Christmas Markets on the Rhine with AmaWaterways
Christmas Market cruise with excursions in Düsseldorf, Germany's fashion capital; the winemaking town of Rüdesheim; Strasbourg, one of Europe's most beautiful cities; and medieval Colmar & Freiburg
Overview
Style | Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages
Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted |
||
Departures | November 2025 – December 2026 | ||
Themes | Grand Tours, Bucket List, River Cruises | ||
What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
Check prices & book now
Get updates about this package
Embark on a scenic cruise aboard the 5-star AmaWaterways ship, stopping to travel back in time as you wander along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns adorned with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden vendor stalls filled with handcrafted treasures. Experience the magic of roaming through these iconic Christmas markets that are plentiful and on full display for your pleasure.
Discover the magic of Cologne's Old Town and one of Europe's largest and most famous Christmas Markets; immerse yourself in holiday traditions from around the globe in charming Rüdesheim; experience the Yuletide cheer at Heidelberg's markets and Speyer's Christmas Market set against the backdrop of the "Old Mint" (Alten Münze) on the famous Maximilianstrasse; stroll through the Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas Market in France; and soak up the whimsical blend of French and German culture in Colmar and Freiburg. Twinkling lights, the harmonic sounds of children dressed as angels singing festive carols, enticing aromas of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages, and sweet treats of every kind, and timeless wonders and treasures await you on this enchanting journey through Europe.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
- Airport transfers
- 7 nights aboard 5-star AmaWaterways in an outside stateroom
- 20 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; sparkling wine and juices at breakfast
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail, and Gala Dinner
- Sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour
- Choice of daily shore excursions with personal headsets
- Entertainment on board
- Port taxes
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy 7 nights aboard a 5-star AmaWaterways cruise ship.
- Embark on a picturesque cruise through Amsterdam, home to 165 canals.
- Experience the magic and festivities at numerous renowned Christmas Markets throughout Germany and France.
- Explore Cologne's Old Town on a guided tour, including the historic Cologne Rathaus and the Fischmarkt.
- Tour Düsseldorf, the fashion capital of Germany, and enjoy a taste of Altbier.
- Cruise through the castle-studded Rhine River Gorge to Rüdesheim and enjoy various excursions, including wine tastings, vineyard hikes, and gondola rides.
- Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, a fascinating museum of automated musical instruments.
- Stroll along the Hauptstrasse in Heidelberg, one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets.
- Explore Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities famed for its magnificent Romanesque cathedral.
- Pass by the Parc de l'Orangerie before wandering through Strasbourg's "La Petite France" district.
- Join a variety of captivating excursions in medieval Colmar and Freiburg.
- For more active exploration, embark on numerous city bike tours.
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Your journey begins this evening as you depart from the USA
Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Arrive in Amsterdam and board your cruise ship
Full Day ItineraryWelcome to Amsterdam! Upon arrival, board your cruise ship and prepare to embark on your magical journey.
Day 3 Amsterdam
- Cruise through Amsterdam's canals
AmaCerto, AmaSiena, AmaStella, AmaViola or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryToday, cruise through Amsterdam's picturesque canals. With 165 canals winding through its landscape, the city reveals its charm and vibrant culture from a unique vantage point. As you glide along the water, admire the surrounding iconic Dutch architecture, charming houseboats, and bustling streets. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam, leaving behind the enchanting network of waterways that make the city so uniquely captivating.
Day 4 Düsseldorf & Cologne, Germany
- Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf
- Explore the magic of Cologne's Old Town, including the town hall and Fischmarkt
- Wander through one of Europe's largest and most famous Christmas Markets
- Tour Düsseldorf and enjoy a beer tasting
- For the more adventurous, join a bike tour through Düsseldorf
AmaCerto, AmaSiena, AmaStella, AmaViola or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryStart your day with a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, embark on a short journey to the nearby city of Cologne for a guided tour of its charming Old Town. Discover the historic Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, and the Fischmarkt, a marketplace dating back to the 12th century. Marvel at the grandeur of the Great St. Martin Church before wandering through one of Europe's largest and most famous Christmas Markets.
Return to Düsseldorf, where you'll have several options to continue your adventure.
Join a knowledgeable local guide for a walking tour through the city's historic heart and delve into its rich history and vibrant culture. Afterward, enjoy a tasting of Altbier, a refreshing beer developed in Düsseldorf using traditional brewing methods. Your tour wraps up with a visit to the local Christmas Market, brimming with festive cheer.
