christmas river cruise paris

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Seine Siver Cruise Christmas – Tickets, Price, Route and more

Planning to spend Christmas in Paris? Consider enhancing your celebration with a Christmas Seine Cruise! Want to know your options, costs, and insider tips? Read on.

• By: Olivia Jensen

A Seine River cruise in Christmas is a magical experience. The city of Paris is transformed into a winter wonderland, with sparkling lights and festive decorations everywhere. And there’s no better way to see it all than from the river.

Paris glistens during the holidays, making it an ideal time to experience the city’s magic on a celebratory Christmas dinner cruise along the River Seine. Gliding past illuminated monuments while indulging in holiday cuisine and music creates an unforgettable yuletide ambiance. 

Here are all the details on booking your own festive cruise in Paris this season.

Seine Siver Sruise in Christmas - Popular Cruise Options

Several companies like Bateaux Parisiens, Bateaux Mouches and Vedettes du Pont Neuf offer special Christmas holiday cruises. Most run from December 1 through December 30, with more offerings closer to Christmas. Main choices include:

• Lunch cruise with holiday set menu, usually 2 hours
• Dinner cruise with lavish Christmas menu, about 2 hours
• longer “I Love Christmas” evening cruise with entertainment

Here is some of the best dinner Seine River Cruises in Paris you can find in Christmas:

Seine siver sruise christmas - prices and booking.

Christmas cruises range from €100-150 for lunch, €150-230 for dinner, and over €200 for premium holiday cruises. Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance online for best rate guarantees and availability. Check company websites for special holiday promotions too.

Sample Christmas Seine Cruise Menus

Expect lavish multi-course French holiday meals with dishes like:

• Amuse-bouches
• Lobster bisque, foie gras
• Oysters, smoked salmon
• Roast turkey/goose, leg of lamb
• Buche de Noel, chocolate mousse
• Fine wines, Champagne

Festive music, decor and cheer enhance the onboard feasting experience.

Seine Siver Sruise Christmas - Holiday Entertainment

In addition to live musical concerts, many cruises offer:

• Christmas Karaoke singalongs
• Holiday craft-making or cookie decorating for kids
• Visits and candy canes from Santa Claus
• Disco parties for dancing the night away

Seine Siver Sruise Christmas - Insider Tips

• Reserve a table beside a window for the best vantage point of illuminated monuments.
• Check the dress code, as some cruises require formal attire during the holidays.
• Book early for Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve cruises – these sell out months in advance.
• For the best value, look for lunch or matinee cruise options.
• Read up on the various cruise company offerings to choose the boat style, menu and entertainment you prefer.
• If prone to motion sickness, avoid seating near the back which feels more movement.
• Holiday cruises are popular for proposals – alert staff in advance for any special plans.
• Bring your camera and rechargeable batteries to fully capture the glittering scenes.
• Come hungry and pace yourself – holiday meals are elaborate with multiple courses.

More useful information about Seine River Cruise in Paris

• Come check all the Best Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris!
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• Having a Low-Budget? Here are some Cheap Seine River Cruises with deals and discounts!
• Paris hop-on hop-off river cruise – The best way to travel in Paris!
• What is Seine Cruise Tickets Prices ?– The best Guide!

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Christmas dinner cruise Paris

Our dinner cruises, dinner cruises in paris for an unforgettable christmas.

The warm Christmas atmosphere settles on the Seine River! Embark for a dinner cruise in Paris for Christmas and enjoy a magical moment. While contemplating the most beautiful monuments in Paris, you will taste delicious meals specially prepared by our chefs. Lulled by the Christmas carols, you will be amazed by the beauty of the sparkling landscape that will pass before your eyes. Discover Paris like you have never seen it before and enjoy a cruise of about 2 hours with your family and friends. Comfortably seated, you can book a front row table to discover the most beautiful spots of Paris aboard a typical Parisian boat. Panoramic, our river boat allows you to enjoy a magnificent visit of the city, with your loved ones. In an enthusiastic atmosphere, you will share a meal worthy of the finest Parisian restaurants, cooked directly on board. Enjoy an original Christmas, filled with magic and surprises…

What about celebrating Christmas during a cruise on the Seine River ? Share an original dinner with your loved ones for Christmas, aboard a panoramic barge during this exceptional evening. Embark for a magical moment on a boat decorated with the colours of Christmas. Our crew welcomes you in a warm restaurant and sets you up at your table next to the bay window, a privileged location to not miss out anything of the show. Our Chef will prepare an exceptional Christmas menu for this occasion. Cooked with seasonal products, these dishes will make you travel on a culinary journey, in the heart of the French gastronomy. From the entrance to the famous log, the Christmas spirit is present throughout the cruise with sweet Christmas songs. During your tasting, you will admire the monuments of Paris, passing before your eyes: Notre Dame, Le Louvre, La Conciergerie, Les Invalides, The French Statue of Liberty, etc. At 11pm, you will have reached the shining Eiffel Tower . Facing this sparkling emblem, you will leave the show with stars in the eyes. Enjoy an unforgettable Christmas evening with your loved ones.

Christmas Dinner cruise – 25th december

Departure : 21h15 - Duration : 2h00

25 décembre

Reservation

Pas de réservation possible pour le moment.

Christmas Dinner cruise – 9.15 pm

Available only on 24th & 25th of December

Offer a cruise

Made fun and surprise with an original and delicious gift!

