Charming Rhine Cruise from Basel

Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city’s cathedral square taking centre 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 colourful 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).

Located in the Upper Rhine Plain, Ludwigshafen is known for its modern and contemporary art museums, which almost leap out at you in the centre of the city.

The German city of Coblenz enjoys a fabulous geographical setting. It lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers (what a treat for riverboat cruise trips) and the convergence of three low mountain ranges, the Westerwald, Hunsrück, and the Eifel (great photo opportunities). It is a popular destination for exploring the romantic Rhine Valley.

Wiesbaden is the capital of the state of Hesse, located in western Germany. The Kurhaus, a building built in neoclassical style, houses ballrooms and the Wiesbaden casino. The spa park was laid out in 1852 in the style of an English landscape garden. Next to the red, neo-Gothic Market Church on Schlossplatz is the neoclassical City Palace, seat of the Hessian Parliament. The Museum Wiesbaden shows, among other things, works of the expressionist painter Alexej von Jawlensky and natural history objects..

Wiesbaden is the capital of the state of Hesse, located in western Germany. The Kurhaus, a building built in neoclassical style, houses ballrooms and the Wiesbaden casino. The spa park was laid out in 1852 in the style of an English landscape garden. Next to the red, neo-Gothic Market Church on Schlossplatz is the neoclassical City Palace, seat of the Hessian Parliament. The Museum Wiesbaden shows, among other things, works of the expressionist painter Alexej von Jawlensky and natural history objects..

Plittersdorf is the former capital of Germany and an independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia. The banks of the Rhine invite you to go for a walk and offer well-developed inline and cycle paths. The old town offers traditional shops and branches of large brand chains.

Breisach is located in one of the warmest parts of Germany, across the river from French Alsace, which is famous for its wine-growing. But Breisach, too, can boast about its wine: it is home to Europe’s largest cellars, with a storage capacity of more than 160 million liters. The most prominent landmark of Breisach is the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its two towers are visible from throughout the city and from the Rhine.

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.