​TRIP

Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle
Viking River Cruise
Spend 12 days celebrating the holiday season from Zürich, Switzerland to Paris, France. Cruise through the scenic Rhine and Moselle valleys while exploring Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets and festive towns.

TRAVEL DATE
DEC 13 - 24, 2027

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Holiday traditions in the Rhineland

Revel in yuletide cheer as you discover beloved European holiday traditions during this scenic 12-day cruisetour. Admire festive seasonal displays in Paris, the vibrantly lit facade of the cathedral in Reims and Alsatian bonhomie in Strasbourg. Browse stalls full of local delicacies and handicrafts at the charming Christmas markets of Trier, Koblenz and Mannheim, and enjoy a warm mug of glühwein while in the shadow of the Alps in Zürich.

TRAVEL SCHEDULE
​Day 01 | Mon, Dec 13 | Zürich, Switzerland
Day 02 | Tue, Dec 14 | Zürich, Switzerland
Day 03 | Wed, Dec 15 | Basel, Switzerland
Day 04 | Thu, Dec 16 | Strasbourg, France
Day 05 | Fri, Dec 17 | Speyer - Mannheim, Germany
Day 06 | Sat, Dec 18 | Mainz, Germany
Day 07 | Sun, Dec 19 | Scenic Sailing: Middle Rhine - Koblenz - Winningen, Germany
Day 08 | Mon, Dec 20 | Cochem, Germany
Day 09 | Tue, Dec 21 | Bernkastel - Trier, Germany
Day 10 | Wed, Dec 22 | Reims - Paris, France
Day 11 | Thu, Dec 23 | Paris, France
Day 12 | Fri, Dec 24 | Paris, France​

PACKAGE 
INCLUDES

STATEROOMS STARTING AT $3674* per Person!

Reserve your spot now!
$25 per person Deposit

*Price based on double occupancy and subject to change depending on location and available according to viking.com

Key Features

  • 8-day cruise visiting 4 countries with a river-view stateroom
  • 2 nights each at Le Méridien Etoile Paris & Renaissance Zürich Tower (or similar)
  • 10 guided tours
  • Visit 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • All onboard meals including regional specialties
  • Culture Curriculum: Enjoy a classical music performance; learn how to create your own Alsatian flammkuchen; attend lectures on Germany’s current affairs & origins of Rhine River cruising
  • Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Port taxes & fees
Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle Brochure
File Size: 574 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

ITINERARY

IN SEARCH OF NORTHERN LIGHTS

Starting at $3674* per Person
*Price based on double occupancy and subject to change depending on location and available according to viking.com
​Day 01 | Mon, Dec 13 | Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich, Switzerland
Arrive and check in to your hotel. Overlooking Lake Zürich and spanning the banks of the Limmat River, Switzerland’s largest city is often cited as one of Europe’s most livable. It is the country’s financial heart, but its residents also embrace their natural surroundings, from soaring alpine peaks to the lake’s shimmering waters. Zürich is home to a lively and impressive arts culture. The avant-garde Dada movement was born here in 1916 and two of its most important churches boast stained glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti. More masterworks reside in the city’s renowned Kunsthaus, including an enormous water lily painting by Monet.​

