Bach, Christmas Markets Along the Rhine ex Basel to Amsterdam
Cruise Line Crystal River Cruises
Ship Crystal Bach
Destination EU Rivers
Nights 10
Departure Date 05 Dec 2021
Description 10 Night Cruise sailing from Basel to Amsterdam aboard Crystal Bach.

Europe’s only all-balcony, all-suite river ships are built to the highest standards of luxury and spaciousness. Standard accommodations – the largest in European river cruising – boast expansive Panoramic Balcony-windows in every suite with walk-in closets and double-vanity baths in most, and the latest cutting-edge technologies. The elegant, glass-ceilinged Palm Court – social hub of the ship – is the place to enjoy afternoon tea, aperitifs, cocktails and conversation.

One of four identical sister ships – European river cruising’s only all-balcony, all-suite, butler-serviced river ships – Crystal Bach entered into service in August of 2017 and has been cruising the fabled Rhine and Moselle rivers ever since. With all categories of accommodations situated above the waterline, Crystal Bach and her sister ships offer an array of all-inclusives including unlimited fine wines, champagnes, premium spirits and beers, 24-hour room service, and an extensive selection of inclusive shoreside experiences. Crystal Bach’s exceptional design and acclaimed service will welcome you aboard for an experience far beyond the ordinary.

Highlights of this cruise:

Basel
On the three-border intersection of Switzerland, Germany and France and unfolding in two sections from the banks of the Rhine, Basel has an international flair, a cultural vibrancy and is picturesque besides. A medieval town center invites exploration by foot, while an abundance of museums and galleries suggest an indoor stroll amid works of art and relics of history. The Museum of Fine Arts is home to the world’s oldest art collection accessible to the public. The city itself hosts Switzerland’s oldest university, dating to 1460. Antiquity may be Basel’s strong suit, as it is in much of Europe, but this corner of Switzerland also reveals a more modern countenance: Architects Herzog & de Meuron, best known for the design of the Tate Modern in London and the Bird’s Nest in Beijing, and Frank Gehry of Bilbao Guggenheim Museum fame have contributed their considerable talents to buildings here.

Rudesheim
If Rüdesheim’s scenic location on the Rhine Gorge doesn’t sweep you off your feet, then the town’s medieval Old Town with its half-timbered buildings and narrow lanes, especially the Drosselgasse overflowing with charming shops and taverns, surely will. Still more that promises to enchant and delight is the region’s renowned Rieslings, produced here for centuries from vineyards dating to Roman times. A glass of white wine or the other local specialty, Asbach brandy, sipped amid historic surroundings can make the heart flutter, not necessarily from the effects of the spirits but from the simple beauty of one of Germany’s, if not the world’s, most romantic locales.
Savor exceptional views as you board the cog railway for the ride to the summit of Niederwald Park overlooking the Rhine valley. At the Asbach Distillery, learn about the region’s famed Asbach brandy, produced here since 1892.

Cologne
A scan of Cologne’s skyline offers a short-hand of a long essay of architecture, varying from the space-needle-type Rhine Tower to the avant-garde buildings along the river to the spectacular spires of the cathedral. One look at the magnificent church and you can’t help but draw a breath of amazement—the structure is enormous and intricately glorious, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany’s most visited landmark. Peel your eyes away from the famed Kölner Dom, as it is locally called, to discover other architectural notables, including remains of the Roman wall, a modern museum complex, the contemporary philharmonic hall, cozy beerhalls and the span of the Hohenzollern Bridge, reconstructed after the war.

Take flight to witness views of Cologne from the air, offering breathtaking perspectives on its architectural monuments, including the cathedral, and the river that winds through Germany’s oldest and fourth-largest city. Get a closer appreciation of Cologne Cathedral with a visit that brings to fore its staggering size: The church is Germany’s largest cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and has the largest façade of any church in the world.

Amsterdam
Everyone has an image of Amsterdam. For some, it’s small boats gliding on the canals and locals two-wheeling on bikes to and from work and, as frequently, to meet friends for drinks. For others, it’s gabled buildings leaning, seemingly precariously, over cobbled streets and cozy taverns illuminated by candles. Still others imagine tulips in bloom and the colors, both muted and vibrant, of the paintings Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. All images are true and even more beguiling when experienced in person. Sit a spell in a convivial cafe, explore world-class museums and feel the significance of a unique history—one of a city reclaimed from the sea, rising in prestige and influence as merchants built trade and wealth, and forever known for its attics and attitudes that offered refuge from war. Narrow streets and great manses tell the story not only in images but with the aroma of appeltaart, a taste of the avant garde in newly constructed buildings and a feeling of warmth from the amiable locals.
Sailing Dates
  • 05 Dec 2021
Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

DayDateActivityArriveDepart
1 05/12 Basel, Switzerland overnight
2 06/12 Basel, Switzerland 10:00 PM
3 07/12 Breisach, Germany 09:00 AM 09:00 PM
4 08/12 Kehl, Germany 10:00 AM 10:00 PM
5 09/12 Speyer, Germany 09:00 AM 11:00 PM
6 10/12 Mainz, Germany 06:00 AM 01:00 PM
6 10/12 Rudesheim, Germany 03:00 PM overnight
7 11/12 Rudesheim, Germany 08:00 AM
7 11/12 Koblenz, Germany 01:00 PM 10:00 PM
8 12/12 Cologne, Germany 06:00 AM 08:00 PM
9 13/12 Amsterdam, Rivers 02:00 PM overnight
10 14/12 Amsterdam, Rivers overnight
11 15/12 Amsterdam, Rivers
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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