Paris and the Eiffel Tower lit up

The Marina is the only cruise that offers an exceptional view of the illuminated Eiffel Tower

Panoramic boats

The boats have large bay windows thus offering superb panoramic views of Paris

Fine French cuisine

The Marina offers a traditional French cuisine prepared by our chef and his team using seasonal produce

Attentive service

A professional, warm and attentive service

Great wines and Champagnes

The Marina offers superior quality wines and Champagne specially selected by our sommelier to enable you to discover the French terroir

"Very enjoyable experience"

“Indeed, the price is rather high, but the setting is just fabulous.We went for the dinner cruise from 9 pm , and what a delight to have a meal under the lights of Paris. The meal is quite correct, the…

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Christmas on the Seine

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2024-2026 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from May 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in CA dollars and for CA residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024: Pay in full by May 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025: Pay in full by August 31, 2024. 2026: Pay in full by February 15, 2025. Offers expires May 31, 2024.

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GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Cruise fares listed are cruise only in CAD dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and for CA residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings made May 1, 2024 to May 31, 2024, are subject to availability; may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Credit and Viking Referral Rewards. Special cruise fares are based upon published full cruise fares; cruise fares do not include prepaid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full cruise fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from select Viking River Cruises CA gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. All fares include cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract  .

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Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing

Sailing down one of Europe's stunning rivers is a dream trip no matter the time of year, but at Christmas time it's even more special. Ships take travelers from port to port to experience the incredible Christmas markets where stalls are adorned with glittering lights, the smells of sausages and baked goods fill the air, and the sounds of carols can be heard.

Starting in late November through Christmas every year, the cities and towns along the Danube, Rhine, Seine and other rivers set up markets that display each region's holiday traditions. Many of the most popular river cruise lines with ships based in Europe schedule festive cruises to take travelers to shop and dine at these seasonal markets.

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If you're thinking about booking a Christmas market river cruise but don't know where to start, we've got you covered. Here, we've answered the most popular questions about Christmas market river cruises and shared our top tips and tricks to get the most out of the trip.

Is a Christmas market river cruise worth it?

The number-one question people asked me in person and online after I did a Christmas market river cruise down the Danube with Viking in December 2023 was: Is the trip worth it? I vote yes, but there are some things you should know before booking a Christmas market cruise.

If you've had visiting the Christmas markets of Europe on your bucket list, a river cruise is a great way to explore multiple markets in one trip. One of the biggest perks of a river cruise versus a land-based trip is that you unpack once, and your accommodations and dining options float with you down the river from town to town.

Additionally, the cruise director on board acted more like a personal concierge for guests who had questions, giving suggestions for things to do, places to eat and what each Christmas market was known for.

On my seven-night river cruise, I visited six ports and enjoyed a half day of scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our ports of call were Budapest; Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna; Krems, Austria; Linz, Austria; and Passau, Germany. Each port had at least one Christmas market.

I was most impressed by Vienna, which had two, but the one near City Hall is the one that makes most of the viral TikTok videos and Instagram reels. The City Hall Christmas market is the larger of the two in the city center and is more photogenic. But be sure to go to both Christmas markets in the city. They are about a 10-minute walk from each other and have different foods to try and souvenirs to buy.

Related: The best Christmas market river cruises to book

Which rivers are the best for a Christmas markets cruise?

Picking a river for your cruise can be a challenge, especially if you're not familiar with the destinations on the itinerary. Cruises on the Danube and Rhine are the most popular at this time of year because their ports of call are where most of our Christmas traditions were first created.

On the Danube, you can visit destinations like Vienna, Austria and Passau and Regensburg, Germany. Alternatively, on the Rhine, destinations of interest include Amsterdam; Cologne, Germany; Mannheim, Germany; and Strasbourg, France.

After you find a few river cruises that fit your travel dates, dig into each destination and what it has to offer. Christmas markets are open from midmorning until between 8 and 10 p.m., but there's not enough to do at each market to fill that entire time. I usually spent about an hour at the smaller markets in places like Passau and Linz and about two to three hours at the larger markets in Vienna and Budapest. In each port, you'll want to be sure there are more activities and attractions to fill the rest of your time in port.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Which river cruise line is best for a Christmas cruise?

Cruise lines that offer Christmas market cruises include Viking , Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways , CroisiEurope, Uniworld and Tauck.

Uniworld cruises are the most expensive, with prices ranging from $3,399 to $7,199 for 8- to 11-day sailings throughout the season. Tauck is also pricier than its competitors, but it's one of the few options that has a family cruise option.

Avalon Waterways offers a more affordable way to see the Christmas markets, with cruises starting at $2,167 for six days of traveling from Budapest to Vienna. But be warned, some cruises do sell out almost a year in advance. CroisiEurope cruises are also more affordable and offer closed-loop cruises where you start and end in the same destination, which is not something that most other river cruise lines offer for Christmas market cruises.

If you're looking for a more active cruise, consider AmaWaterways, where bikes are always available to use in port. On the Danube Christmas Markets tour, you can bike from Weissenkirchen to Melk, passing picturesque villages and vineyards.

Viking is known to be slower-paced than its competitors, with a relaxed vibe. Guest won't have as many choices of activities off or on the ship. The included tours are mostly walking tours.

Related: AmaWaterways vs. Viking: Which of these popular river cruise lines is right for you?

