ONLY 9 CABINS REMAIN FOR OUR GROUP!

Welcome to your all-inclusive, luxury travel experience and cruise from Switzerland to Germany. Weave A Thousand Journeys has partnered with Riverside Luxury Cruises and the Mandarin Oriental, Luzern to bring you this unforgettable journey!

When it comes to luxury travel, settling for the ordinary is never an option. With 14 years experience, creating immersive, luxury tours, each journey is thoughtfully designed to ensure every moment resonates with genuine passion and excellence. Our promise is simple: only the most inspiring experiences, places, and spaces that I truly love—and know you will too—make the cut.

Riverside Luxury Cruises isn’t just a cruise line; they’re redefining river travel itself. Awarded Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2024, FORBES Best European River Cruise for Foodies, and named Best Luxury Cruise Line in Europe for 2025, their credentials speak volumes. From the refined butler service and world-class cuisine to a warm, elegant atmosphere, Riverside offers a 5-star experience that transforms river cruising into an art form. 

Mandarin Oriental, Luzern is a flagship property representing the very best in luxury hospitality in the region, setting the gold standard for impeccable service, elegant design, and unforgettable experiences. This iconic hotel combines classic Swiss charm with modern sophistication, offering guests unparalleled comfort and bespoke amenities. Staying here means indulging in the very best Luzern has to offer—making your journey truly exceptional from start to finish. 

Travel is about seizing joy—today, not tomorrow. Picture yourself savoring a steaming mug of Glühwein, indulging in sweet stollen and Lebkuchen, as the enchanting Rhine River glides by gently. This holiday season, it’s not just a cruise; it’s a cozy celebration with old friends, new connections, and unforgettable moments.

If you’re ready for a utterly luxurious travel experience with friendly folks from all walks of life join us aboard for memories that will stay with you long after the last sunset on the Rhine.

Let’s craft a journey that’s as extraordinary as you are — together.

Warmly,

Devaki 

DEC 5 & 6 (2N) | PRE-CRUISE IN LUZERN, SWITZERLAND

Dec 5 | Chocolate Tasting & Dinner:
Arrive in Zurich and be whisked away by our limousine service to the Exquisite Flagship hotel, MANDARIN ORIENTAL in Luzern (Superior rooms, city views with breakfast).

This iconic Belle Époque landmark, offers a premier luxury experience with stunning Lakefront views of the Swiss Alps, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Just the perfect start to our exquisite river cruise! 

Chocolate Tasting at the Local Atelier before dinner. Welcome dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant serving classics like table side Weiner Schnitzel, creamed spinach and shrimp cocktail.

Overnight at the Mandarin Oriental, Luzern.

Dec 6 | Breakfast & Lunch:

There is nothing more beautiful than the Bernese Oberland! In A/C vehicles with our driver and Guides we will head on a full-day tour to some of the most exquisite and scenic locations in Switzerland from Bern to Lauterbrunnen. Dinner on our own this evening.

Overnight at the Mandarin Oriental, Luzern.

Dec 7 | Breakfast: 

Free day to explore Luzern on our own. Transfers from the Hotel in Luzern to Basel for embarkation on our river cruise ship.

We board the cruise ship in Basel, Switzerland and disembark in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Over seven unforgettable days, we’ll explore unique Christmas markets at your own pace—sipping on authentic Glühwein, savoring scrumptious local holiday treats, and discovering handcrafted treasures that capture the spirit of the season.

Our journey begins in Basel, the festive crossroads where Switzerland, Germany, and France converge in joyful celebration. Our journey ends in Dusseldorf but before that we’ll glide into Germany’s heart, visiting captivating cities like:

• Kehl — a fascinating town with a rich history of French and German heritage spanning a thousand years, perfect for soaking up holiday charm.
• Mannheim — home to one of the world’s largest and most stunning palace complexes, a magnificent backdrop for winter exploration.
• Frankfurt am Main — Germany’s vibrant financial center buzzing with festive energy and modern delights.
• Bonn — the former capital city, steeped in history and seasonal cheer.
• Cologne (Köln) — famous for its towering Christmas tree and the iconic twin-spired cathedral standing majestically in Old Town.

