Christmas on the Rhine & Main

From $4,499 per person

11 days

1 countries

Ships: Viking Modi, Viking Skirnir

Journey Summary

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Extensions

Available extensions for this itinerary

All prices are per person.

pre: Innsbruck & Bavaria at Christmas From $1,499 | 3 nights

Pricing:

From $1,499 per person (for 2 guests).
pre: Innsbruck & Bavaria at Christmas From  $1,499 |  3 nights

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Innsbruck, a stunning alpine city and home to the opulent imperial palace of the Hapsburg dynasty. Explore the charming village of Mittenwald and celebrate the holiday traditions of Oberammergau, home of the famous decennial event, The Passion Play.

Day 1 - Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Fly to Munich, where you will be met by your Viking Representative and transfer to Garmisch. After check-in, the remainder of your day is free to explore this beautiful winter setting in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Garmisch-Partenkirchen so you can make the most of your visit.

Day 2 - Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Mittenwald, a charming village renowned for its crafting of exquisite string instruments. Following a stroll of its center, continue your journey through winter alpine scenery to Innsbruck. Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided walking tour to see the Hofburg—the former imperial palace—and the Goldenes Dachl. After time to explore the medieval streets and stalls of the Christmas market, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)

Day 3 - Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

This morning, journey through a winter wonderland to Ettal and visit one of Bavaria’s architectural gems. Step inside the 14th-century abbey to admire the elaborately painted ceiling, then continue to Oberammergau, a charming village best-known for its decennial event, The Passion Play. View the traditional frescoes adorning many buildings during a stroll, before returning to Garmisch for an afternoon at your leisure. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner. (B, D)

Day 4 - Munich & Nuremberg, Germany

Check out of your hotel and journey to Munich, the Bavarian capital. Drive down the royal avenue of Maximilianstrasse, gloriously lined with neo-Gothic architecture. On foot, head to Marienplatz, the city’s main square, and admire the Neues Rathaus, or New Town Hall, adorned with the famous Glockenspiel. Enjoy time to browse the stalls of the Christmas market, filled with tasty yuletide treats, then board your motor coach and travel to Nuremberg, where you will board your awaiting ship. (B)

pre: Prague From $999 | 3 nights

Pricing:

From $999 per person (for 2 guests).
pre: Prague From  $999 |  3 nights

Discover the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Tour Hradčany Castle, visit the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and stroll along Charles Bridge.

Day 1 - Prague

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own and sample some of the hearty local cuisine. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Prague so you can make the most of your visit.

Day 2 - Prague

Set out on a panoramic tour of Prague, including a guided walk through Prague Castle. Few cities embody the past as authentically as Prague, the Czech Republic’s atmospheric capital that clings to its history with unwavering passion. Prague’s medieval architecture is its most prominent, but the city is also a rich repository of Romanesque, baroque and art nouveau buildings that stir the imagination. Later, enjoy free time to visit some of the city’s landmarks or museums. (B)

Day 3 - Prague

Spend the day further exploring Prague on your own. See more of the Old Town or check out some of Prague’s more modern sights such as the Frank Gehry–designed Dancing House, an office building inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Cross Charles Bridge, see the Astronomical Clock and the Lennon Wall, and stand in historic Wenceslas Square. Stroll past the colorful cottages on Golden Lane, or visit the Jewish Quarter and see the 13th-century Altneuschul, Europe’s oldest active synagogue. (B)

Day 4 - Nuremberg

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship to begin your river cruise. (B)

pre: Prague Premium From $1,599 | 3 nights

Pricing:

From $1,599 per person (for 2 guests).
pre: Prague Premium From  $1,599 |  3 nights

Indulge yourself with a stay at the elegant Augustine Hotel Prague, centrally located in a beautifully restored former monastery. Your included guided tour—in an intimate group—allows you to discover more and receive personalized tips to make the most of your stay. Explore Prague’s medieval gems on your own or sample one of the city’s local brews.

Day 1 - Prague

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own and sample some of the hearty local cuisine. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Prague so you can make the most of your visit.

Day 2 - Prague

Set out on a panoramic tour of Prague, including a guided walk through Prague Castle. Few cities embody the past as authentically as Prague, the Czech Republic’s atmospheric capital that clings to its history with unwavering passion. Prague’s medieval architecture is its most prominent, but the city is also a rich repository of Romanesque, baroque and art nouveau buildings that stir the imagination. Later, enjoy free time to visit some of the city’s landmarks or museums. (B)

Day 3 - Prague

Spend the day further exploring Prague on your own. See more of the Old Town or check out some of Prague’s more modern sights such as the Frank Gehry–designed Dancing House, an office building inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Cross Charles Bridge, see the Astronomical Clock and the Lennon Wall, and stand in historic Wenceslas Square. Stroll past the colorful cottages on Golden Lane, or visit the Jewish Quarter and see the 13th-century Altneuschul, Europe’s oldest active synagogue. (B)

Day 4 - Nuremberg

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship to begin your river cruise. (B)

post: Scenic Swiss Alps in Winter by Train From $2,799 | 4 nights

Pricing:

From $2,799 per person (for 2 guests).
post: Scenic Swiss Alps in Winter by Train From  $2,799 |  4 nights

Enjoy the holiday season while journeying through the Swiss Alps. Visit picturesque alpine villages and towns, traveling by train on the scenic GoldenPass railway. Explore Montreux’s lively lakeside Christmas market and discover the winter landscapes and serene beauty of this famous mountain range.

