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From Düsseldorf to Basel

Christmas Markets Along the Rhine - Southbound

Dates:
9 Dec - 16 Dec 2026
Duration:
7 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
7
Ship:
ms Inspire
Cruise Line:
Tauck River Cruising
Fares:

From £4,700 pp

Rhine river, Basel old town, Switzerland

From Düsseldorf to Basel

Christmas Markets Along the Rhine - Southbound

Dates:
9 Dec - 16 Dec 2026
Duration:
7 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
7
Ship:
ms Inspire
Cruise Line:
Tauck River Cruising
Fares:

From £4,700 pp

Voyage Itinerary

9 December

Setting sail from Düsseldorf

Dynamic Düsseldorf, known for its diverse cultural scene, is a lovely place to spend a day exploring. Discover its lively and historic Aldstadt - old town - with its numerous beer halls (known as the 'longest bar in the world') or stroll along the elegant Königsallee for shopping and riverside views. For culture, there are numerous art galleries, museums, the Opera House, or the Heinrich Heine Institute.

10 December

Germany: Cologne

Cologne is a wonderfully warm and welcoming city, its skyline dominated by one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. You will likely spend most of your time in the attractive Altstadt (Old Town), home to beer halls aplenty and some fascinating museums.
Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany

11 December

Germany: Rüdesheim

The pretty little town of Rüdesheim, situated on a bend in the Rhine surrounded by vineyards, is a popular destination for travellers looking for a slice of quintessentially German village life. The Drosselgasse, a narrow cobbled lane flanked by old timber frame buildings, is particularly atmospheric.
Rudesheim, Rhine Valley

12 December

Germany: Heidelberg

Wonderful Heidelberg, with its beguiling old town, dramatic hilltop castle and picturesque bridge across the Neckar river, is one of Germany’s most popular destinations. It's a famous university town, full of both history and youthful vitality, and we could spend hours wandering the intoxicating streets.
Christmas markets in Heidelberg, Germany

13 December

Germany: Baden-Baden

The famous spa town of Baden-Baden has been attracting the great and the good for some 2,000 years, with everyone from Otto von Bismarck to Barack Obama taking the waters here. Even if thermal baths aren’t your thing, you’re sure to be enchanted by the beautiful architecture and the storybook setting next to the Black Forest.
Baden-Baden, Germany

14 December

France: Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of France’s Alsace region, right next to the border with Germany, and there is a tangible Germanic influence that sets the city a little apart from the rest of France. Highlights include the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the old town’s fairytale half-timbered houses, and the pictureque canals of the Petite France district.
Christmas in Petite France, Strasbourg

15 December to 16 December

Arriving in Basel

Basel lies where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, a sophisticated and multicultural city with a picturesque setting astride the river Rhine. The medieval Old Town is exceptionally well preserved, best appreciated from the summit of the hilltop cathedral, which offers incredible views across the city.
Christmas markets in Basel, Switzerland
Salmon fillet

Our tip

The food here is great, with so many different influences. Try salmon ‘nach Basler Art’ (in a white wine marinade with fried onions), and wash it down with the local Riesling.

The ship

ms Inspire

Capacity:
130 Guests
Crew:
44 Staff
Style:
Active days followed by sophisticated evenings.

Tauck's most modern design offers one of the highest space per guest ratios of all European river vessels.

What we love

Rich woods are complimented by muted tones, giving these ships an airy and luxurious feel. The alternative restaurant with outside seating at the rear is an idyllic place for a relaxed lunch as you cruise to your next call and the regional cuisine served in the Dining Room is excellent.

Learn more about ms Inspire
Tauck - ms Inspire

inclusions

  • All meals in all venues
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Soft drinks, speciality coffees and teas
  • Sightseeing and excursions
  • Bicycles and fitness centre
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Gratuities

Tailor-make your trip

Ways to make it better
    • Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Basel

      Where to stay in Basel

      The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (three kings) is one of Europe’s oldest city hotels.

    • Augusta Raurica, Switzerland

      Excursions from Basel

      If the Romans are your thing then you'll enjoy Switzerland’s largest Roman ruins at Augusta Raurica, with the excellent Römermuseum alongside.

    How can we help?

    Our frequently asked questions

    From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions

    visit our faqs

    Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?

    Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.

    Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?

    From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.

    What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?

    Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.

    Why Mundy?

    Who we are

    Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.

    Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.

    How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.

    More about Mundy

    We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.