Celebratory fireworks display over a historic Gothic cathedral at night, with colorful buildings in the foreground and dark sky in the background.
Christmas market stall decorated with green garland and red and gold ornaments, with a sign reading 'Glühwein' hanging underneath the stall roof, set against a city building background.
Heart-shaped cookies with white icing and red lettering that reads 'Noël à Colmar,' decorated with holly and berries, hanging from a wooden display at a festive market.
Colorful historic European-style buildings with red-tiled roofs, flower boxes, and cobblestone street under a blue sky.
Christmas ornaments, including a Santa Claus figure and an elf, hanging together as holiday decorations.
A brightly decorated Christmas tree illuminated with lights in a town square during snowfall at night, with colorful buildings and street lamps around.

December 11, 2025 - December 18, 2025

DAYS

8 days/7 nights

TRIP DATES

Christmas Magic in the Rhine Valley

Join The Next Chapter Travel for an enchanting 8-day journey through France and Germany's most magical Christmas destinations on either side of the Rhine River. From the twinkling lights of Strasbourg to the fairytale towns of the Black Forest, this all-women small-group trip offers an unparalleled experience of Europe's most beloved Christmas markets. Known for their centuries-old traditions, festive charm, and magical atmosphere, the Alsace and Black Forest regions create the perfect setting for an authentic and memorable holiday adventure.

When you travel with The Next Chapter Travel, every detail is carefully curated to ensure a truly indulgent blend of luxury, culture, and adventure. Whether you're sipping mulled wine beneath twinkling lights, discovering handcrafted treasures along winding medieval streets, or relaxing at exquisite accommodations, throughout the journey you can expect delightful seasonal surprises and exclusive experiences that capture the enchanting spirit of a European Christmas as The Next Chapter Travel takes you to the heart of Noël.

Decorated Christmas trees with red and gold ornaments in front of a colorful, ornate building with statues and gold accents.
Two women in winter coats and hats smiling and holding small Christmas-themed mugs inside a festively decorated holiday setting with Christmas trees, ornaments, and string lights.
A nighttime view of a festive street decorated with Christmas lights, ornaments, and small trees, with a large historic church in the background.

Your curated trip…

Highlights:

  • Base yourself in an elegantly renovated palace on the edge of the Black Forest, your home for exploring this festive region's authentic holiday traditions

  • Cross the historic Rhine River between France and Germany, a storied waterway that has connected cultures and Christmas traditions for centuries

  • Discover Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas, where over 300 wooden chalets spread throughout the city create a magical "Christkindelsmärik", and where its medieval cathedral once stood as the world's tallest structure

  • Discover intimate holiday festivals in small villages, where local traditions create uniquely authentic cultural celebrations

  • Wander through Colmar's enchanting old town, where half-timbered houses provide a storybook backdrop for holiday markets and seasonal wine tastings

  • Discover the real-life inspiration for Belle's village in Beauty and the Beast as you explore two enchanting Alsatian towns, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, where half-timbered houses, medieval charm, and twinkling Christmas markets bring fairy tales to life

  • Witness the world's largest Advent calendar in Gengenbach, where the historic town hall transforms into a glowing countdown to Christmas

  • Experience the sophisticated charm of Baden-Baden's Christmas celebration, set against the backdrop of the grand Kurhaus spa resort

  • Explore Freiburg's festive atmosphere, where traditional Black Forest culture meets vibrant university town energy

  • Savor regional winter delicacies, from traditional bratwurst and raclette to homemade gingerbread and seasonal sweets

  • Sample the warming pleasures of glühwein and vin chaud, traditional mulled wines that capture the essence of the season

  • Enjoy time to explore at your own pace, whether shopping for authentic handcrafted gifts, photographing decorated medieval streets, or sharing festive moments with fellow travelers

And while these highlights promise to be memorable, we've also reserved a few special moments that will unfold along the way, making your adventure truly unforgettable…

What is included:

  • 7 nights accommodation in a boutique apartment in a beautifully renovated palace hotel

  • All breakfasts, four dinners, and two lunches

  • All transportation on luxury coaches

  • Airport/Hotel group transfers for participants on suggested arriving and departing flights

  • Entry fees and guide fees for all included visits

  • All excursions listed in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to local guides and drivers

What is not included:

Accommodations:

A beautifully renovated palace hotel that offers boutique one, two, or three bedroom apartments, all with ensuite bathrooms. Travel solo, or with a friend or two! One apartment has two bedrooms with a loft containing two twins, easily accommodating four.

Transportation:

Luxury Coach with a Driver/Guide

Living room with beige sectional sofa, pink pillows, wooden ceiling beams, large windows, and a dining table with chairs in the background.
A large house with a white and stone facade, red-tiled roof, and multiple windows, surrounded by green trees and a landscaped garden with outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and greenery.
Colorful Christmas gingerbread cookies with cute faces, decorated with icing, frosting, and toppings, some wearing red knit hats with pom-poms. Background features plush Santa faces.

Pricing: $6,220 per person**

Maximum 14 people

*A $1,000 deposit is due at booking, and the balance is due no later than 120 days prior to departure (8/10/25).

The deposit and final balance are non-refundable. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

**Please email me and let me know if you prefer a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom apartment accommodation and who you will be sharing with.

We accept payments via PayPal

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made more than 120 days prior to the tour start date will receive a credit towards a future Next Chapter Travel tour commencing within a year of the canceled tour.

Cancellations made less than 120 days prior to the tour start date will receive no credits or refunds. Contact your travel insurance advisor to make a claim.