Alsace Christmas Spirit 2026

Duration

8 Days

Departure Dates

21st December 2026

Prices from

£2,999 Per person

Experience a magical Christmas on this fantastically festive tour including a luxurious six-night river cruise along the Rhine. Explore the charming streets of Düsseldorf and Koblenz, visit the capital of Christmas at Strasbourg, discover picturesque vineyards in idyllic Rüdesheim, and soak in the festive atmosphere of Speyer on this extraordinary Christmas tour.

Overview
Itinerary
Further Information
Departure Dates
Helpful Links

Dusseldorf ©Shutterstock

8 days from £2,999

DEPARTS

Monday 21 December 2026

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Experience a fabulous river cruise along the Rhine on our new luxury Timeless Voyage
Soak in the festive atmosphere in Speyer on Christmas Eve
Spend Christmas Day aboard the luxurious MS VIVA ONE
Visit the Christmas capital of the world, Strasbourg
Enjoy free time in the historic Old Town of Düsseldorf
Explore the charming streets of the beautiful Rhine town of Koblenz
Tour the impressive imperial city of Speyer and indulge in a local delicacy
Discover the picturesque vineyards and natural beauty of Rüdesheim

Also included in your Tour Fare:

1 night bed, breakfast & evening meal in Düsseldorf
6 nights’ cruise aboard the luxurious MS VIVA ONE
Full Board Gourmet Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks)
All Inclusive Premium Drinks (Wine, Beers, Cocktails, Spirits, Liqueurs, Soft Drinks, Juices, Water, Tea/Coffee)
Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel in Europe, where available
Services of experienced Tour Manager

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards in First Class to Dusseldorf for our overnight stay where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we enjoy free time to explore this lively city of Dusseldorf including the historic Old Town which radiates a festive charm making it the perfect opportunity to discover the cobbled stone streets, stroll the local Christmas Markets, and admire the beautiful architecture. This afternoon, we transfer to board the MS VIVA ONE, our home for six nights, where we settle in and enjoy our evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 3

This morning, we have the opportunity to explore one of Germany's oldest and most scenic cities, Koblenz, on a unique walking tour to discover the rich history of this Rhine city. We will wander the charming streets and squares, discover the historical treasures and impressive landmarks, and walk the picturesque banks of the Rhine accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. This afternoon, we return to the MS VIVA ONE and enjoy all that river cruising has to offer as we continue sailing and enjoy our evening meal together.

B, L, D

DAY 4

Today, we wake in the historic city of Speyer and, after breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of this remarkable imperial city. We will discover impressive facades, charming half-timbered houses, and romantic squares beautifully adorned for the festive season plus we will enjoy a local delicacy - a freshly baked Speyer-style pretzel! The afternoon is at leisure to explore further, visit the magnificent Cathedral, or browse the local shops before returning to the MS VIVA ONE for our evening meal together.

B, L, D

DAY 5

Merry Christmas! Today, we cruise into France where the enchanting city of Strasbourg awaits, renowned as the Christmas capital of the world, with its idyllic half-timbered houses and picturesque landmarks. Along the way, we will enjoy a Christmas programme (to be advised closer to departure) plus a delicious, locally themed Christmas lunch to celebrate the special day.

B, L, D

DAY 6

This morning, we will discover Strasbourg and its unique blend of tradition and modernity on a panoramic coach tour combined with a guided city walk. Our scenic journey will take us past iconic sights and striking architecture with plenty of photo opportunities along the way before we continue by foot through the historic city centre. Here, we can immerse ourselves in the enchanting festive lights, admire the famous Cathedral, and explore independently before returning by coach to the MS VIVA ONE.

B, L, D

DAY 7

After breakfast this morning, we watch the beautiful Rhine slip by as we continue to our next destination of Rüdesheim, a town celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and magnificent river vistas. This afternoon, we will embark on an inspiring walking tour through picturesque vineyards to St. Hildegard Abbey, a place of spiritual significance and natural beauty. We will experience the local culture, quiet ambience, and charming traditions before returning to the MS VIVA ONE to complete the final leg of this wonderful cruise and enjoy our final evening meal together.

