Christmas Markets on the Rhine with AmaWaterways

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
• 3 Amsterdam
• 4 Düsseldorf & Cologne, Germany
• 5 Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
• 6 Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg & Ladenburg
• 7 Strasbourg, France
• 8 Colmar, France/Freiburg & Breisach, Germany
• 9 Basel, Switzerland/USA

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

AmaCerto, AmaSiena, AmaStella, AmaViola or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Welcome 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 Itinerary

Today, 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 Itinerary

Start 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 Itinerary

Set 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 Itinerary

Today, 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 Itinerary

Today, 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 Itinerary

Breisach 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

AmaCerto

Like a fallen leaf floating atop the water, AmaCerto glides effortlessly down Europe’s most fascinating waterways. A harvest theme is carried throughout the ship in autumn reds and golds, from the spacious and well-appointed staterooms, with their plush bedding and soft robes, to the classically elegant Main Lounge with its baby grand piano and bar. An onboard salon puts you center stage and ready for your close-up. On the Sun Deck, a heated pool features a swim-up bar with underwater bar stools, and a walking track provides the perfect venue for a romantic sunrise or sunset stroll. Enjoy fine dining to the extreme with exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine prepared in both the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, where views of the rippling river are just the amuse-bouche to every mouthwatering bite.

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AmaSiena

Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaSiena brought with her a sense of joy when she was christened in 2021. Vivid shades of red create an air of confidence throughout the Main Restaurant while bold floral patterns are sprinkled throughout the ship, from her spacious twin-balcony staterooms to her Main Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering exceptional views of the castles along the Rhine River and the iconic windmills and pastures of Holland and Belgium. Her airy Sun Deck offers a walking track, pool with swim-up bar and ever-changing views of the scenery – even as you participate in a complimentary fitness class. And her Chef’s Table specialty restaurant offers a subtle elegance that allows each dish of its exquisite regionally-inspired tasting menu to shine. Discover all of these delights and more on board AmaSiena.

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AmaStella

A star of the AmaWaterways fleet, the award-winning AmaStella truly shines, her glow lasting far longer than the duration of your cruise. A centerpiece glass elevator ringed with dual curved stairways and sleek contemporary reception desk are just the introduction to the ship’s beauty and class. On board, you’ll find an inviting fireside library, fitness room with wooden floors, heated pool with convenient swim-up bar, a stunning Main Lounge, sun-deck walking track, massage and hair salon, gift shop and specialty coffee station. Unlimited wine and beer at the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table is a welcome offering for those who enjoy a bottle or brew. In your stateroom, your personal oasis of rejuvenation, you’ll find twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. You’ll also step into a spacious glass-enclosed shower, giving you the freedom to rejuvenate without limitations.

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AmaViola

Brightly colored floral and geometric patterns from the stateroom to Main Lounge illustrate that the AmaViola is no ordinary river cruise ship. Twin balconies in most staterooms maximize your enjoyment as steeples and vineyards glide by. Mouthwatering cuisine worthy of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an exclusive and internationally-renowned gastronomic society, is served from sunrise to sunset. There's something symphonic about the flourish and style of The Chef's Table specialty restaurant and the coordinated effort to serve each bold, beautiful, and delicious course of the regionally-inspired tasting menu. Butterfly wallpaper in the hair salon foreshadows how you'll emerge brand new while an inviting sun-deck pool with a swim-up bar refreshes your spirit. Plus, AmaViola inspires you to be the best version of yourself with a walking track, fitness room, and fleet of onboard bikes to keep you happy and healthy during your cruise.

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Reviews & Photos

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.

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