Rhine Holiday Christmas Markets Cruise 2025
- Experience the holiday season like never before on the stunning S.S. Elisabeth
- Visit charming festive towns along the Rhine River
- Shop at world-famous Christmas markets in Germany, Switzerland, and France
- Revel in medieval squares illuminated by twinkling lights and life-sized nativity figures
Join us aboard the S.S. Elisabeth—a fully chartered ship with a contemporary feel, paired with Uniworld’s signature boutique style—as you discover the roots of various Christmas traditions in Europe’s most charming towns. Shop for unique holiday gifts at the world-famous Christmas markets of Germany, France, and Switzerland during the most festive season of the year. Immerse yourself in classic holiday traditions along the shores of the Rhine River, with excursions to candle-lit wine cellars, artisan shops, and cozy cafes on Christmas tree-lined streets. Guests will also enjoy custom Inspirato programming and onboard hosts for plenty of activities from pre-embarkation in Cologne, Germany, to disembarkation in Basel, Switzerland.
Quick Facts
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Experience Dates
December 8–16, 2025 -
Starting at
$12,300 per package -
Minimum Age
12 years old -
Ship
S.S. Elisabeth -
Arrival Airport
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) -
Debarkation
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL, MLH, EAP) -
Ideal For
Multi-generational Families, Couples, Friends, and Holiday Enthusiasts
Cruise Highlights
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Holiday Cheer
Visit the world-famous Christmas markets of Germany, France, and Switzerland. Complete your holiday shopping lists with one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts made by local artisans.
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Local Traditions
Immerse yourself in the classic holiday traditions and legends of the Rhine River Valley, with special excursions to experience the culinary, musical, and storytelling traditions of the region.
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Start in Germany
Kick off your magical holiday season in Cologne with a one-night hotel stay included on December 8, prior to embarkation. Begin your journey here with your fellow members and guests, then transfer from our partnering hotel to board the ship.
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Cruise In Luxury
Cruise aboard the luxurious S.S. Elisabeth. Enjoy a variety of shore excursions, meals made with the finest and freshest ingredients, plus complimentary beverages, including alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas, and more.
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In Good Company
Enjoy exclusive Inspirato Only activities and special touches throughout our journey along the Rhine River, all designed by our in-house team specifically with Inspirato members in mind.
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Only for Inspirato
Inspirato has fully chartered the S.S. Elisabeth so that only Inspirato members and their guests will be on board. Experience all the Rhine has to offer alongside one another this holiday season.
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Extensions
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Pre-Cruise Hotel
Our host hotel in Cologne, Germany will be a luxury hotel (to be announced at a later time), where the night of December 8, 2025, is included in your cruise fare prior to embarkation. We will offer rates pre-cruise for those who are looking to extend their stay in Cologne (subject to availability). You’ll receive more information in our pre-trip email newsletters, including a link to a form in which you can make any hotel extension requests. You may also reach out to the Cruise team at any time for assistance.
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Pre-Cruise Program
Inspirato is pleased to offer custom group day tours in Cologne prior to embarkation. These will be announced in the months before embarkation and feature culinary and cultural excursions. For members looking to continue exploring Europe (with 5+ nights, whether pre-cruise, post-cruise, or a combination of both), our Bespoke team can create custom pre- and post-cruise extensions at an additional cost. Visit the Inspirato Bespoke webpage to request more information.
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Post-Cruise hotel
A luxury hotel in Zurich is available upon request (subject to availability) at an additional cost. For members looking to continue exploring Europe (with 5+ nights, whether pre-cruise, post-cruise, or a combination of both), our Bespoke team can create custom pre- and post-cruise extensions at an additional cost. Visit the Inspirato Bespoke webpage to request more information.