How do I get a good deal on a Christmas market cruise?

Because of the short season for Christmas market river cruises, getting a deal can prove to be a challenge. The best way to get a deal is to book early.

It's common for people to book a Christmas market cruise a year or more in advance. Some companies will offer a discounted deposit for those who book early, and others will offer monetary savings for booking well in advance. Look for wave season (January through March) or Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday deals for river cruise discounts or other promotional offers.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Do Christmas cruises sell out?

Yes, Christmas cruises can and do sell out. Most riverboats only hold 100 to 200 passengers. The best way to ensure you get the type of cabin and sailing date that you want is to book early.

The more desirable balcony and suite rooms often sell out first, followed by rooms with only upper windows. Cruises that take place in the middle of the season, meaning the first two to three weeks of December, are often more popular than the last week of November or the week of Christmas since some markets might not be open at those times.

Related: These are the best Christmas cruises you can book

How cold is Europe in winter?

The weather is, of course, determined by when and where you're going. Middle and Eastern Europe is often colder than Western Europe, the latter of which has a milder winter season. The later in the Christmas market season you travel, the more likely you are to get rain or snow since winter is setting in across the continent.

On my Viking river cruise from Budapest to Passau in Eastern Europe, the winter weather varied from days with cold rain where I needed to bundle up with extra waterproof layers, to beautiful sunny days where I could strip off my winter jacket for a few hours while touring the Christmas markets.

I used the weather app on my phone to help me determine what to pack. Even 10 days out from my trip, the app was fairly accurate with what the temperatures would be, which ranged from the 20s to the high 40s, and what the day would look like.

What should I wear on my river cruise?

Packing for a river cruise in the middle of winter was the most challenging part of the trip for me. Not only did I have to buy winter clothes since I live in Florida, but I needed to make sure I brought enough layers to keep me warm.

For days exploring the ports, I wore jeans and waterproof boots with long cozy socks, plus a thermal long-sleeved shirt under a sweater. I also brought a midweight puffy winter jacket to wear off the ship. Accessories like a warm hat or ear warmers, gloves and a scarf were also helpful.

Depending on the river cruise line you book, the onboard attire may range from casual to a little more fancy. During the day on Viking, many people wore jeans or sweatpants and a casual shirt. Evenings brought out the more elevated fashion; women donned cute sweaters and dresses, while men dressed in jeans and nicer tops or sweaters.

If you can, I suggest bringing at least two pairs of outdoor shoes in case your waterproof shoes can't handle the snow or a few days of rain in a row. I brought a pair of fleece-lined Crocs to wear off the ship in a few ports where the weather was warmer with no precipitation.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

When should I arrive at the embarkation port?

Always try to arrive at least a day early for any river cruise, especially if you're flying overseas. For some river cruises, the embarkation port is just that, a place to get on the ship and leave. If you arrive the day your cruise begins, you could miss out on exploring the city.

Even if your Christmas market river cruise does have an overnight stay in the embarkation city with tours the next day, it's still best to arrive a day early. Travel days from the United States to Europe can be unpredictable, with delays and missed connections, so you should give yourself plenty of time to get to the ship so you don't miss it.

Some river cruise lines offer pre-cruise extensions that you can bundle with the cruise booking and allow you to arrive early at the embarkation port. These extensions include a hotel stay, and some include a few meals and a guided tour, plus transfers from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the ship.

Are the markets all the same?

Every Christmas market is different in the overall vibe and what it has to offer for visitors. Do some research before you leave home to see what the highlight of each Christmas market is. I did a lot of my research on TikTok and Instagram so I could see what the person was talking about.

In Budapest, the Christmas market in the square in front of St. Stephen's Basilica was a good mix of crafts, decorations and tasty food to try. On the other hand, the Christmas market in Bratislava was more of a food market with just a few stalls for buying goodies to bring home with you.

My favorite Christmas market was the one at City Hall in Vienna, which happens to be one of the most popular in Europe. It had everything from ice skating and photo-worthy backdrops to prepackaged sweets and plenty of Christmas decorations to try to fit into my already full suitcase.

What are the best things to buy at European Christmas markets?

Popular things to buy at Christmas markets throughout Europe include nativity scenes, handmade toys, nutcrackers, candles and glass or wood ornaments. If something catches your eye, buy it; there's no guarantee you'll find a similar item at the next market.

For example, in Vienna, I spotted a gold beaded ornament that I loved, and I bought it for about 10 euros (about $10.86). I never saw any other beaded ornaments at the Christmas markets before or after Vienna, so I was glad I purchased it when I saw it.

Do make sure that you're buying local products. On my Viking cruise, we were told that some markets are starting to sell mass-produced goods from China. If you want to support local artisans, ask the vendor or look for stickers that say where the products were made.

What should I eat or drink at each market?

Eating and drinking is a key component of the Christmas market experience. Each market sells an abundance of food, and the food options change from town to town.

Before you cruise, make a list of regional foods you wish to try in each market. Once at the market, look around to see which food stands are popular with locals. Follow their lead because they likely know who has the best treats.

Here are my favorite sweet and savory treats from each Christmas market I visited on my Viking cruise.

