Cassandra King
7 Nights

Amawaterways Christmas Markets on the Rhine River Cruise

River or Ocean Cruises

Amawaterways Christmas Markets on the Rhine River Cruise

Contact Your Travel Expert

7-Night River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel December 15–22, 2027 Secure your spot with just a $500 per person deposit. Staterooms are already selling out—don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable holiday journey. Ask about Amawaterways AirPlus program too!

Cruise From: Amsterdam to Basel

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

RIVERS: Rhine

 

Land Packages

Optional

2 Nights Amsterdam (Pre-Cruise)

2 Nights Lake Lucerne & 2 Nights Zurich (Post-Cruise)

Itinerary

Day 1

Amsterdam

Amsterdam: Embarkation

 

Day 2

Amsterdam & Utrecht

Day 3

Dusseldorf

Scenic Cruising

Cologne Walking tour and Christmas Markets

OR Dusseldorf walking tour and Christmas Markets

OR Dusseldorf bike tour

 

Enjoy a scenic cruise into Dusseldorf.  In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fishmarket, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church.  Then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets.  Or explore historic Dusseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide.  Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market.  Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.  (B,L,D)

 

Day 4

Rhine Gorge and Rudesheim

Rhine Gorge:               Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Rudesheim:                 Wine Tasting and Christmas Markets

                                             OR  Gondola ride and Christmas Markets

                                             OR  Vineyards Hike

                                             OR  Guided Bike tour of the Rheingau and Christmas Markets

                                   Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet

                                             OR  Rudesheimer coffee

 

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim.  Once in Rudesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions.  Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world.  Or go on a hike through the vineyards.  Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rudesheim's gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market.  You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market.  Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee.  (B,L,D)

 

Day 5

Ludwigshafen

Heidelberg Tour and Christmas Markets

    OR  Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets

    OR  Heidelberg Philosopher's Path Hike and Christmas Markets

    OR  Ladenburg Bike Tour

 

You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets.  Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university.  While here, wander along one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town's Christmas Markets.  Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher's Path followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets.  Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or explore one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  YOu'll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).  (B,L,D)

 

Day 6

Strasbourg

Strasbourg City Tour and Christmas Markets

     OR Strasbourg bike tour

Baden-Baden Walking Tour and Christmas Markets

 

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent.  The Christkindelsmarik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France.  Enjoy walking through the historic town center on the Grande Ile, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town's famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle.  Later in the day, opt to visit Baden-Baden and take in the town's romantic Christmas Markets.  (B,L,D)

 

Day 7

Breisach

Colmar Excursion and Christmas Markets

    OR Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour

 

Breisach is your gateway to medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France.  Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town's wonderful Christmas Markets.  Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth."  Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets.  Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach's countryside.  (B,L,D)

 

Day 8

Basel

DISEMBARKATION

 

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.  (B)

 

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Interested?