​Shore excursions on the first and last day of a cruise are only available for guests who are combining back-to-back voyages to create a longer cruise. Those guests may organize custom tours through the Destination Services Desk on board.​
Day 02 | Tue, Dec 14 | Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich’s oldest Christmas market is set along the medieval streets of the lively Niederdorf neighborhood. Centrally located next to the main train station, more than 140 stalls comprise the Christkindlimarkt, where the air is heavy with the aroma of mulled wine and spices. The scene is dominated by a looming Christmas tree decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Nestled between the elegant Zürich Opera House and the shores of Lake Zürich, the Wienachtsdorf creates an enchanting Christmas village where a mug of glühwein can be enjoyed while browsing for seasonal mementos.
Day 03 | Wed, Dec 15 | Basel, Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to your embarkation city. 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. Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom.
Day 04 | Thu, Dec 16 | Strasbourg, France
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).​
Day 05 | Fri, Dec 17 | Speyer - Mannheim, Germany
Speyer, Germany
Speyer’s Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. With the historic Old Gate as a stunning backdrop, market stalls are brimming with yuletide treats, serving Christmas cookies and steaming mugs of aromatic glühwein. Skaters don their woolen hats and gloves, and take to the ice for some festive fun, while visitors browse for unique handmade gifts. The holiday atmosphere continues into January, bringing the opportunity for New Year merrymakers to enjoy the festivities and sample regional specialties, such as potato soup and yeast dumplings.
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Mannheim, 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.​
Day 06 | Sat, Dec 18 | Mainz, Germany
Mainz, Germany
Located in the heart of the Rhine wine region, Mainz has been an important cultural center for thousands of years. Every winter, the city transforms itself into a cozy winter wonderland with one of Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets. The 10th-century Cathedral of St. Martin becomes a dramatic backdrop for vendors selling handmade crafts, as well as candied almonds, chestnuts and mulled wine. Smaller WinterZeit markets dot the city, and concerts and traditional stage productions of fairy tales play regularly during the yuletide season.​
Day 07 | Sun, Dec 19 | Scenic Sailing: Middle Rhine - Koblenz - Winningen, Germany
Scenic Sailing: Middle Rhine
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. Here, legend has it that a river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet.​
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Koblenz, Germany
Koblenz is a traditional German country town with a wine heritage that spans centuries; a key ingredient for the warming glühweinthat 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.
Winningen, Germany
Hugging a gentle curve in the Moselle River, Winningen enjoys stunning vistas of forested hills and limestone cliff faces on the river’s opposite banks. The small city’s Weingüter, or wine taverns, showcase the valley’s famed Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Elbling that are nurtured in steeply terraced vineyards draping nearby slopes. In a region with many renowned wine towns, Winningen is less well-known, and therein lies its charm. Its typical German streets are lined with half-timbered buildings and are a pleasure to explore.
Day 08 | Mon, Dec 20 | Cochem, Germany
Cochem, Germany
The holiday season transforms the squares and narrow cobblestone alleyways of Cochem’s Old Town into a wintery fairy tale. Festive lights line the streets and the promenade along the Moselle River, giving the city a cozy, yuletide atmosphere, and vendors display local handicrafts from the shelves of their wooden stalls. Visitors can savor a Riesling stollen, a traditional German Christmas bread, as well as yeast dumplings, pastries, white mulled wine—a Moselle specialty—or regional delicacies made from the renowned red vineyard peach.
Day 09 | Tue, Dec 21 | Bernkastel - Trier, Germany
Bernkastel, Germany
The medieval Old Town of Bernkastel transforms itself during the holidays, with its cobblestone streets decked out in lights and the aroma of mulled wine, gingerbread and almonds filling the air. Picturesque half-timbered houses form the backdrop for about 40 stalls, where vendors showcase seasonal wares such as traditional handicrafts and jewelry. The market square is also home to the region’s largest Advent calendar, festively displayed in the window of a local pharmacy. The market’s highlight is the arrival by boat of Santa Claus, accompanied by swimmers carrying torches.​
​
Trier, Germany
Set in the historic heart of Trier, the bustling and colorful Hauptmarkt is the city’s main gathering place and the center of holiday festivities. Its rich repository of Romanesque, Gothic and baroque-style architecture provide a romantic backdrop to its cozy Christmas market. There, vendors display handcrafted decorations and serve regional specialties, such as vintner hot mulled wine from the Moselle. The nearby Domfreihof adds to the yuletide atmosphere that abounds throughout the Old City, its market set in the shadow of the impressive 13th-century Trier Cathedral.
Day 10 | Wed, Dec 22 | Reims - paris, france
Reims, France
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination. Reims, nestled in the heart of the renowned Champagne region, is home to one of France’s largest Christmas markets. More than 140 stalls grace the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter, in the heart of the city center, while craftsmen display their wares at the market in the courtyard of the Palace of Tau. The famous Reims Cathedral is decorated in a colorful light display that showcases the magnificent architectural details of this 13th-century Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO Site.​
​
Paris, France
Arrive and check in to your hotel. Long a hub of French culture and cuisine, Paris is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Over the centuries, Parisian culture has been built on the wings of inspiration. Music, film, architecture, literature, dance and the visual arts all have their brilliant place in the museums, theaters, bookstores and remarkably preserved buildings of this magnificent city. At the center of it all is the Champs-Élysées. With its inviting riverside promenade, graceful bridges and splendid views of all things Parisian, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum.
Day 11 | Thu, Dec 23 | Paris, France
Paris, France
As Paris prepares for the winter months and the festivities ahead, the city’s streets come alive. Patrons of pavement cafés can be seen sipping hot chocolate, wrapped up in woollens against the cold, and shop windows are a grand affair depicting scenes from fairy tales, Santa Claus and his workshop, or a snowy winter wonderland. From November on, leading department stores, including Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, present their seasonal displays often featuring clever animation; their grand openings are hotly anticipated each year.​
Day 12 | Fri, Dec 24 | Paris, France​
Paris, France
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.

