VIVA
Dusseldorf to Dusseldorf -
3 night Christmas Market Rhine River Cruise
It's that time of year again, when the wonderful scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds wafts up your nose. You can literally smell Christmas on this taster trip. Between the heavenly spice stands at the Dusseldorf Sternchen market. Over a punch in Konigswinter at the foot of the Siebengebirge. Or in the festive light of Cologne Cathedral while rummaging for sweet gifts. Just follow your nose, which is guaranteed to lead you to the culinary delights on board in the evening.
DAY 1: DUSSELDORF - EMBARKATION
Düsseldorf, the capital and second-largest city of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a mix of old and new Germany. The Altstadt, or Old Town, is centrally located behind the Rhine Embankment Promenade and has been dubbed “the longest bar in the world” due to the estimated 300 bars and discos in the area. Shopping aficionados will be more than pleased with the variety of shops and interesting boutiques on Königsallee and Schadowstraße while fans of history and culture will not want to miss visiting St. Lambertus Church, the Rathaus (Town Hall) or the 13th century Schlossturm (Castle Tower) which houses the nautical museum. Those with more time on their hands may also consider short trips to visit the Baroque-style 18th century mansion of Schloss Benrath or the 12th century ruins of Kaiserpfalz in the picturesque town of Kaiserswerth
DAY 2: DUSSELDORF - KONIGSWINTER
Early morning departure for Konigswinter.
Konigswinter
Arrive around 4:00pm
On the eastern side of the Rhine is the town of Königswinter in North Rhine-Westphalia. The town at the foot of the Siebengebirge mountains has a population of around 41,000. Numerous monuments and museums worth seeing make a visit to the town an unforgettable experience. For example, the Siebengebirgsmuseum provides detailed information about the legendary mountain landscape, which is the oldest nature reserve in Germany. At Sea Life, visitors can experience the underwater world up close and personal and the "Nibelungenhalle" is not only an architectural masterpiece but also houses a reptile zoo. The "Drachenburg Castle" is enthroned high above the "Drachenfels" cliff and is one of the landmarks of Königswinter. The imposing building is reminiscent of a fairytale castle and provides a fantastic view over the region. The "Hirschburg" castle is also a historical building of this town. In the region around the so called "Nightingale Valley", the historic villa is situated in a quiet environment. In the middle of the Siebengebirge mountains there is a kilometre-long system of tunnels called Ofenkaulen. The origin of these tunnels is said to date back to the Middle Ages.
EXCURSION: Konigswinter Castle and Drachenburg and Drachenfels
Let yourself be enchanted by the history of Königswinter and follow us on a tour to the Drachenfelsen and its Drachenburg. Take a tour up the Drachenfelsen with the oldest cogwheel railway still in operation. Admire the view from the plateau near the ruins of Drachenburg Castle. Learn more about the former high castle or enjoy the diverse nature that extends around the Drachenfelsen. Another sight worth mentioning is Drachenburg Castle below the castle ruins. Immerse yourself in the neo-early Gothic and neo-Renaissance styles of architecture that are hidden around and in the castle
Subject to change without notice. Please note that your route may not include all the excursions listed. You will receive further information about the excursions that can be booked with your travel documents and on board.
Late evening departure toward Boppard.DAY 3: BOPPARD - COLOGNE
Boppard is a small city consisting of nine villages located in the Rhine Province in Germany. The city is filled with Roman designed cathedrals and medieval buildings along its winding roads illustrating the life of Roman, French and German inhabitants that occupied the city in the middle ages.
Nazi soldiers once occupied Rhine Province during world war one, and as a result, seized Boppard. Some buildings today still depict ruins that tell the story of aerial assaults and military combat fighting of the first world war. There are many significant landmarks such as the Former Electoral castle, Romanesque Revival church, the Town wall, and much more. Various events are held in the Summer, and wine festivals are held in the spring highlighting the city's vineyards and wineries.
EXCURSION: Boppard: Funzeltour
Enjoy the evening during a special tour of Boppard. After picking you up from the boat, you will take a walk to the pension at Schinderhannes and Julchen. After the welcome, the Funzeltour starts on foot with a ladder wagon (6-person wine tasting on the way). Experience the eventful history of the town in a relaxed, humorous way. Marvel at walls that date back to Roman times. At each sight, the city guides will hand you a glass of wine. After returning to the guesthouse, the hosts will serve soup on the doorstep. A cosy get-together by the fireplace with a cheese platter completes the evening tour. With lots of new impressions, the way back to the ship on foot takes place in a cheerful mood.