And that’s just the beginning of an extraordinary celebration along Europe’s legendary river. This is more than a trip — it’s a very special one.

We set sail at 10:00 PM.

Basel is a picturesque Swiss city located at the intersection of the Rhine river and the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and France. The city dates back to the Roman era, but it was during the Middle Ages that Basel became an important cultural and commercial center. 

The city was also an important center for the printing industry during the 15th century, and it was in Basel that the first printed book in the world was published. Today, Basel is known for its world-renowned pharmaceutical industry, as well as its thriving art scene, with several world-class museums and galleries.

In Port: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Kehl has a rich history that spans over several centuries. The city was founded in the 12th century, and it served as a strategic location for trade between France and Germany. Over the years, Kehl has been part of various territories, including the Duchy of Württemberg, the Margraviate of Baden, and the French Empire. During the Napoleonic Wars, Kehl was the site of several battles, and it was occupied by French troops for many years.

In the 19th century, Kehl became an important railway hub, and it played a crucial role in the industrialization of the region. In the 20th century, Kehl was heavily damaged during World War II, and it took many years to rebuild the city. Today, Kehl is a vibrant city that combines its rich history with modern lifestyle.

The Kehl Canal, also known as the Grand Canal d'Alsace, is an important waterway that connects the Rhine River to the Rhone River. The canal was constructed in the mid-20th century to improve navigation and transport between the two rivers.

In Port: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Mannheim is a modern city located in the southwestern part of Germany. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Rhine River.

Visitors can explore the city's many landmarks, such as the Mannheim Palace, the Luisenpark, and the Mannheimer Wasserturm.

The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Kunsthalle Mannheim, which features modern and contemporary art, and the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen, which showcase the region's history and culture. And for those who love shopping, Mannheim is famous for its many boutiques and department stores.

In Port: 07:00 AM - 11:30 PM

The history of Frankfurt am Main dates back over 2,000 years, when the Romans established a military camp at the site. Over time, the city grew into an important commercial center, with trade routes connecting it to other major European cities.

In the Middle Ages, Frankfurt became a free imperial city. During the Renaissance, Frankfurt played a significant role in the development of the printing press and the spread of the Reformation. It became an important center of learning, with the establishment of the University of Frankfurt in the 18th century.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Frankfurt experienced significant upheaval, including the devastation of World War II. The River Main is a significant feature of Frankfurt's geography and history. It runs through the center of the city, dividing it into two halves - the north and the south. The river has been an essential part of Frankfurt's development, as it provided a means of transportation for goods and people, and served as a source of water for drinking and other purposes.

 In Port: 06:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Mainz is a historic city located in southwestern Germany, situated on the banks of the Rhine River. The city is famous for its association with the printing press, which was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century. Gutenberg was born in Mainz and it was here that he developed his revolutionary printing technique, which used moveable type to produce books and other printed materials.

The printing press had a profound impact on the spread of knowledge and information throughout Europe, allowing for the mass production of books and other materials for the first time. Gutenberg's invention is widely regarded as one of the most important developments in the history of human communication, and it cemented Mainz's reputation as a center of intellectual and cultural innovation.

In Port: 01:30 AM - 1:30 PM 

Bonn is a city in western Germany with a fascinating historical legacy that dates back to Roman times. However, perhaps its most significant historical feature is that it was once the capital of West Germany, serving as the seat of government from 1949 until reunification in 1990. During this period,

Bonn was transformed into a modern, cosmopolitan city, with sleek new government buildings, bustling shopping districts, and a thriving cultural scene. Despite this, the city has managed to preserve much of its historic charm and character, with winding cobbled streets, charming old buildings, and centuries-old churches and cathedrals.

In Port: 4:00 PM - 11:30 PM 

Köln, also known as Cologne in English, is the fourth largest city in Germany with a population of over one million people. The history of Köln dates back over 2,000 years to the Roman Empire when it was known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium.

It was founded in the year 50 AD by the Roman general Agrippa, and was named in honor of Emperor Claudius. It quickly became an important center of trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the Rhine River.