B, L, D

DAY 8

We bid farewell to Dusseldorf and to Germany as we disembark and return by rail to Brussels, where we will join the Eurostar Plus service to London St Pancras.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described excursions are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions/changes should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTELS

Hotel in Düsseldorf

TBC (min. 4-star)

MS VIVA ONE

The MS VIVA ONE is a premium ship that combines relaxation with beautiful views and offers a cosy panorama lounge, gourmet meals served in the elegant Riverside restaurant, a sundeck with a whirlpool, and a fitness centre plus a wellness area including a sauna and steam bath. All cabins provide an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower and complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, an included mini-bar, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.

Emerald Cabin – Lower Deck – 16m2 with small panoramic windows (cannot be opened).

Ruby Cabin – Middle Deck – 17m2 with floor to ceiling French balcony.

Diamond Cabin – Upper Deck – 17m2 with floor to ceiling French balcony.

FARES

From London St Pancras International:
First Class rail travel to/from Germany, including Eurostar Plus	£2,999
Join at Düsseldorf & Leave at MS VIVA ONE	£2,599
Single Traveller Supplement (Ruby Only*)	£990
Deposit	£610

Emerald Cabin Supplement £0

Ruby Cabin Supplement £220

Diamond Cabin Supplement £400

*Single travellers will have a Ruby Cabin for sole occupancy at a total supplement of £1,210

1 night bed, breakfast & evening meal in Düsseldorf

6 nights’ cruise aboard the luxurious MS VIVA ONE

Full Board Gourmet Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks)

All Inclusive Premium Drinks (Wine, Beers, Cocktails, Spirits, Liqueurs, Soft Drinks, Juices, Water, Tea/Coffee)

Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel to and from Germany

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

Number of passengers:

Date	From Price	Book Now	Callback
21st December 2026	£2,999 Per person	Book Now	Callback

Can't see a date that suits you? Please register your interest for additional departures on this tour.

Register interest

Enter your details to receive updates on upcoming departure dates for the Alsace Christmas Spirit 2026 rail tour.

Dusseldorf Christmas Market ©VIVA Cruises

Rhine at Koblenz ©Shutterstock

Koblenz ©Shutterstock

Koblenz Christmas Market ©VIVA Cruises

Speyer ©AdobeStock

Speyer Christmas Market ©VIVA Cruises

Strasbourg ©VIVA Cruises

Strasbourg Christmas Market1 ©VIVA Cruises

Strasbourg Christmas Market2 ©Shutterstock

Rhine at Rudesheim ©Shutterstock

Rudesheim1 ©AdobeStock

Rudesheim2 ©AdobeStock

Rudesheim Christmas Market ©VIVA Cruises

MS VIVA ONE - Emerald Cabin ©VIVA Cruises

MS VIVA ONE - Ruby/Diamond Cabin ©VIVA Cruises

MS VIVA ONE - Restaurant ©VIVA Cruises

MS VIVA ONE - Bar & Lounge1 ©VIVA Cruises

MS VIVA ONE - Bar & Lounge2 ©VIVA Cruises

MS VIVA ONE - Fitness Centre ©VIVA Cruises

Swiss Christmas Snow Train Adventure 2026

Experience a magical Christmas amidst Switzerland's wintry lake and mountain scenery on this snow train adventure with a difference. Journey on the scenic GoldenPass Line, travel the route of the Glacier Express, discover the historic Rigi Railway, and ride the breathtaking Titlis Rotair. Enjoy free time to explore wonderful Lucerne and indulge in Christmas Dinner at our beautiful lakeside hotel with fabulous panoramic views.