Suggested Excursions

DETAILS

Viking Annar
Meaning “second” or “another” in Norse mythology, Annar is a figure associated with the earth. He is often considered the second husband of the giantess Nótt (Night) and the father of Jörð (Earth), who is also the mother of Thor.
  • Only 190 guests
  • Crew: 53
  • Length: 443 feet
  • Year built: 2026
Ship Features
  • 95 comfortable outside staterooms (25 Standard Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites, 2 Explorer Suites)
  • All suites feature two full-size rooms with a veranda off the living room & a French balcony in the bedroom
  • Sun Deck with 360-degree views & shaded sitting area; organic herb garden & solar panels; putting green & walking track
  • Aquavit Terrace & Lounge, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship for al fresco dining
  • Lounge & Bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
  • Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
  • Library & onboard shop
  • Elevator from Middle to Upper Deck only; no elevator access for categories E & F
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Laundry service
  • Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming

STATEROOM CHOICES

Prices below are based on double occupancy and are subject to change based on location and availability according to viking.com
Viking Longships Deck Plan
File Size: 130 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
ES - Explorer Suite | Starting at $11,874 per person
  • Stateroom size: 445 sq ft (includes private veranda)
  • River-view suite with private wraparound balcony offering 270-degree views off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 12 PM priority stateroom access
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • Additional flat-screen TV in sitting area
  • 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
  • Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
  • Premium Freyja® toiletries
  • Plush robes & slippers
  • Telephone, safe, refrigerator
  • Individual climate control
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Welcome champagne; mini-bar with wine, beer & soft drinks (replenished daily); daily fruit plate
  • Binoculars
  • Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections
  • Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
  • Complimentary in-room breakfast service
  • Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services
  • Silver Spirits beverage package included
  • Private arrival/departure transfer in destination
  • Under-bed suitcase storage space
  • Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers
  • Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only)
  • View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360° Tour
AA - Veranda Suite | Starting at $8,874 per person
  • Stateroom size: 275 sq ft (includes private veranda)
  • River-view suite with full-size veranda off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French Balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 12 PM priority stateroom access
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • Additional flat-screen TV in sitting area
  • 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
  • Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer​
  • Premium Freyja® toiletries
  • Plush robes & slippers
  • Telephone, safe, refrigerator
  • Individual climate control
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Welcome champagne; mini-bar with wine, beer & soft drinks (replenished daily); daily fruit plate
  • Binoculars
  • Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
  • Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services
  • Under-bed suitcase storage space
  • Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers
  • Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only)
  • View the Veranda Suite (AA) in our 360° Tour
A, B - Veranda Stateroom | Starting at $5,174 per person
  • Stateroom size: 205 sq ft (includes private veranda)
  • River-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 3 PM stateroom access
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports​
  • Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
  • Premium Freyja® toiletries
  • Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
  • Telephone, safe, refrigerator
  • Individual climate control
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
  • Under-bed suitcase storage space
  • Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers
  • View the Veranda Stateroom (A, B) in our 360° Tour