• Budapest: chimney cake rolled in crushed hazelnuts
• Bratislava: pork and garlic spiral sausage, potato pancakes similar to latkes but the size of a dinner plate
• Vienna: Champagne cream-filled donut
• Linz: raclette cheese on toasted bread
• Passau: cheese, ham and onion sengzelten (a sort of flatbread with toppings), traditional German bratwurst

Drinking at Christmas markets around Europe normally means getting a hot glass of glühwein, which is mulled wine made with red wine, spices and fruit. The drink is normally served in cute mugs that you can keep as a fun and cheap souvenir. If you don't want to keep your mug, you can return it and get back a euro or two.

What else can I do in each market besides shop?

Each Christmas market is different, and the things to do besides shopping are also varied.

Most of the larger markets, like the ones in Bratislava and Budapest, have live music playing from a bandstand that you can enjoy. In Budapest, the market near St. Stephen's Basilica had a projection show on the exterior of the church, too.

While touring one of the Linz markets, I stumbled upon a small carnival where rides and games were set up for kids to enjoy. Then in Vienna, the City Hall Christmas market had an ice skating rink that was popular with families and couples.

Related: Are river cruises right for kids?

What times do the markets open and close?

Generally, the Christmas markets open in midmorning, anywhere from 9 to 10 a.m., and close between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Some markets will open earlier, and some will close later.

The best way to know the times of each market you're visiting is to do a quick internet search close to the time of your river cruise. Put the name of the city and the words "Christmas Market hours" into your preferred online search tool to get the operational hours for each market.

Do you need cash for the Christmas markets?

You should always carry some cash with you for the Christmas markets. While many of the vendors will take credit cards or Apple Pay, others only want cash.

It's also a good idea to know the currency of each destination you're going to. For example, in Hungary, euros are not accepted anywhere, so I exchanged dollars for Hungarian forints to use at the Christmas market.

What can I do in each city before or after the Christmas market?

Your river cruise will offer an included tour every day. On my Viking river cruise, each day's included tour was a walking tour of the city to point out historic landmarks and show people how to get to the Christmas markets.

After a few days, I found the walking tours somewhat repetitive. They all showed off the major church in the city center and described how the city navigated various wars. The guides make or break the tours, and you never know who you'll get. So I used the tours to help navigate to the city center, then ventured off on my own with my travel companion. We used walking directions on Google Maps as a way to get to destinations we were interested in and to get back to the ship once we were ready to warm up for a while.

River cruises include a lot of perks, including docking right at the edge of most of the towns you visit. This means that in many destinations, you can walk from the ship to the middle of town in mere minutes. Before or after visiting the Christmas market, you can spend your time exploring the city, dining in a local restaurant, sipping hot coffee in a cafe or popping into shops.

For larger destinations like Vienna, Paris or Amsterdam, you might want to do extra research on what there is to do in the city for free or at a discount. Many museums offer free or discounted entry on select days or to select ages.

Bottom line

If you've ever wanted to explore European Christmas markets, a river cruise is an easy way to do it. Many of the best river cruise brands and guided group tour companies offer Christmas markets river cruises throughout Europe.

You'll make the most of your vacation if you do a little bit of research to determine what there is to do in each city before or after your market visit, which local foods you should try and what to shop for at the markets themselves.

No matter which river you traverse, cruise line you pick, or Christmas markets you visit, you'll be able to immerse yourself in European holiday culture, learning about the food and drink specialties of the places you visit and how each destination celebrates the holidays. And since you're on a river cruise, you can experience multiple cities and countries while someone else does the navigation for you, and you only have to unpack once.

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Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Christmas Cruises

Viking Cruises Paris to Swiss Alps Christmas Market River Cruise.

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: December 21, 2021

Home >> Destinations >> Viking Cruises Paris to Swiss Alps Christmas Market River Cruise.

With a reputation as one of the most scenic river cruises in Europe , a Rhine river cruise is the best way to visit Europe’s most enchanting Christmas Markets.

Viking Cruises Paris to the Swiss Alps river cruise itinerary is fabulous any time of year. An itinerary centred around the beauty and culture of the Rhine, incorporating some of Europe’s most beautiful and sophisticated cities and Switzerland’s unparalleled natural beauty. 

While summer, spring and fall are the most popular time to take a European river cruise, winter is a fantastic time of year to cruise the Rhine. 

We have always been big advocates of shoulder season and off-season travel. We consider, for many destinations, these are the best times to visit Europe . Cruises are no different.

Winter cruises offer unique opportunities – fewer tourist crowds than the summer, and alternative cultural experiences such as the varied Christmas celebrations and traditions. 

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Christmas Market Cruises

The Paris to the Swiss Alps itinerary does not change too much on a winter cruise, give or take some optional excursions. It does, however, allow the opportunity to visit some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Each day a new town or city, each with its own unique Christmas market.

The itinerary also allows plenty of free time to browse the festive markets at leisure, shop for Christmas gifts and trinkets, and soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Of course, there is always plenty of Glühwein and hearty local fare to keep you warm. 

Many of the winter river cruises, or “Christmas Market Cruises” are the same as the rest of the year. As opposed to being a dedicated Christmas market cruise, they simply incorporate the Christmas markets into the existing itinerary.

We see this as a win-win – you get to see all of the best Christmas markets in Europe and experience a fabulous river cruise itinerary.

When it comes to choosing the best Christmas market cruise, you can’t pass up Germany’s Rhine and France’s Alsace regions for some of the most authentic Christmas market experiences in Europe. After all, Christmas markets – “ Weihnachtsmarkt” originated in Germany . 

