Unwrap the magic of Christmas markets in the heart of France and Germany on a festive cruise for solo travellers
Embark on a magical Christmas Market Cruise through the scenic Neckar Valley, tailored for solo travellers. Begin in the charming city of Strasbourg, where the festive atmosphere radiates from every corner. Sail to Heidelberg, known for its romantic Christmas market nestled in the historic heart of the city, beneath the grandeur of its ancient castle. The aroma of mulled wine and spiced treats will lead you through the cobbled streets, surrounded by festive lights. Continue your journey through Eberbach and Heilbronn, where each town sparkles in its finest holiday decor, before reaching Speyer. With every stop, experience the enchanting sounds and sights of Yuletide cheer, making this a holiday to remember.
MS Victor Hugo ****
The MS Victor Hugo is named in honour of one of France's most celebrated literary figures. This elegant standard ship cruises along some of Europe's most culturally and historically rich rivers, including the Tisza, Sava, Elbe, Rhine, and Danube.
Refurbished in 2019, the MS Victor Hugo offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The ship spans 82 metres in length and 9.5 metres in width, accommodating up to 90 passengers in 45 comfortable and spacious cabins spread across two decks. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed to provide all the modern amenities and comforts for a relaxing stay. The interior design pays tribute to the romanticism of Victor Hugo’s time. Soft mineral and bluish tones evoke the Channel Islands where the writer spent time in exile, while brass accents and subtle art-deco details recall the style of the period.
On the upper deck, guests can enjoy refined cuisine in the ship’s restaurant, which features large bay windows that offer stunning panoramic views. The lounge bar, also on the upper deck, includes a dance floor for entertainment. For those seeking relaxation, the sun deck provides the perfect retreat, complete with comfortable loungers and a shaded area, ideal for taking in the breathtaking landscapes along the journey.
Cabin
The MS Victor Hugo offers 45 spacious and comfortable cabins spread across two decks, designed to provide all the modern amenities for a relaxing stay. Each cabin is tastefully decorated with soothing minerals and bluish tones that reflect the tranquil beauty of the Channel Islands, where Victor Hugo spent time in exile. Brass accents and subtle art-deco touches add a touch of elegance and romanticism to the space.
All cabins are equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, featuring showers, towels, and complimentary toiletries. Guests will enjoy the comfort of twin or double beds, complete with quality linens, air conditioning, and heating to ensure a pleasant stay regardless of the season. For added convenience, each cabin includes a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer, a safe, and ample storage space for personal belongings.
Large windows in each cabin allow plenty of natural light, and the panoramic views offer a constant reminder of the beautiful landscapes drifting by. With their thoughtful layout and attention to detail, the cabins on the MS Victor Hugo ensure that guests enjoy both comfort and style throughout their cruise.
On board Facilities
Restaurant
Located on the upper deck, the restaurant is where all meals are served throughout your cruise. It offers seating for all guests at tables of varying sizes, allowing everyone to enjoy the stunning panoramic views. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing dining experience.
Lounge Bar & Dance Floor
The lounge, tastefully decorated and positioned at the front of the ship, provides sweeping panoramic views. It’s the heart of the ship’s entertainment, where you can enjoy cocktails, partake in games, or dance the night away. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Sun Deck
The sun deck is the perfect place to relax and soak in the scenery. Equipped with chairs and loungers, it offers a comfortable space to unwind while enjoying the spectacular panoramic views of the landscapes along the way.
Fitness
Start your day with a refreshing fitness class on the sun deck. It's a great way to energise your morning while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
Reception
The reception area is the perfect gathering spot to meet with friends before setting off on your excursions or to get any information you may need from the helpful staff. Conveniently located here is the gift shop, offering a wide variety of souvenirs and postcards to take home a piece of your journey.
Day 1 – Strasbourg (France)
In the evening, we’ll (re)board the ship in Strasbourg at 6:00 p.m. After settling into our cabins, we’ll meet the crew at a welcome cocktail reception. We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner followed by some evening entertainment on board. As the holiday spirit sets in, our ship will begin its overnight cruise towards Mannheim.
Day 2 – Heidelberg (Germany) – Eberbach (Germany)
We’ll arrive in Mannheim, where our adventure begins with a tour of Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. We’ll explore the exterior of the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and take a guided tour through the historic old town. Afterwards, we’ll have some free time to wander through the festive Christmas markets, try local treats, and soak up the holiday atmosphere with mulled wine or a beer.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey along the Neckar River, passing through the "Romantic Four" towns of Neckargemünd, Neckarsteinach, and Hirschhorn, each with its medieval castles and stunning scenery. We’ll arrive in the charming town of Eberbach, where we’ll have some free time to explore before returning to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.
Day 3 – Eberbach (Germany) – Heilbronn (Germany) – Heidelberg (Germany)
Today, we’ll set off on a full-day excursion to Heilbronn, a city rich in history and surrounded by beautiful vineyards and forests. During our visit, we’ll discover the astronomical clock in the market square, St. Kilian’s Church, and the Deutschhof, a former monastery now housing museums. The Christmas markets here are filled with festive music, the scents of cinnamon and spices, and decorated stalls offering crafts and gifts. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll return to the ship in Heidelberg, where we can enjoy the rest of the evening at our own pace.
Day 4 – Heidelberg (Germany) – Speyer (Germany)
We’ll spend the morning cruising towards Speyer, where we’ll take a guided tour of the city. Speyer is famous for its UNESCO-listed cathedral and medieval landmarks, and we’ll get to experience its delightful Christmas market along Maximilianstrasse in front of the Alten Münze. In the evening, we’ll celebrate with a festive gala dinner on board as we begin our return journey to Strasbourg.
Day 5 – Strasbourg (France)
We’ll enjoy a relaxing breakfast on board this morning before disembarking in Strasbourg at 9:00 a.m., bringing our magical Christmas market cruise to an end. The memories of this festive adventure will stay with us long after we return home.
What is included in the tour
- Stay 4 nights on board on MS Victor Hugo
- Your own single occupancy air-conditioned cabin
- All Inclusive - All meals and drinks included
- All Excursions Included - Christmas market in Heidelberg, medieval city of Eberbach, poetic charm of Heilbronn, Historic Speyer and its Imperial Cathedral
- Refined French cuisine - Welcome cocktail and Gala Dinner
- Flights from London Gatwick
- Flights from your local airport at a small supplement
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- All port fees included.
- Airport Transfers
- Meet other single, like-minded travellers who wish to socialise and make new friends
Flight Timings -
Outbound - London Gatwick 12:40 - Strasbourg 15:15
Inbound - Basel 21:20 - London Gatwick 21:55
Price & Itinerary may be subject to change