Unfortunately, Köln suffered extensive damage during World War II, with nearly 90% of the city center destroyed. However, much of the historic architecture and cultural heritage was rebuilt and restored in the post-war period, including the famous Köln Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8:00 AM | Disembark after Breakfast - TOUR ENDS

Düsseldorf is a vibrant and modern city located in western Germany. It is known for its art and culture, its lively nightlife, and its stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the historic Old Town, which features many well-preserved buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the St. Lambertus Church and the Schlossturm.

The city is also home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. And for those who love shopping, Düsseldorf is a paradise, with numerous high-end boutiques and designer stores.

Here's a little festive tour of the Christmas markets in each destination en-route:

Basel, Switzerland

The Christmas market sweeps through the Old Town with enchanting lights.. Unique touch: Artisan crafts from local Swiss makers.

Must-try: Swiss raclette and mulled wine.

Kehl, Germany

Cozy market with a stunning view overlooking Strasbourg across the Rhine.

Perfect for quiet strolls and intimate shopping for handcrafted gifts.

Mannheim, Germany

A lively market famed for its carousel and ice skating rink.

Frankfurt, Germany

One of Germany's larger markets with a mix of historic and modern stalls. Indulge in 'Bethmännchen' marzipan sweets and hearty sausages.

Mainz, Germany

Dive into the Romanesque charm with stalls set against the Mainz Cathedral. Sample local wines and Christmas punch.

Bonn, Germany

The market's blend of fairy lights and historical surroundings creates a cozy festive vibe. Don't miss the artisan stalls with regional crafts.

Köln (Cologne), Germany

Famous for its stunning cathedral backdrop and diverse markets scattered around the city.

Try the Glühwein (mulled wine) with a shot of rum or amaretto!

All these Christmas markets deliver a unique blend of scents, sights, sounds, and tastes — perfect for creating memory-filled holiday journeys!

We have some amazing shore excursions on the menu for some of our destinations on this holiday cruise —think twinkling Christmas markets, cozy sips of Glühwein, historic towns full of stories, and delicious local tastings.

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Here's the thing - YOU get to choose the excursions YOU WANT! Whether you want one that is CULTURE-LEARN-SEE or LEARN-SEE-TASTE there's one that is just right and waiting for you!

All excursions are locked in 90 days before sailing, so some of these may be subject to some tweaks. Also, keep in mind that warm weather sailings typically offer more excursions per day – the Christmas Market sailings tend to focus on letting guests enjoy the Markets and explore each town we visit. 

ALL excursions are INCLUDED in our cruise packages on offer so all you have to do is do the picking and choosing. And you get to decide the perfect balance of activity and relaxation so each day is tailored the way you want it! 

The crew to guest ratio is 2 crew for every 4 guests! The industry standard in the luxury space is 2 crew for every 5-6 guests.

PERSONALIZED BUTLER SERVICE:

Every guest will receive butler service with personalized attention and assistance. This includes room service, packing and unpacking luggage, and helping with reservations for onboard amenities and shore excursions. Butlers also handle deliveries and provide recommendations. 

Our butler will be in direct communication with every guest (via WhatsApp),and takes care of any request. Perhaps you want an appointment at the spa or reserve a table at the restaurant, simply let your personal Butler know and relax.

Butlers can handle laundry and pressing services, as well as shoe-shining, at an additional cost. 

WATJ has partnered with ASTA Verified, USI Affinity. Purchase your travel insurance HERE

We are so glad that you're part of the Weave A Thousand Journeys family & we love to reward you for that! 

IN ADDITION to all of the above inclusions, we are delighted to offer our valued repeat clients these additional perks:​

- Michelin dinner with wine pairings in the VINTAGE ROOM onboard with our group - max. 10 pax at the table.

- FREE lounge access at Airports (if available at destination)

- FREE! Luxury private transfers from Zurich airport to Luzern.

- FREE! Room upgrade to lakeside view room at the Mandarin Oriental in Luzern.

- FREE! Luxury private transfers from the Luzern hotel to Basel - cruise ship embarkation.

- FREE! Luxury private transfers from Dusseldorf port/hotel to Dusseldorf airport.