Are Christmas Cruises More expensive?

Traditionally, Christmas and New Year’s cruises can be more expensive, but this is not always the case with winter river cruises in Europe.

As summer, late spring, and early fall are the peak seasons for river cruising in Europe; it is possible to find some great deals in winter.

December heralds the last sailings for the year (there are no sailings January or February) and despite the appeal of access to so many of Europe’s best Christmas markets, you can find some great cruise deals on winter river cruises in Europe.

We always advise people to look for Viking’s Early Booking Discounts and sign up for their last-minute deals and special offers. There are some amazing discounts available.

Depending on how close to Christmas, ancillary travel such as airfares may be more expensive. In this instance, we would advise looking at a Cruise Fly package taking advantage of Viking’s Air Travel Service. You may get a better flight deal, and of course, it’s more convenient.

Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise

Paris to the Swiss Alps is not the first river cruise we have done, nor our first Viking cruise. We have sailed the length of the Danube from Bucharest to Budapest on the Passage to Eastern Europe Cruise , and on the Danube Waltz Cruise, Budapest to Passau .

We have sailed the Volga on a Russian river cruise from St Petersburg to Moscow  and explored the best of Scandinavia and northern Europe on the Viking Homelands ocean cruise . 

Why Choose Paris to The Swiss Alps for a Winter Christmas Market Cruise?

The Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise interested us for many reasons, especially in winter. It was our first time experiencing a winter river cruise – what better countries than France, Germany and Switzerland to enjoy the best aspects of winter in Europe ?

It was also the perfect itinerary for exploring so many of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Combined Cruise/Tour Itinerary

This particular cruise itinerary is more of a combined cruise/tour which we had not experienced before. The inclusion of 2 hotel nights at either side of the itinerary and some overland days appealed to us as an alternative to cruising for the entire itinerary. 

River Cruise Packing List : Wondering what to pack for a river cruise in Europe? We’ve got you covered with our Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips .

Shore Excursions

As with every Viking river cruise, the shore excursions are carefully curated to give guests the most immersive experience in each destination. Guests can connect with each destination beyond the cultural highlights through private tours and local experiences. 

The itinerary provides an included tour at every destination except Bernkastel and has an impressive selection of optional excursions to choose from at each stop. In many cases, we found the Included Tour option to be the best choice which is an indication of the quality of the shore excursions. 

Best of all, especially on a Christmas cruise where you want to enjoy the markets, there is ample time at each destination to explore on your own even after taking an Included Tour. Ease of access to most of the destinations from the ship also makes independent exploration very easy for guests. There were many opportunities to walk into town centres on our own.

Stay Safe While Visiting Europe’s Christmas Markets : Sadly, tourist attractions like Christmas markets also attract pickpockets. We’ve put together a complete guide on the Best Anti Theft Travel Bags, Gear and Devices to help you keep your gear safe while you enjoy Europe’s best Christmas markets.

Shore Excursion Tips

We have included tips on the excursions for each destination where we think it may help you decide which tours to book for your cruise. 

Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise Itinerary

As with all Viking river cruises, the itinerary packs in some very impressive and memorable destinations into the 12-day cruise tour.

Covering four countries, visiting two of Europe’s most famous and sophisticated cities – Paris and Zurich, and discovering some of the most enchanting cities and towns along the Rhine. 

This particular cruise is also a standout for the scenery along the way. Whether cruising down the Rhine or touring through  the Swiss Alps , the landscape will leave you spellbound. The scenic sailing through the Middle Rhine was a highlight of the cruise. 

While we started the cruise tour from Paris, you can also start the cruise from Zurich finishing in Paris depending on sailing dates. 

The itinerary covers four countries over 12 days.

Paris France

• Reims France

Trier Germany

Bernkastel germany, cochem germany.

• Koblenz Germany (with scenic sailing through the Middle Rhine to Mainz)

Mainz Germany

• Speyer Germany (with an optional tour to Heidelberg & Martin Luther Worms)

Strasbourg France

• Basel Switzerland (with optional “highlight of the Alps” tour to Alpine villages including Interlaken)

Zurich Switzerland

Paris to swiss alps river cruise map.

Note the overland sections via motorcoach – Paris to Trier via Luxembourg to meet the ship and Basel to Zurich. 

The Destinations

Paris Excursions Paris Highlights (4hrs) – Included The Palace of Versailles (4hrs) – Optional Montmartre Hill Tour (3.5hrs) – Optional Paris Cabaret with Dinner at the Paradis Latin (4hrs) – Optional

As Paris is the starting (or finishing) point of the cruise, it will depend on your travel arrangements as to how long you have in the magnificent City Of Light. Undoubtedly, as it is a two-night stay in Paris, you will have at least one full day, if not, one and a half – two days. 

If it is your first time visiting Paris, you may wish to arrive (or leave) a few days either side as there is so much to see and enjoy in the French Capital. Viking does offer a pre and post-cruise option for this if you don’t wish to organise it yourself.  

Our arrival in Paris coincided with the start of the worst strikes France has experienced in years with public transport shut down, and many attractions closed. However, in Paris, there is still so much to enjoy, and the city is very walkable, so it barely impacted our stay. 

Despite the strikes, the scheduled cruise excursions still went ahead as Viking use private buses and tour companies. Only the Palace of Versailles tour was cancelled due to strike closure.

