when accompanied by an adult on select itineraries and departure dates.

Offer is available on the Paris & Normandy cruise as well as Castles Along the Rhine itinerary.

 

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.