European Christmas Markets Tour Overview

Celebrate Christmas in Europe on this boutique Hosted Journey through Paris, the fairytale villages of Alsace and a luxury Rhine River cruise. From sparkling Christmas markets and iconic Paris landmarks to charming medieval towns and festive Rhine ports, every detail has been thoughtfully planned so you can simply relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the magic of the season.

What Makes This Journey Special

This journey is all about experiencing the moments that make Christmas in Europe feel truly magical. Begin in Paris, where iconic sights, festive markets and a famous Parisian hot chocolate capture the spirit of the season before travelling by First Class train to the enchanting Alsace region, home to storybook villages, colourful timbered houses and some of France’s most beautiful Christmas Markets.

To finish, swap hotels for the comfort of a luxury Rhine River cruise, where festive riverside towns, exceptional dining and beautifully appointed suites create the perfect ending to your Christmas adventure. With a maximum of just 13 guests, this Hosted Journey offers the ideal balance of boutique accommodation, luxury cruising, guided experiences and free time to explore at your own pace.

It’s stylish. It’s meaningful. It’s unforgettable.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8

European Christmas Markets Tour 2026

Day 1

Saturday, 12 December 2026

Welcome to Paris — one of Europe’s most beautiful cities during the festive season. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your private transfer and taken to your boutique hotel (final confirmation TBC). After time to settle in and refresh, you’ll soon meet your Click and Trip host and fellow travellers for the start of your Christmas adventure.

After time to settle in and refresh, meet your Click and Trip host and fellow travellers before heading for a hosted three-course welcome dinner overlooking the Eiffel Tower. It’s the perfect way to begin your Christmas adventure, sharing wonderful food, great company and the excitement of the journey ahead.

Dinner Included
Please note: Twin bedding is limited throughout Europe, particularly in boutique hotels. Twin rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and every effort will be made to accommodate requests wherever possible.

European Christmas Markets Tour 2026

Day 2

Sunday, 13 December 2026

Today is the perfect introduction to Paris at Christmas. After breakfast, meet your local guide and discover many of the city’s most iconic sights, beginning with spectacular Eiffel Tower views from Trocadéro before continuing to the Arc de Triomphe and the famous Champs-Élysées.

Along the way, enjoy one of Paris’ famous hot chocolates before making your way to Notre-Dame and Galeries Lafayette, where the magnificent Christmas tree and rooftop views have become a festive tradition for visitors from around the world.

This afternoon, soak up the atmosphere of the Tuileries Christmas Market, where twinkling lights, festive stalls and seasonal treats create one of the most magical Christmas experiences in Paris. Dinner is at leisure this evening.

Breakfast & Hosted Hot Chocolate Included

European Christmas Markets Tour 2026

Day 3

Monday, 14 December 2026

This morning it’s time to swap the elegance of Paris for the fairytale beauty of Alsace. After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board your First Class high-speed train to Colmar, one of France’s most picturesque Christmas destinations.

On arrival, transfer to your boutique hotel (final confirmation TBC) before joining your local guide for an orientation walk through Colmar’s enchanting Old Town. Wander colourful streets lined with half-timbered houses, discover charming squares and hidden laneways before enjoying a relaxing boat cruise through Little Venice.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore Colmar’s famous Christmas Markets, browse the festive stalls or simply enjoy the wonderful atmosphere at your own pace.

Breakfast Included

European Christmas Markets Tour 2026

Day 4

Tuesday, 15 December 2026

After breakfast, travel into the heart of the beautiful Alsace wine region to discover two of its most charming villages.

Enjoy a guided walk through the storybook village of Riquewihr before having the opportunity to sample local Alsace wines (own expense). Continue to nearby Ribeauvillé, where you’ll have free time to wander the Christmas Markets, browse local artisan shops and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Return to Colmar later this afternoon, with another evening free to revisit your favourite Christmas Markets or discover one of the town’s welcoming restaurants.

Breakfast Included

European Christmas Markets Tour 2026

Day 5

Wednesday, 16 December 2026

Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing Colmar by private coach for Frankfurt, where you’ll board the luxurious Riverside Debussy.