Christmas also brings a unique atmosphere to Paris. Seek out the Christmas markets dotted around the city, window shop under the festive lights, or cosy up in a Parisienne cafe with a hot bowl of Soupe à l’Oignon  and a glass of French red for a typical Parisian experience.

Strikes or no strikes, winter is a surprisingly lovely time to be in Paris. 

If it is your first time visiting Paris, we highly recommend taking the welcome walk if your travel arrangements allow as well as the included Panoramic Paris Highlights tour on the second morning.

These tours are a very handy way to quickly get your bearings in the city. You can also see many of the highlights in a short time from the comfort of a coach.

If you have never seen a cabaret show in Paris, the Paris Cabaret and Dinner is one of the most memorable evenings you will have in Paris – highly recommended. 

While Paris is a very walkable city, it would be advisable to make yourself familiar with the metro system to maximise your time. A welcome walk on arrival covers this in Paris

 Luxembourg /Reims France 

Luxembourg/Reims Excursions Reims Cathedral Tour (or in our case, Luxembourg City Tour and Luxembourg Notre Dame Cathedral Visit (1hr) – Included Luxembourg American Cemetery (1hr) – Included

Making up one part of the “tour” aspect of the cruise, Paris to Luxembourg and then onto Trier to meet the ship is by coach. It is a very long travel day considering the two stops are only short. Expect to leave Paris at around 7.30 am and arrive at the boat after 5.00 pm. On a clear day, however, the bus does pass through some very scenic countryside. 

The itinerary shows a stop at Reims in France for lunch and to visit the Reims Cathedral. We’re not sure why, but our schedule did not include this stop. Perhaps to suit the season, or due to delays in leaving Paris because of the strikes. 

Instead, we had a quick truck stop lunch and continued to Luxembourg City for a quick guided city tour and visit to the Luxembourg Notre Dame Cathedral. We felt seeing Luxembourg city, albeit briefly was possibly more enjoyable than visiting Reims.

Before departing Luxembourg to Trier, a stop at the Luxembourg American Cemetery allows guests time to pay homage to the thousands of Americans who lost their lives during the World War II Battle of the Bulge. 

Trier Excursions Trier Highlights (4hrs) – Included

The oldest city in Germany, the centre of the Moselle Valley and the birthplace of Karl Marx, Trier was once an important Roman outpost rivalling Rome in influence and size.

In the historical centre, remnants of the mighty Roman city are everywhere such as the 20,000 seat Roman amphitheatre and the UNESCO listed Porta Nigra. Yet, the medieval town that seems to sprawl from the magnificent Trier Cathedral has a vibrant and modern feel. 

Trier is also our first introduction to Germany’s traditional Christmas markets. As mentioned, Christmas markets originated in Germany, so what better introduction than in Germany’s oldest city. 

We only had half a day in Trier, which was plenty of time. Transfer to and from the ship in Trier is via bus (the ship moves while you are in Trier) so you must join the tour to visit the city. 

The Trier visit starts with an included guided walking tour in the morning, finishing in time for the opening of the Trier Christmas markets in the main square.

With around 2 hours of free time, you can explore the historical centre of Trier with ample time to retrace any of the highlights pointed out on the walking tour. Explore the Christmas markets, or enjoy a leisurely coffee in any one of Trier’s quaint coffee houses. 

Bernkastel Excursions Walking Tour and Bernkastel-Kues Wine Tasting (2hrs) – Optional

An afternoon cruise down the Moselle lands us late afternoon in the charming town of Bernkastel. Bernkastel is actually one half of a twin town with Kues across the river.

The two towns were united by a bridge in 1874 and unified in 1905. Bernkastel-Kues is known as the “Pearl of the Moselle” and a world-renown premier winemaking region.  

There is only an Optional Excursion in Bernkastel, a short walking tour followed by a wine tasting. For those not wanting to take part in the Optional Tour, the boat docks in the centre, so you have easy access to the historic town centre. 

We opted for the Optional Tour. A short walking tour through the charming medieval town. The narrow cobblestone streets, brightly coloured timber houses and of course, a Christmas market in the market square. 

The highlight of this tour was the wine tasting: a fun and informative session sampling around five wines from the region. We have been to many wine tastings but found this one particularly engaging. 

In our instance, we would have gladly missed the free tasting the following morning based on:

A: We had already done a similar tasting at the Optional Tour the night before and,

B: We found it difficult to enjoy or appreciate any wine at 9.00 am.

If you are on the Zurich – Paris itinerary, this should be reversed. The wine tasting in the included tour will be in the afternoon in Cochem and the Optional Tour the following day in the morning in Bernkastel.

Cochem Excursions Cochem, Reichsburg & the Moselle Valley (4.5hrs) – Included

One of the Moselle’s prettiest villages, Cochem is characterised by the impossibly steep vineyards that surround it and the 1000-year-old Reichsburg Castle on the hill above the town.

With nearly a full day in Cochem (early morning to mid-afternoon), there is plenty of time to enjoy the included tour and explorer further on your own. The ship docks in the town centre, so it is possible to come and go as you please. There is a small Christmas market in the main square on the riverfront. 

The Included Excursion includes a guided walking tour of the town, but the highlight is a private visit to the Reichsburg Castle, also known as Cochem Castle. Our first introduction to the famous fairytale castles of the Moselle and Rhine.

