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Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise Only Forward

From Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Thu, Dec 04, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Dec 04, 2025
Arrival
Dec 11, 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 Lake Lucerne and 2 nights in Z''rich

  1. Day 1
    Thu, Dec 04, 2025
    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS ''' EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)
  2. Day 2
    Fri, Dec 05, 2025
    AMSTERDAM. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'''ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
  3. Day 3
    Sat, Dec 06, 2025
    D''SSELDORF, GERMANY. Enjoy a scenic cruise into D''sseldorf. 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 Fishmarkt, 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 D''sseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in D''sseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. 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)
  4. Day 4
    Sun, Dec 07, 2025
    RHINE GORGE ''' R''DESHEIM. Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of R''desheim. Once in R''desheim, 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 R''desheim'''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, R''desheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
  5. Day 5
    Mon, Dec 08, 2025
    LUDWIGSHAFEN. 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 M''nze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    Tue, Dec 09, 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. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach'''s Christmas Markets and the town'''s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    Wed, Dec 10, 2025
    BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into 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 M''nster, 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)
  8. Day 8
    Thu, Dec 11, 2025
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND ''' DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (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 packages
  • 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
5
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

Ratings based off 2 reviews - currently showing 2 reviews with comments only

I totally enjoyed the experience with AMA Waterways. Everyone was courteous and took care of the passengers. Even laundry was not a rip-off, and the clothes came back quickly. The room was cleaned thoroughly every day, it was amazingly clean. Food was excellent as well - sometimes I felt the portion sizes were not sufficient, and the waitstaff accommodated my request for more food, i.e. give me another main course. A minor complaint is that the wines included with lunch/dinner were average to good.

We continue to be highly satisfied with both AmaWaterways and Affordable Tours.

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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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