After settling into your beautifully appointed suite, take time to explore the ship before enjoying your first evening onboard. As your Rhine River Cruise begins, experience exceptional dining, personalised service and the comfort of unpacking just once for the remainder of your journey.

Breakfast (Hotel) and Dinner (Onboard) Included

European Christmas Markets Tour 2026

Day 6

Thursday, 17 December 2026

Wake to beautiful Rhine River scenery and enjoy a leisurely morning onboard as the ship arrives into Mannheim. If you feel like stretching your legs, you’re welcome to step ashore for a short independent stroll before returning to the ship as your cruise continues towards Speyer.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Speyer at your own pace. Wander through its charming Old Town, browse the Christmas Markets, admire the magnificent cathedral or simply relax with a coffee while soaking up the festive atmosphere before returning to the ship for another wonderful evening onboard.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included (Onboard)

European Christmas Markets Tour 2026

Day 7

Friday, 18 December 2026

Today you’ll discover one of Europe’s oldest and most celebrated Christmas cities. Meet your local guide for a leisurely walking tour through picturesque Petite France, the Cathedral district and Strasbourg’s famous Christmas Markets.

Along the way, enjoy a selection of regional gourmet tastings while learning about the traditions and flavours that make Christmas in Alsace so special. Return to the ship with time to relax before enjoying your final dinner onboard as you celebrate a wonderful week travelling together.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included (Onboard)

European Christmas Markets Tour 2026

Day 8

Saturday, 19 December 2026

After breakfast, it’s time to farewell your fellow travellers as your Hosted Journey comes to an end.

Disembark in Basel, where your included private transfer will take you to Basel Airport or Basel Railway Station for your onward journey. If you’d like to extend your European holiday, we’d be delighted to help you plan the next chapter of your adventure.

Breakfast Included (Onboard)

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European Christmas Market Tour Highlights

Included in This Hosted Journey

  • 2 nights boutique accommodation in Paris with breakfast (hotel TBC)
  • 2 nights boutique accommodation in Colmar with breakfast (hotel TBC)
  • 3-night luxury Rhine River Cruise onboard Riverside Debussy in a Symphony Suite
  • Full board dining onboard the river cruise
  • Private arrival transfer from Paris Airport or railway station to your hotel
  • Private departure transfer from Basel Port to Basel Airport or railway station
  • First Class high-speed rail from Paris to Colmar with reserved seating
  • Private coach and minibus transportation throughout the journey as per the itinerary
  • Hosted three-course Welcome Dinner in Paris, including one glass of wine
  • Hosted famous Parisian hot chocolate experience
  • Guided Paris Highlights & Christmas Markets tour
  • Guided orientation walk through Colmar
  • Little Venice boat cruise
  • Full-day excursion to the Alsace villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé
  • Guided Strasbourg Christmas Markets walking tour
  • Regional gourmet tasting experience in Strasbourg
  • Professional local guides for included touring

HOTELS

Hôtel Sainte-Beuve (To be confirmed)

Superior Room

Hôtel Maison Turenne (To be confirmed)

Standard Room

Riverside Debussy Rivercruise

Symphony Suite Cabin (Cabins Confirmed)

Travel Tips & Essentials for a European Christmas Market Tour

  • A 40% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. A further 20% payment is due in September 2026, with the remaining balance due in October 2026.
  • This Hosted Journey is guided and hosted, but not over-scheduled — you’ll still have free time most days for markets, cafes and your own little finds.
  • Twin bedding is limited in boutique European hotels and is allocated on a first-come basis — we’ll always do our best to accommodate requests.
  • Your Rhine cruise is full board with flexible dining times (breakfast 7:00–11:30am, lunch 12:00–2:30pm, dinner 7:00–10:00pm).
  • December is properly chilly in France and Germany, especially at night — pack a warm coat, scarf, gloves and layers.
  • Markets are outdoors — plan for standing and strolling, and bring a small secure bag for busy evenings.
  • Smart casual works best onboard at dinner (think polished winter layers rather than super formal).
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestones, markets and old towns.
  • Travel insurance is required