8 Days 20/12/2026 from £2,095

Swiss Christmas Snow Train Adventure 2027

8 Days 20/12/2027 from £1,975

Harz Mountains Winter Wonderland 2027

An adventure to warm your Harz! Experience spectacular winter scenery in Germany's timeless Harz Mountains, journey through beautiful snow dusted forests on exhilarating steam-hauled rides, and travel on a unique suspension monorail. Marvel at breathtaking panoramic views, visit picturesque medieval towns with fantastic half-timbered houses, and enjoy free time to relax and explore the quaint town of Wernigerode.

7 Days Choice of Dates from £1,629

Rhine Lights & Christmas Delights 2026

Experience the magic of Christmas on this delightful tour to Germany staying in the heart of Cologne. Discover the festive spirit of Cologne, tour the magnificent Aachen Cathedral, and visit the fascinating Farina Fragrance Museum plus enjoy free time to immerse yourself in the warming, festive atmosphere of fantastic Christmas Markets in Cologne, Bonn, and Aachen.

4 Days 08/12/2026 from £995

Amiens, Arras & Chantilly at Christmas 2027

Experience the magic of Christmas on this enchanting tour to France staying in the heart of Amiens. Discover the city's festive charm, visit the iconic Château de Chantilly including the renowned equestrian show, and marvel at the spectacular Chroma Light Show. Enjoy free time to soak up the cosy atmosphere of the Christmas markets in both Amiens and Arras, where seasonal delights and festive traditions await.

4 Days 14/12/2027 from £749

Swiss Winter Snow Train Adventure 2027

Marvel at Switzerland's wintry lake and mountain scenery on this snow train adventure with a difference featuring a selection of excursions not found anywhere else. Journey on the scenic former GoldenPass Line, travel the route of the Glacier Express, discover the historic Rigi Railway, and ride the breathtaking Titlis Rotair. Visit the pilgrimage site of Einsiedeln, enjoy free time to explore wonderful Lucerne, and relax on the shore of Lake Lucerne.

8 Days Choice of Dates from £1,649

Festive Steam in Saxony 2026

Enjoy the festive season on this fantastic steam tour to Germany. Experience fabulous mainline steam excursions, nostalgic narrow-gauge steam lines, and charming branch lines plus travel on a unique suspended monorail and superb funicular railway. Cruise along the River Elbe, visit the fascinating Dresden Transport Museum, and enjoy time to stroll through the traditional Christmas Markets of both Dresden and Leipzig.

7 Days 01/12/2026 from £2,199

Gouda by Candlelight & The Royal Christmas Fair 2027

Discover the magic of a Dutch Christmas on this delightful festive break combining seasonal traditions, charming historic cities, and some of the Netherlands' most famous culinary delights. Experience the spectacular Gouda by Candlelight, stroll through the sparkling Royal Christmas Fair, savour world-famous Gouda cheese, and indulge in a freshly baked stroopwafel. Immerse yourself in the fantastically festive atmosphere of Christmas in the Netherlands!

5 Days 09/12/2027 from £1,049

Rhine Lights & Christmas Delights 2027

4 Days 07/12/2027 from £825

What our customers say

Sounds like the holiday for you?

View Dates and Book

Why Book with Railtrail

Railtrail Tours is a family firm with an ethos of honesty and integrity. Our passion for delivering quality escorted holidays by rail at great value fares along with consistently excellent customer service has stood us in good stead for over 40 years – Big on Quality, Small Enough to Care

Unique Experiences

Our tours are unique to us, created by our team of rail travel experts who each have a lifetime of knowledge and experience in the rail holiday industry

Financial Protection

Railtrail Tours are members of ABTOT and ATOL, meaning you can relax knowing that you are fully protected when booking any holiday with us.

Loyalty Rewards

For every pound spent you will receive Loyalty Points on return from your holiday, which can then be used as a discount on future bookings.

Award Winning Team

We were proudly awarded Silver at the British Travel Awards for ‘Best Small Travel Company for Rail Holidays’ in 2024.

More about us

Destinations

Tour Types