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Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise Only Reverse

From Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Wed, Nov 26, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Nov 26, 2025
Arrival
Dec 03, 2025

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

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River Cruise Itinerary

2 nights in Amsterdam, 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, 2 nights in Lucerne and 2 nights in Z''rich

  1. Day 1
    Wed, Nov 26, 2025
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND - EMBARKATION. Embark the ship in Basel. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
  2. Day 2
    Thu, Nov 27, 2025
    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 visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg'''s M''nster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
  3. Day 3
    Fri, Nov 28, 2025
    STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsm''rik 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 ''le, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely '''La Petite France''' district, where you will see the Cath''drale de N''tre 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. (B,L,D)
  4. Day 4
    Sat, Nov 29, 2025
    LUDWIGSHAFEN''' R''DESHEIM. 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 M''nze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). Later in the day, sail to R''desheim where you can taste local wine or taste one of the town'''s special delights, R''desheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
  5. Day 5
    Sun, Nov 30, 2025
    R''DESHEIM ''' RHINE GORGE. Your exploration of R''desheim continues with your choice of excursions. Visit Siegfried'''s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg; or hike through the town'''s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    Mon, Dec 01, 2025
    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 K''lsch beer and Reibekuchen'''potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    Tue, Dec 02, 2025
    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the '''Venice of the North''' and admire the historic architecture along the way. Then, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam'''s grand caf''s. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    Wed, Dec 03, 2025
    DISEMBARKATION - DEPART AMSTERDAM. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Countries Visited

Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Germany

Rivers Visited

Rhine, Danube

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Inclusions

  • SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • 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 Activities 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 onboard 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 Cha''ne des R''tisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail 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
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
  • Land Program
  • 2 nights hotel in Amsterdam at the Barbizon Palaceor Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (or similar), includingwalking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne with Baselcity highlights tour en route
  • 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel SchweizerhofLucerne (or similar), including walking tour, LionMonument,Christmas Market and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel in Lucerne to Zurich with scenicLake Lucerne cruise en route
  • 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel(or similar) including city tour, Christmas Marketand daily breakfast

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.6
Accommodations
4.8
Itinerary
4.4
Professional Staff
4.8
Repeat with Operator
4.5
Value for Money
4.3

Ratings based off 26 reviews - currently showing 7 reviews with comments only

AMA waterways provided a quality experience. The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly.

We booked the cruise and extensions which was 24 days. Evidentially, this trip could have been booked in segments which we were not aware of as the coming and going of various groups was very strange throughout. We started in Prague, always a great adventure. We were to go to Nuremberg, but due to low water were bused to the ship departure, Vilshofen, with options to hit the first two ports we missed by bus as excursions. Other folks joined from Vienna, a large group came onboard, and we were nearly at max going down the river. All but 18 people left at Budapest, including the Cruise Director. At that point we found out the second portion was a Wine Cruise with a different name, new director, and new passengers came aboard bringing us to capacity once again. So this became two cruises, actually, with totally different passengers on each except the original 18. As we continued for the extension, there were 40 of us until the end in Bucharest. One can see how this was rather disfunctional and more like a train ride with customers joining and departing continuously. Never knew who would be at dinner the next night. This may work from a business point, but very confusing to those that just purchased a single cruise with extensions and enjoyed meeting folks as we sailed down the river. Had I known there would be such a revolving door would have researched better and re-evaluated my choice. AMA, as always did a superb job, but the logistics of this whole adventure must have been a nightmare and stressful for the staff. Vacations need continuity.

All the arrangements were made through Affordable Tours and everything went as planned.

The trip was outstanding. Very professional staff and excellent accommodations.

River cruise with AmaWaterways was great. No problems. It was a great cruise.

Everything was included in the price of this tour including the off shore excursions. There were so many excursions that the week went by very quick.

It was freezing cold and yet still a fantastic vacation!

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for AmaWaterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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