What Our Travellers Say

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Deborah Z
3 December 2025
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We thank Click And Trip for the superb organisation of our trip to India and for the great recommendations of hotels, tour guides and sight-seeing activities in every destination. We would unhesitatingly book again with Click And Trip – the organisation and planning by them was faultless. Click And Trip's travel consultants were some of the very best we have ever worked with – knowledgeable, friendly, highly efficient and reliable, and so client-focussed. Nothing we requested was ever a trouble!
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Bianca H
10 April 2025
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It was a fantastic tour. The guides were great, knowledgeable, flexible, accommodating and so nice. The drivers were fantastic and I felt safe with them driving us around Vietnam and Cambodia. I will and have highly recommend this tour company to others
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Sabrina H
4 April 2025
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We had the most incredible experience with Click and Trip for our Vietnam and Cambodia holiday. They were so helpful pre-departure customising and adding extras we requested to our itinerary. As well as helping us organise our visas for our destinations. All our guides were so friendly and welcoming and made the whole experience so effortless and enjoyable. The activities were amazing and so diverse in each city and our accomodation in Cambodia was a real stand out. I can not recommend Click and Trip more highly and there offering in the travel market is truely unlike anything I have seen. Book with them, you will not regret it.
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Susan h
15 March 2025
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Well, thats New York done and dusted !!.What a fabulous time we had. I wanted to email you to thank especially Rosie,Holly and the clickandtrip team for your organisation of our trip. It exceeded our expectations and I will be telling anyone who listens or asks to use your company and yourself. The details and instructions regarding the travelling details were clear and concise. The transfers from flights to drivers to and from airport/hotel seemless. I cannot thank you enough. Your response to any questions was prompt and clear ( and I had a lot of questions). Thank you all for a wonderful holiday we will remember forever. Kind regards Susan Hocken
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Ian T
24 November 2024
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Nyssa at Click and Trip was super helpful and knowledgeable. I gave her an overview of what my wife and I were looking to do in a 5 week trip around Australia and she compiled an intenerary that accomplished that, but also had a plethora of suggestions of places to see and activities that I would never have known. We also had to change our plans towards the end of our trip and she was able to sort that out hassle free for me. I have already given her details to friends and family that are thinking of touring Oz and I will not hesitate to use Click and Trip again for any trips to other destinations that may take my fancy in the future.
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Mariza E
23 October 2024
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I recently went o Bali with a group of friends and we had the best time! From exploring stunning temples and lush rice terraces to thrilling ATV rides through the countryside, every day was a new adventure. Highlights included visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest, ATV’s, Elephant Sanctuary and the adrenaline of swinging over rice terraces. What made this trip extra special was our local guides which allowed us to really enjoy our time together as a group. We shared laughs, stories, and unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime. From the beginning working with Nyssa was very easy and k always appreciate her quick responses. I look forward to future trips. Highly recommend!
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Chris D
21 June 2024
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🌸✨ Just returned from our 2nd unforgettable trip with Click and Trip - a 2 week adventure through Japan. From the serene Meiji Shrine to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, the magical Teamlab Borderless, thrilling Tokyo Street Go Carting, and the enchanting Disneysea 🌊🎢, every moment was meticulously planned. We explored traditional gems like Takayama and Shirakawa-go 🏯, marvelled at Kenroku-en garden's beauty 🌿, and indulged in Wagyu at Bungo Gion 🥩. Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine and the serene Kiyomizu-dera temple were highlights, as was dressing up in a kimono and strolling through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets 👘🌸. Click and Trip took care of everything – from tickets 🎫, transfers 🚕, luxury hotels 🏨, to private guides 🗺️. They even helped us avoid the crowds with their insider tips and perfect itineraries. The Japan Explorer package was a dream, especially the stay in a traditional Ryokan in Takayama, offering Kyoto’s charm minus the crowds 🏡✨. For a seamless, crowd-free, and unforgettable Japan experience, I can't recommend Click and Trip enough! 🌟
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Bianca P
26 February 2024
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Choosing click and trip for my trip to Italy was the best decision! It took all the guessing out of the planning process and we had the most amazing tours booked! The team were always there for support and helped get the best value. They are highly knowledgeable about travel, I can’t wait to book my next trip with them! I highly recommend booking through click and trip you won’t regret!
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Tracy E
23 February 2024
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Thankyou so much to Nyssa who everytime needed assistance in booking an overseas trip she has made it possible, always listens and provides us the best service and helps us live a life time dream. For over 30yrs I have wanted to go to Pompeii and Rome, last trip was cancelled thanks to COVID but Nyssa help make it happen. Thank you so much. Next trip is helping my mum live out her dream and Nyssa has been so incredible helpful. Would highly recommend using Click and Trip for all your travel needs
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Joanna F
2 December 2023
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We had a fantastic trip to Vietnam with Click & Trip; I can't recommend this service highly enough, it takes the stress out of booking and planning a trip, and ensures you are locked into the best tours, hotels and transport for your time away (so you don't have to worry about getting dates and times right or booking an Air BnB that doesn't exist). It feels like a much more bespoke experience than previous travel agencies I've used, so if you get the chance to use them for your next trip, definitely do!