EXCURSION: Boppard: Torchlight walk & mulled wine tasting during the Advent season
At night, you will feel transported back in time in the old imperial city of Boppard am Rhein. Walk over the old cobblestones and let the medieval half-timbered houses shine in the light of the torches. The torch-lit walk starts at the landing stage and takes about 1 hour. A local hiking guide will accompany you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Boppard. Many sights await you here, from old aristocratic farmsteads to villas from the Rhine Romantic period. In the romantic light of the torches you reach the market place with the old town hall and the St. Severus church, which was built in the 12th century. The old town hall is still the venue for the town council meetings. Here is the Roman fort with traces of settlement from the first century AD. The late Roman military camp was built to monitor the Rhine border. The event is rounded off with a mulled wine tasting in the Niedersburger Eck wine bistro, which is only a few minutes away from the landing stage. Here you can fortify yourself with a mulled wine and enjoy the excellent wines from Boppard, the largest wine-growing community on the Lower Rhine. The wine bistro combines the old tradition of a wine bar with family hospitality. The wine selection is complemented by delicious biscuits and contemplative Christmas stories. Afterwards you will return to the ship.
Subject to change without notice. Please note that your route may not include all the excursions listed. You will receive further information about the excursions that can be booked with your travel documents and on board.
Early afternoon departure toward Cologne, arriving about 6:30pm.
Cologne is a Gothic masterpiece, anchored by its world-famous cathedral whose twin spires dominate the city skyline. Founded by the Romans in 38 BC, it grew as an important trading town to become the fourth largest city in Germany. A popular stopping off point on Rhine river cruises, the city is a charm to walk round to explore antique streets full of interesting architecture which besides the cathedral includes a number of splendid churches and medieval buildings (such as City Hall which dating from the 12th century is the oldest in Germany.
Modern day Cologne has a liberal joie de vivre with an appreciation for culture from both ends of the spectrum. Visitors can enjoy the avant-garde and postmodern alongside the antique splendour and enjoy diverse pursuits from a visit to a chocolate museum to a lively night out on the tiles in the beer halls of the Altstadt district.
Cologne features 7 Christmas Markets - most around the Cathedral and train station. All are different themes - 4 main Christmas Markets near the Cologne Cathedral, including the Cologne Old Town "Home of the Elves" and the Cologne Harbour Christmas Market near the Chocolate Museum (Pirate themed), The Angel's Market, the Fairytale Christmas at Rudolfplatz and the Christmas market at Stadtgarten.
EXCURSIONS: Cologne - Belgium Quarter
Luxury and classy galleries meet hipsters and street art. Experience the Belgian Quarter, one of the most popular and expensive residential areas in Cologne. The contribution of several international artists makes it the most creative neighbourhood in Cologne. The neighbourhood is covered with art ranging from small stickers to multi-storey murals.
On the other hand, discovering the luxurious identity of the neighborhood means learning history about Cologne's diversity from the past to the present at the same time.
Learn where the name for the quarter comes from. Walk past the old building facades with their charm from days gone by and a wide variety of architectural styles. After a refreshment in one of the many traditional breweries around Cologne, continue on to the cathedral. Lots of interesting information about this internationally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site is the rounding finale of the tour before heading back to the ship.
Subject to change without notice. Please note that your route may not include all the excursions listed. You will receive further information about the excursions that can be booked with your travel documents and on board.
DAY 4: DUSSELDORF
Ship arrive about 2am. Disembark after breakfast.
DUSSELDORF TO DUSSELDORF
| Day | Port | Arr | Dep | Comments |
| 1 | Dusseldorf (Germany) | Embarkation 1:00pm | ||
| 2 | Dusseldorf (Germany) | 7:00am | ||
| 2 | Konigswinter (Germany) | 4:00pm | 10:00pm | |
| 3 | Boppard (Germany) | 6:00am | 12:00pm | Free time |
| 3 | Cologne (Germany) | 6:30pm | 11:00pm | Time to enjoy Cologne's Christmas Markets |
| 4 | Dusseldorf (Germany) | 02:00am | Disembark |
- subject to changes -
2021 Per Person Cruise Only Fares
| Departure | Ship | DBL |
DBL Ruby Deck |
DBL Jr Suite Ruby Deck |
DBL Diamond Deck |
DBL Jr Suite Diamond Deck |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-Nov-21 | Tiara | $550 | $750 | $795 | $795 | $895 |
| 27-Nov-21 | Tiara | $550 | $750 | $795 | $795 | $895 |
| 30-Nov-21 | Tiara | $550 | $750 | $795 | $795 | $895 |
| 03-Dec-21 | Tiara | $550 | $750 | $795 | $795 | $895 |
| 06-Dec-21 | Tiara | $550 | $750 | $795 | $795 | $895 |
| 09-Dec-21 | Tiara | $550 | $750 | $795 | $795 | $895 |
| 12-Dec-21 | Tiara | $550 | $750 | $795 | $795 | $895 |
| 15-Dec-21 | Tiara | $550 | $750 | $795 | $795 | $895 |
| 18-Dec-21 | Tiara | $550 | $750 | $795 | $795 | $895 |
REGULAR Rate includes: cruise and port taxes, GRATUITIES, all meals, wine, and a beverage package - Soft Drinks, as well as tea and coffee, Beer, wine, throughout the day and evening between 10am and midnight. Sightseeing excursions are not included and can be booked onboard.
