Skip to main content
Proudly Australian owned & operated Speak to one of our experienced consultants 1300 414 198 · 7 days a week
Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise and scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge included
  • Choice of excursions including walking tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours
  • Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships with multiple stateroom categories
From
$6,407 pp twin share
7 nights
When & how much

Choose your departure

Cruise Snapshot
7 Nights

Eight days cruising the Rhine visiting Europe's most celebrated Christmas Markets across four countries

  • Cologne Christmas Market before its UNESCO Gothic cathedral
  • Strasbourg's oldest and largest French Christmas Market
  • Heidelberg's majestic Christmas Market in the Old Town

Trip Details

Departs
Sun 26 Nov 2028
Returns
Sun 3 Dec 2028
Embarks
Basel
Disembarks
Amsterdam
Ship
AmaViola
Operator
AMAWaterways

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and 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. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach and Basel.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSiena, AmaLucia and 5 sister ships.

On our river 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.

Life in transit

AmaViola

AmaViola
Details · AmaWaterways

AmaViola

Deck plans
4
AmaViola · Deck plans

Piano Deck

AmaViola — Piano Deck deck plan

Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Amsterdam

    Sun 26 Nov
    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION. Arrive in Amsterdam and settle aboard your luxurious river ship as the city’s canals shimmer with lights, signaling the start of your enchanting Christmas voyage.
  2. 2

    Amsterdam

    Mon 27 Nov
    AMSTERDAM – UTRECHT. Experience the festive heart of the Netherlands, from Amsterdam’s storybook canals to Utrecht’s cozy market squares filled with carols, cocoa, and classic holiday treats.
  3. 3

    Düsseldorf

    Tue 28 Nov
    DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY. Discover Düsseldorf’s lively winter streets or journey to Cologne, where the Gothic cathedral towers over one of Europe’s most iconic and beloved Christmas markets.
  4. 4

    Rüdesheim

    Wed 29 Nov
    RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Sail through the enchanting Rhine River Gorge, where castle ruins and steep vineyards frame breathtaking winter views. In Rüdesheim, stroll the cobblestone lanes, savor local wines, and take in the festive glow of one of Germany’s most charming Christmas Markets.
  5. 5

    Ludwigshafen

    Thu 30 Nov
    LUDWIGSHAFEN. Discover the heart of Germany’s holiday traditions with visits to Heidelberg’s hilltop castle and vibrant Christmas Market or Speyer’s magnificent cathedral and historic town square. Each offers a glimpse into centuries of culture and the timeless beauty of the season.
  6. 6

    Strasbourg

    Fri 1 Dec
    STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Step into Strasbourg’s cobblestone streets, where timbered houses and glowing market stalls fill the air with the timeless magic of the season.
  7. 7

    Breisach

    Sat 2 Dec
    BREISACH, GERMANY. Step into the magic of Alsace as you wander through Colmar’s half-timbered houses and snow-dusted squares, where French charm meets German tradition. Or explore the medieval town of Freiburg, alive with the scent of mulled wine and the sparkle of its Christmas Market.
  8. 8

    Basel

    Sun 3 Dec
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell and prepare for your journey home.
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
  • Scenic Cruising in/out of Amsterdam.
  • Walking tour.
  • Beer Tasting tour.
  • Slot Zuylen Visit.
  • Dusseldorf Guided Bike Tour.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSiena, AmaLucia and 5 sister ships.

Stateroom categories available

  • Suite
  • Category AA
  • Category AB
  • Category BA
  • Category BB
  • Category CA
  • Category CB
  • Category D
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 23 Nov 2028 and 24 Dec 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this cruise
From (twin) $6,407 pp
Enquire