C, D - French Balcony Stateroom | Starting at $4,674 per person
  • Stateroom size: 135 sq ft
  • River-view stateroom with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 3 PM stateroom access
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports​
  • Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
  • Premium Freyja® toiletries
  • Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
  • Telephone, safe, refrigerator
  • Individual climate control
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
  • Under-bed suitcase storage space
  • Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers
  • View the French Balcony Stateroom (C, D) in our 360° Tour
E, F - Standard Stateroom | Starting at $3,674 per person
  • Stateroom size: 150 sq ft
  • River-view stateroom with half-height picture window
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 3 PM stateroom access
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports​
  • Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
  • Premium Freyja® toiletries
  • Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
  • Telephone, safe, refrigerator
  • Individual climate control
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
  • Under-bed suitcase storage space
  • Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers
  • View the Standard Stateroom (E, F) in our 360° Tour
Included features and services:
  • Included shore excursions with local guide & headset
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Complimentary beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
  • Multiple dining venues with open seating
  • 24/7 specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
  • Aquavit Terrace®​​
  • All port taxes and fees
  • Airport transfers on date of embarkation/disembarkation with Viking Air program
Your stateroom:
  • Riverview stateroom with individual climate control
  • Room steward & twice daily housekeeping
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed with optional twin-bed configuration; luxury linens & pillows
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system, live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • Telephone, safe, refrigerator
  • 110/220 volt outlets & USB port
  • Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer​
  • Premium Freyja® toiletries, bathrobe & slippers (upon request)
  • Under-bed suitcase storage & roomy wardrobe
​AIR ADD-ON
Available closer to travel date. Includes $150 Air Plus to personally select your flights  Includes roundtrip transoceanic air travel directly from Viking in conjunction with your river cruise or cruisetour. Viking’s air packages are a great value because they include your transfers between airport and ship or hotel.  Select from more than 150 different gateways including Denver, Colorado Springs, Minneapolis, Wichita & Kansas City (additional gateways available).

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Available from Viking or packages also available from Allianz Insurance
Help to protect your travel investment, your belongings and most importantly you for those unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip. The Viking Cruises Travel Protection Plan is a Plan made up of different components. The Plan includes a Cancellation Waiver, provided by Viking Cruises, Travel Insurance Benefits and Non-Insurance Services. Plan benefits, limits and provisions may vary by state jurisdiction. To review full plan details online, go to: www.tripmate.com/wpGR425V.
​
SHORE EXCURSIONS
There will be something included at most every port. Additional shore excursions may be purchased at some stops. 
FLIGHTS, INSURANCE, PASSPORTS, ETC.

Once we have the trip confirmed, and once the date is closer, I will be available to help secure flights and pre/post hotel reservations.

​Travel insurance can be added to your trip for all those unexpected occurrences.  If you would like more information on coverage available, please visit the TRAVEL INSURANCE PAGE.  If you are interested in pricing based on your age and package amount, please mark the appropriate box on the reservation form. 

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED !  Please be sure to apply for your passport at least 3 months prior to your travel date.  

Please click the link below to read more about how to apply for a passport. 
travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

HOLD YOUR SPOT TODAY BY COMPLETING THE TRAVEL REQUEST FORM BELOW:

​DEPOSITS DUE AS REQUIRED BY VIKING CRUISES
IRELAND-SCOTLAND-ENGLAND

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