Christmas Markets on the Rhine

from ~~$3,699~~$2,960

DATES: 2024 – AmaPrima: Dec 11* AmaCerto: Dec 7*, 14, 21* AmaSiena: Nov 28 | Dec 5*, 12, 19* AmaLucia: Nov 28* | Dec 5, 12*

DURATION: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

EMBARK: Basel

DISEMBARK: Amsterdam
*REVERSE ITINERARY

SHIPS: AMA PRIMA, AMA SIENA, AMA CERTO, AMA LUCIA

FROM: $2,960*+ Port Charges

*After 20% off select 2024 dates

All about the Christmas Markets on the Rhine.

Enjoy this magical Holiday experience of the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to Switzerland’s glittery cities, Lucerne and Zurich, 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. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

Plus, we have an optional pre-cruise program to Zurich, two nights, and Lucerne, two nights.

COUNTRIES: FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND

RIVERS: RHINE

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance

What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
Computer for internet access
Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

All on board dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Special Interest Tours
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

Port Charges
Beverages other than those mentioned
Gratuities to crew and Cruise Director – Suggested 15 Euros per guest, per day
Airfare
Items of personal nature, gift shop purchases
Pre and post cruise extensions and hotels
Travel Insurance

Day 1 BASEL, SWITZERLAND

Add our optional five day/four night pre-cruise tour – two nights in Zurich, and two nights in Lucerne, with tours, ending at the ship in Basel.

Embark the ship in Basel. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers on board.
Day 2 BREISACH, GERMANY

Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone; you’ll also visit its enchanting Christmas Market.
Day 3 STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre 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. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where every year the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar.
Day 4 LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM

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. Alternatively, you can 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 Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).
Day 5 RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE

Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting of the Rheingau Rieslings. Those who wish to soar high above the vineyards can take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Or, for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. Later in the day, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles.
Day 6 COLOGNE

Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce.
Day 7 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Begin your discovery of Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise, followed by a walking tour to the Begijnhof, known for its historic Middle Ages building and concluding with a panoramic city tour that includes the Royal Palace and Westerkerk
Day 8 AMSTERDAM

DISEMBARKATION – DEPART AMSTERDAM

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

AMA PRIMA, AMA SIENA, AMA CERTO, AMA LUCIA

AMA PRIMA

Enjoy an authentic European river cruise experience on board AmaPrima. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and fresh scents of Europe’s great landscapes from our signature twin balconies, available in most staterooms. Revel in the luxury of white marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed, multi-jet showers and granite countertops. Or indulge in the added enhancements of a suite, including a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an expansive bathroom with a tub and separate shower. Emerge from your refreshing slumber for bountiful buffet breakfasts in the Main Restaurant, fresh salads and sandwiches at lunch, and one entertaining evening diving into a regionally inspired tasting menu at The Chef’s Table. Have tea in the Main Lounge, visit the massage and hair salon for a treat, find distinctive souvenirs in the gift shop, take a dip in the heated pool and more—it’s all yours to experience on the incredible AmaPrima.

TECHNICAL DATA

Built: 2013

Built in: Netherlands

Length: 443 feet

Width: 38 feet

Crew: 51

Staterooms: 81

Suites: 3

Registry: Switzerland

AMA SIENA

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.

TECHNICAL DATA

Length: 443 feet

Width: 38 feet

Crew: 51

Staterooms: 78

Passengers: 156

Registry: Switzerland

AMA CERTO

Like a fallen leaf floating atop the water, AmaCerto floats effortlessly down Europe’s most fascinating waterways. 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, this haven on the river is filled with luxurious amenities. 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. And from the kitchen, you’ll find 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.

TECHNICAL DATA

Built in: Netherlands

Length: 443 feet

Width: 38 feet

Crew: 51

Staterooms: 81

Passengers: 162

Registry: Switzerland

Home port: Basel

AMA LUCIA

Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaLucia is the newest in our European fleet. This warm, inviting ship offers the luxury of space in which guests can peacefully unwind. From comfortable staterooms with twin balconies that keep guests well-connected via Entertainment-On-Demand, free high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi, to the sunny Main Lounge, where delicious tapas are served throughout the day, guests have everything they need to enjoy their time spent on board. If an active mood strikes, the sun-deck walking track, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room and complimentary fleet of bikes are available. Or you can take an invigorating class led by the professionally trained onboard Wellness Host. And, of course, the exquisite cuisine served in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant will satisfy your every craving aboard AmaLucia.

TECHNICAL DATA

Length: 443 feet

Width: 38 feet

Crew: 51

Staterooms: 78

Passengers: 156

Registry: Switzerland