Day 1 - Lucerne & Jungfrau Region

Disembark your ship in Basel and journey to Lucerne. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided walk with free time for lunch, before boarding your train for a scenic journey to Interlaken. You will transfer to your hotel and check in. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in the Junfrau Region so you can make the most of your visit. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Day 2 - Jungfrau Region

Today, you will embark a cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg, in the heart of the Jungfrau Region. Upon arrival, disembark the train and spend time admiring the views over the three mountain peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and savor lunch at the restaurant. Continue your scenic journey to Grindelwald, renowned for its picturesque setting. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 3 - Lake Geneva

Check out of your hotel and head to the railway station to board your train. Journey along the GoldenPass route, then board a cable car to the snowcapped Glacier 3000 resort, where you may take in the winter scenery from one of its restaurants, and take a walk across the suspension bridge, offering spectacular views. Afterward, enjoy the alpine atmosphere of Gstaad, where you will board your train for Montreux, then spend the evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 4 - Lake Geneva

After breakfast, set out on foot to explore the beautiful town of Montreux. Admire the winter scenery of your surroundings, with its mountain backdrop and quaint streets. Next, visit Chillon Castle, one of Europe’s most striking medieval castles, located on a rocky islet. View the 15th-century wall paintings, explore the underground vaults and hear about its longstanding winemaking tradition. Afterward, return to Montreux and browse its festive Christmas market before returning to your hotel. (B)

Day 5 - Geneva

This morning, check out of your hotel and head to the airport to begin your journey home. (B)

Dates and Prices

(per person*)

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* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.

** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication

Ship

Your cruise ship

Viking Eldir
Viking River Cruises logo
About this ship

Viking Eldir

Viking Eldir is a distinguished member of Viking’s acclaimed Longship fleet, designed for immersive and intimate journeys along Europe’s storied waterways. Named after a figure from Norse mythology—Eldir, the loyal servant of the god Loki—the ship reflects the spirit of attentive service and quiet strength, offering guests a seamless blend of modern design, cultural enrichment, and panoramic river cruising.

Purpose-built to traverse the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, Viking Eldir is engineered for both form and function. Its innovative design features a patented square bow and asymmetric corridor layout, optimizing space efficiency without expanding the vessel’s size. These features allow the ship to pass through narrow locks and under low bridges while offering larger staterooms and expanded public areas. The result is a floating boutique hotel that comfortably accommodates up to 190 guests in a peaceful, spacious environment.

Accommodations aboard Viking Eldir are elegant, minimalist, and designed with the traveler in mind. Every stateroom faces the river and is bathed in natural light. Standard Staterooms feature large picture windows, while French Balcony and Veranda Staterooms offer floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Guests seeking added luxury can choose Veranda Suites or Explorer Suites, both of which include separate living areas, oversized bathrooms with heated floors, and generous private verandas. Each room comes equipped with hotel-style beds, premium linens, a refrigerator, ample storage, and an infotainment system with films, documentaries, and music.

Public areas aboard Viking Eldir encourage both social engagement and quiet reflection. The indoor Lounge, with its panoramic windows and cozy seating, serves as the ship’s cultural hub—home to daily briefings, lectures, and evening entertainment. Just beyond the Lounge, the Aquavit Terrace offers an indoor/outdoor space for casual meals and relaxed conversation. Up on the Sun Deck, guests can take in 360-degree views of the European countryside, stroll the walking track, or lounge under shaded canopies.

Dining is an essential part of the Viking Eldir experience, with meals that celebrate regional culinary traditions. The main dining room offers open seating and curated menus that reflect local flavors—whether it’s a traditional Bavarian pork dish, Austrian pastries, or Hungarian stews. The Aquavit Terrace provides a more informal setting for breakfast and lunch, ideal for those who prefer alfresco dining. Complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and dietary needs are easily accommodated.

Shore excursions aboard Viking Eldir are curated to immerse guests in the culture, history, and flavors of each destination. Each day includes at least one included excursion, such as walking tours, museum visits, or UNESCO World Heritage site explorations. Optional experiences allow for deeper engagement—think local cooking classes, wine tastings, or concerts in historic venues—all led by knowledgeable local guides.

Deckplans

Viking Eldir ship deck plan

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*$250 credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking and is only available to new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel.

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