The tour of Reichsburg Castle offers invaluable insight into the history of the region and sets the scene for the castles you will see on the scenic cruising down the Middle Rhine. The views from the castle over the Moselle and the village of Cochem are worth the visit alone. 

Koblenz Germany 

Koblenz Excursions Historic Koblenz (2hrs) – Included

A morning in Koblenz starts from the “German Corner” the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle. From here, for a short guided walking tour from the ship to the centre of Old Town.

The cities Roman, Napoleonic and Medieval influences are the basis for the Included Walking Tour.

The town’s charm, however, lies in the pretty riverside scenes and quaint historic centre where you will find the Christmas markets. The Koblenz Christmas markets are dotted around the historic centre in various squares so you can browse as you explore the centre. 

Koblenz also marks the start of one of the most picturesque stretches of the Rhine. 

Middle Rhine Scenic Sailing

Not just one of the most picturesque sections of the Rhine, the Middle Rhine is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise through lush hills where the world’s steepest vineyards cascade down to the river’s edge. Where centuries-old methods are still used on the sheer slopes to cultivate and pick the grapes.

Keep an eye out for the Rhines most splendid castles, and the rock that gave way to the folklore of the siren who led sailors on the river to their demise – the Lorelei Rock .  

The scenic sailing was so enjoyable, it felt like a destination or excursion in its own right. In the winter months, you can still enjoy this sailing from the top deck, providing the weather is fine.

While it was a cold afternoon, the crew provided blankets and steaming hot gluhwein to keep us warm. 

Mainz Excursions Mainz Walking Tour and Gutenberg Museum (2hrs) – Included Historic Mainz & St Stephens Church (2hrs) – Optional

To our minds, Mainz is one of the most interesting cities on this stretch of the Rhine.

In the heart of the Rhine’s wine region, Mainz is the birthplace of Gutenberg and home to the Gutenberg Museum, one of the upper Rhines most beautiful cathedrals dominates the main square and Marc Chagall’s world-famous stained glass windows at St Stephen’s Church are a must-see.    

Mainz also has one of the best Christmas markets we had been to so far on the cruise. With a full day in Mainz (early morning to late evening) there is so much time for the excursions and to explore everything Mainz has to offer. 

The Included Excursion will take you through the historical centre, the Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum . The optional tour includes a walking tour of the old town and a visit to St Stephen’s church to see Chagall’s stained glass windows .

We opted for the Included Walking Tour as it includes visits to the Gutenberg Museum and cathedral. We found St Stephens Church on our own in the spare time we had.

St Stephens is an easy 10-minute walk from the cathedral and is well signposted so easy to find. Entry to the church is free, and if you wish, the church offers guided tours. Although, it is best to check in advance to be sure of availability.  

Speyer Germany

Speyer Excursions Speyer Walking Tour (3hrs) – Included Heidelberg & Martin Luther Worms (8.5hrs) – Optional

A full day in Speyer, the ship docks an easy walking distance from the town centre. Speyer’s most prominent landmark is the massive UNESCO Romanesque Imperial  Cathedral in which eight emperors are interred. 

On the Included walking tour; you will visit the exterior of the Speyer Cathedral and learn about its history and architecture (you can visit the interior on your own after the tour).

Visit the Trinity Church, the oldest of the five Protestant churches in Speyer, and the Jewish Courtyard once home to one of the most important Jewish Synagogues and the most important medieval Jewish site in Germany. An interesting fact; Speyer is where the term Protestant originated. 

While not large, Speyer is a charming town worth exploring. The Christmas market is easy to find near the cathedral, and in summer, you may discover artisan and farmers markets on the main thoroughfare.

If you decide to take the Optional Excursion to Heidelberg, you will not have the opportunity to explore Speyer. 

Strasbourg Excursions Strasbourg Highlights (4hrs) – Included Taste the Best of Alsace: Christmas Markets (7 hrs) – Optional Mercedes Benz factory (4hrs) – Optional Alsatian Wine Tasting (4.5hrs) – Optional

Strasbourg is one of the most delightful cities we have visited, especially at Christmas. The Strasbourg stop has quite a lot of excursions on offer. Unless you had a specific interest in Mercedes Benz or were a wine buff, we found the included tour was a fabulous choice for the day, if not the best choice.  

Docking in Kehl Germany we were a mere bridge crossing from Strasbourg France and a short scenic coach tour from Strasbourg Old Town for a guided walking tour. 

The walking tour through the island Old Town gives you a good overview of the highlights of the city including Petit France, the old Tanner’s District, and Cathedral Square. It also includes a visit to the cathedral for a fascinating explanation of the astronomical clock. 

If you choose, you can return to the ship for lunch with the option of a return shuttle to Strasbourg at 1.30. We believe opting to stay in town is a better option as it allows much more time to explore the incredibly beautiful city before returning at 4.30 pm.

Also, there are so many charming restaurants in Strasbourg where you can enjoy some delicious Alsatian cuisine. 

Strasbourg, dubbed “The Capital of Christmas” has nine Christmas markets in the historic centre so there is a lot to do and see in Strasbourg at Christmas time.

Comparable to taking the Included Tour in the morning, then, strolling the markets at your own pace, I am not sure how much more value the “Taste the Best of Alsace: Christmas Markets” Optional Tour would be. Other than sampling some local foods around the markets.