European Christmas Markets Tour FAQs

Arriving a little early? This is a gorgeous festive add-on near Paris — lights, atmosphere, and a proper “wow” moment. We can help you plan it independently.

Maximum 13 travellers. It stays social, easy to move around together, and still gives everyone space to do their own thing.

It’s a mix — solo travellers, friends, couples, and anyone who loves the idea of experiencing Christmas-market Europe with a like-minded group (without it feeling like a “tour group”). Ages can vary, but the vibe is usually the same: quality experiences, a bit of comfort, and plenty of atmosphere.

Absolutely. You can choose to share (matched by gender where possible) or request your own room, subject to availability.

We’re planning boutique accommodation that reflects the character of each destination while keeping you close to the heart of the action. In Paris, we’ll be staying in the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, while in Colmar our focus is accommodation within walking distance of the Old Town and Little Venice. Final hotel confirmation is subject to availability, however our commitment to location, comfort and boutique style will always remain the same.

Think boutique and well-paced. You’ll have beautiful, walkable bases in Paris and Colmar, before spending three relaxing nights onboard your luxury Rhine River Cruise. We’ve included local guides where they add real value, while leaving plenty of free time to explore Christmas Markets, cosy cafés and your own little discoveries.

For three nights you’ll enjoy all-suite luxury onboard Riverside Debussy. Expect beautifully appointed suites, exceptional dining, attentive service and the wonderful experience of waking up in a new destination each morning without ever needing to repack your suitcase.

Yes. Your Click and Trip Tour Host will accompany the group from Paris through to Basel, while experienced local guides join us for the included sightseeing experiences in Paris, Colmar and Strasbourg.

Not at all. While there is walking most days, the itinerary has been designed to feel comfortable and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities to stop, browse the Christmas Markets, enjoy a coffee or simply soak up the festive atmosphere.

A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You’ll be walking on cobblestone streets, through Christmas Markets and historic towns, with occasional stairs. If you’re comfortable walking for a couple of hours with regular breaks, you’ll be perfectly suited to this journey.

Smart casual is ideal for evenings onboard the cruise. Think comfortable yet polished winter clothing such as trousers, skirts, knitwear, dresses and a collared shirt for gentlemen. There’s no need for formal attire.

After breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark in Basel where your included private transfer will take you to Basel Airport or Basel Railway Station. If you’d like to extend your European holiday with a few nights in Switzerland or beyond, we’d be delighted to help you create the perfect post-tour itinerary.

Booking is easy! Simply click the white “Book Now” button at the top of the page (or below these FAQs) and follow the prompts. Choose your preferred room type — Twin Share, Solo (Private Room) or Double for Two — then secure your place with a 40% non-refundable deposit.

The remaining balance can be paid in instalments, with payments due in September and October 2026. Places are strictly limited to 13 guests, and twin rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend booking early.

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