For those seeking a more active experience, opt for a bike tour and cover more ground as you explore the city's highlights.
Day 5 Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
- Cruise the Rhine River Gorge and admire the surrounding castles
- Visit a local wine cellar and taste the flavors of Rüdesheim
- Or, hike through the winery's vineyards
- Or, relax during a serene gondola ride over the vineyards
- For the more adventurous, join a guided bike tour along the river
- Embrace the holiday atmosphere at Rüdesheim's Christmas Market
- Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
- Or, relax and enjoy Rüdesheimer coffee
AmaCerto, AmaSiena, AmaStella, AmaViola or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItinerarySet off on a picturesque cruise through the castle-studded Rhine River Gorge, arriving in the charming winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Here, you have four delightful options for your morning activities. Wine enthusiasts can head to a local cellar for a tasting session, followed by a visit to the Christmas Market, where you can immerse yourself in holiday traditions from around the globe. If you prefer the outdoors, take a scenic hike through the vineyards.
For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a serene gondola ride over the vineyards, concluding with a visit to the festive Christmas Market. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour through the town and along the scenic Rhine River before exploring the market.
In the afternoon, visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, a fascinating museum of automated musical instruments. Or, treat yourself to Rüdesheimer coffee, a local specialty that blends coffee with brandy and whipped cream.
Day 6 Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg & Ladenburg
- Visit Heidelberg and immerse yourself in the Yuletide cheer at the town's Christmas Markets
- Or, hike along the Neckar River and enjoy free time to enjoy the markets
- For the more adventurous, bike to medieval Ladenburg and wander the Marktplatz
- Or, explore Speyer and its magical Christmas Market
AmaCerto, AmaSiena, AmaStella, AmaViola or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryToday, have the opportunity to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, each adorned with festive Christmas Markets. Choose to visit Heidelberg, a captivating city renowned for its imposing castle and historic university. Stroll along the Hauptstrasse, one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, and immerse yourself in the Yuletide cheer at the town's Christmas Markets. Alternatively, hike along the scenic Neckar River on the historic Philosopher's Path, with some free time to enjoy the festive markets.
For those who prefer cycling, embark on a bike ride along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg, where you can explore the charming Marktplatz. Alternatively, visit Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, famed for its magnificent Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Speyer, enjoy the Christmas Market set against the backdrop of the "Old Mint" (Alten Münze) on the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a stunning view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).
Day 7 Strasbourg, France
- Enjoy a panoramic bus tour of Strasbourg before exploring the historic town center on the Grande Île and the "La Petite France" district
- Stroll through the Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas Market in France
- For the more adventurous, join a bike tour through the city's diverse districts
- Have the chance to admire Gengenbach's famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar
AmaCerto, AmaSiena, AmaStella, AmaViola or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryToday, journey to Strasbourg, France, the city that becomes even more enchanting during Advent. Home to the Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, it boasts the oldest Christmas Market in France. Begin your day with a panoramic bus tour, passing by the Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la République. Then, stroll through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the charming "La Petite France" district. Marvel at the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock before visiting the renowned Christmas Market.
Alternatively, discover Strasbourg's diverse districts by bicycle for a unique perspective. Later, have the chance to visit Gengenbach's Christmas Markets, where you can admire the town's famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar.
Day 8 Colmar, France/Freiburg & Breisach, Germany
- Explore medieval Colmar, including the town's Christmas Markets
- Or, visit Freiburg and its Gothic cathedral before enjoying free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets
- For the more adventurous, bike through Breisach’s countryside
AmaCerto, AmaSiena, AmaStella, AmaViola or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryBreisach serves as your gateway to a variety of captivating excursions. Embark on a journey to medieval Colmar, nestled in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, soaking up the whimsical blend of French and German culture and exploring the town’s delightful Christmas Markets.
Alternatively, visit Freiburg, a city founded in 1120, and admire the Freiburg Münster, a stunning Gothic cathedral renowned for its “most beautiful spire on earth.” Afterward, enjoy free time at the festive Freiburg Christmas Markets.
For those seeking a more active adventure, opt for a cycling tour through Breisach’s picturesque countryside.
Day 9 Basel, Switzerland/USA
- Today, you'll be escorted to the airport and bid farewell to Basel as you board your flight back home
- Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Cruise Ships
Reviews & Photos
We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.
Trip Details
- What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
- What should I know about Switzerland? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
- What should I know about France? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
- What should I know about Germany? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
- What should I know about the Netherlands? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.