Discover Europe’s most festive time of year and its age-old Christmas traditions. From the glittering towns of Germany to the iconic canals of Amsterdam, let the magic of the holiday season sweep you away as you visit some of the world’s most famous Christmas markets. Warm up with a steaming cup of glühwein at Cologne’s Christmas market, located opposite its UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral. Let yourself be seduced by the “capital of Christmas”, Strasbourg, France’s oldest and largest Christmas market, as it has done for so many others over the centuries.
Stroll through the majestic Heidelberg Christmas market, nestled in the heart of the historic squares of the old town. Taste the splendor of European Christmas magic on your Rhine cruise.
Inclusions
- 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Basel with breakfast
- 7 night river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard AmaSiena
- Transfers
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CRUISE AMENITIES, DINING AND CUISINE
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Bottled water replenished daily
- Complimentary Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes
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Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- All onboard dining in a variety of venue and regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Internet & WIFI access
- Gratuities
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Free use of bicycles and helmets in each port
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- Book by Jan 31: Special rates!
| November 26, 2025 | Cruise & Stay |
| Riverview | sold out |
| French Balcony | $6029 |
| French Balcony & Outside Balcony | $6579 – $7029 |
Not Included: Airfare, luggage porterage, personal expenses, non-cruise gratuities, non-cruise meals, tourist tax (approx CHF 8 per night – payable at the hotel) and any other service not mentioned in the inclusions.
Day 1 : BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Arrive at Basel airport and transfer to your hotel.
Night in Basel
Day 2 : BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Transfer to the port and embark on your cruise to discover the Rhine Christmas markets
Day 3 : BREISACH, GERMANY
Breisach, the first port of call, offers a wide choice of excursions in the region, each more enticing than the last. Discover the medieval town of Colmar. Seemingly frozen in time, it’s located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Admire the half-timbered houses lining the cobbled streets, the whimsical blend of French and German cultures and the town’s wonderful Christmas markets. You can also visit Freiburg. Located on the German side of the border, it was founded in 1120, and is home to the Münster, a Gothic cathedral built of red sandstone, and its enchanting
Christmas market. Those looking for a more active excursion can cycle through the picturesque countryside and vineyards.
Day 4 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg is even more attractive during the Advent season. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour of the Orangerie Park, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Next, stroll through the historic center of the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the charming Petite France district, where you’ll see Notre-Dame Cathedral and its famous astronomical clock. Then visit the city’s famous Christmas market. For the more active, you can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s
different districts by bike. In the afternoon, visit the Gengenbach Christmas market where, every year, locals count down to Christmas with a larger-than-life Advent calendar. Every evening in December, a window in the town hall is revealed. Every evening, a different image to discover!
Day 5 : LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY- RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY
Today, several excursions are available for you to choose from, depending on your interests. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval town nestled in the Neckar river valley along the German Castle Route, then visit the Christmas markets. For those looking for a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Trail or cycle along the banks of the Neckar, eventually arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. You can also discover Speyer’s medieval past and its charming Christmas markets. Later in the day, you’ll sail to the wine town of Rüdesheim, where you can sample the village’s sweet wine or its distinctive and decadent delicacy, Rüdesheim coffee, ceremoniously prepared with whipped cream and brandy.
Day 6 : RÜDESHEIM, CRUISING THE RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN, GERMANY
Visit Siegfried’s whimsical cabinet of mechanical musical instruments or take a gondola ride over the city. Both tours end with a visit to the Rüdesheim Christmas Market, where you can enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world. More active travelers can opt for a guided bike tour through the city and along the Rhine, or a hike through the vineyards. Later in the day, sit back in the main lounge, on your balcony or wrap up on the sun deck to enjoy a picturesque cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you’ll see many historic castles. Arriving in Lahnstein, you’ll
enjoy a unique and exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck Castle. .
Day 7 : DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY
Enjoy a picturesque cruise to Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, you’ll take a short excursion to neighboring Cologne for a guided tour of its enchanting old town. You’ll discover the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the 12thcentury Fishmarkt and the great St. Martin’s Church. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. You can also choose to explore Düsseldorf’s historic center on foot, accompanied by a local guide. Afterwards, you’ll be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a refreshing combination of bitter and sweet beer developed in Düsseldorf and made using traditional brewing techniques unique to the region. The tour ends with a visit to the local Christmas market. You can also take an active tour of the city by bike.
Day 8 : AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Today we’ll cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North”. Admire the unique and historic architecture along the way. You’ll have the chance to sample local specialties in one of Amsterdam’s great cafés.
Day 9: AMSTERDAM, DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