Basel Switzerland 

Basel Excursions Basel Highlights (2.5hrs) – Included Highlights of the Alps (10.5hrs) – Optional

Basel, the intersection of three countries is where we farewell the ship and embark on the last “tour” part of the trip.

In Basel, you have a choice of joining the Included walking tour around Basel Old Town followed by a coach transfer to Zurich to your hotel.

The Optional Tour from Basel, we felt, would be the stand out tour of the trip – Highlights of the Alps. A scenic drive through Switzerland’s alpine country to visit the villages of Brienz and Interlaken. The highlight: take the cogwheel train from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg for lunch overlooking some of the world’s most stunning mountain vistas. 

Unfortunately, such is the nature of alpine weather; our tour was somewhat hit and miss. Due to heavy storms, the cogwheel train was not running, so the highlight of the day had to be cancelled.

However, as the weather is so changeable, we still pressed on in the hope the train line might open. Sadly, it did not.

Regardless, we still enjoyed a beautiful day visiting Interlaken and Brienz. Travelling along the magnificent Brünig Pass skirting Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. We were treated to some superb views, and dramatic weather changes. 

We would highly recommend the highlights of the Alps Optional Tour but do bear in mind; the weather will dictate how it plays out, especially in winter. 

Zurich Excursions Zurich Walking Tour and Lake Cruise (4hrs) – Included Lindt Exclusive Chocolate Workshop (3hrs) – Optional

The last stop on the cruise tour, Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich. Again, depending on your travel arrangements and optional tour choices, you may only have one full day in Zurich.

Got More Time in Zurich? Try These 5 Fantastic Day Trips From Zurich

Still, we felt the Included Tour is a fabulous overview of the city, leaving you more than half a day to explore further on your own. (In summer, you would have a lot more time with the extended daylight hours.) 

The Included Tour incorporates a comprehensive walking tour of the Old Town with a cruise of Lake Zurich. Using the Lake Zurich ferry system, the 2hr cruise takes you around the entire route of Lake Zurich.

At the same time, your tour guide provides the commentary of each stop. Keep a lookout for the lakeside Zurich home of a certain famous American singer (Ahem, Tina Turner).

Ideally, on a clear day, the backdrop to the cruise is the  magnificent Swiss Alps . Unfortunately, the storm of the previous day was keeping them enshrouded in cloud. 

The tours finish before lunch, leaving plenty of time to explore the Zurich Christmas markets scattered around the city. Including one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe at the Zurich train station.

We found it interesting to note the difference in Christmas markets compared with those of Germany and France. Switzerland’s Christmas markets , while undeniably Swiss (raclette or fondue anyone?), had a modern flair with a very multicultural offering in the stalls. It was quite refreshing.  

On arrival at the hotel, the Viking staff will do a short welcome walk around the hotel to show you how to navigate the public transport system.

Take the Time to Explore West Quarter in Zurich

We found the area around the hotel in the West Quarter well worth exploring as well. The former industrial area has been reclaimed and repurposed into Zurich’s most vibrant and happening inner-city neighbourhood. Expect to find a hotspot for food, culture, art, and design in West Quarter. 

You Might Also Like: Ride the Famous Golden Pass Line.

A trip on the Golden Pass Line, one of the world’s most scenic rail routes, is a wonderful addition to your Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise itinerary. Read our guide on everything you need to know about the Golden Pass Train Lucerne to Montreux .

Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise Facts

We have always said, a river cruise offers a sampling of destinations you may not have otherwise visited. Giving you a cultural overview of one, or maybe more regions in Europe. As well as the possibility for experiences you may not have found or organised for yourself.

The Paris to the Swiss Alps cruise immerses you in the Rhine region and gives you a taste of some of the world’s most spectacular cities and experiences. However, to do this cruise in winter offers a rare opportunity, to easily experience not just one, but a good sampling of Europe’s best Christmas markets.

An itinerary we would recommend any time of year for the experiences it offers, and world-class destinations visited. But for those seeking out Europe’s quintessential Christmas experience, this is the ideal Christmas Market river cruise. 

We travelled from Paris – Zurich as guests of Viking Cruises on the Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise.

The 12-day cruise includes 4 countries and 10 guided tours.

Prices start from  $2,899 pp.

We recommend checking  Viking Cruises official site  for promotional deals such as Early Bird Specials or Two for One Air.

We want to thank Viking Cruises for hosting us on the Paris to the Swiss Alps Cruise. As always, all opinions are our own. 

European Christmas markets river cruises 

Originating in Germany, dating back to the late Middle Ages, Christmas markets are popular in northern Europe.  

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Christmas Market Cruises 2024 From Southampton

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Christmas Market Cruises 2024 From Southampton . Northern lights norwegian fjord cruises british isles cruises by departure port view all. Day 1 > southampton, uk.

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Celebrate the season with one of our christmas markets cruises and discover some of the most spectacular christmas markets across the high seas.

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Christmas on the Main & Moselle

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Christmas on the Main & Moselle Map

Sail Iconic Rivers at Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season as you immerse yourself in French, German and Czech traditions. Spend time in chic Paris and sample tasty yuletide dishes. Explore Christmas markets in quaint German towns and enjoy the scent of spiced gingerbread and glühwein as they fill the air amid colorful stalls. Visit castles and cathedrals that are adorned with festive displays. Revel in the merry atmosphere as you sail along Europe’s iconic rivers.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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