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Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

  • Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships throughout
  • Included walking tours, beer tasting and castle visits
  • Multiple daily excursion choices at each port
From
$8,499 pp twin share
7 nights
Enquire
When & how much

Choose your departure

8 departures

  1. Wed 25 Nov 2026 → Wed 2 Dec 2026 7 nights · Basel → Amsterdam · AmaCerto Outside $8,199 Balcony $10,446 from $8,199 pp twin share Select
  2. Thu 26 Nov 2026 → Thu 3 Dec 2026 7 nights · Basel → Amsterdam · AmaSiena Outside $7,148 Balcony $8,348 Suite $12,696 from $7,148 pp twin share Select
  3. Wed 2 Dec 2026 → Wed 9 Dec 2026 7 nights · Basel → Amsterdam · AmaPrima Outside $8,499 Balcony $10,746 from $8,499 pp twin share Enquire
  4. Wed 2 Dec 2026 → Wed 9 Dec 2026 7 nights · Amsterdam → Basel · AmaCerto Outside $8,499 Balcony $10,746 Suite $14,495 from $8,499 pp twin share Select
  5. Wed 9 Dec 2026 → Wed 16 Dec 2026 7 nights · Basel → Amsterdam · AmaCerto Outside $8,947 Balcony $10,746 from $8,947 pp twin share Select
Cruise Snapshot
7 Nights

Experience Europe's most festive Christmas Markets aboard a Rhine river cruise through four countries

  • Visit Cologne, Strasbourg, and Heidelberg Christmas Markets
  • Cruise through castle-laden Rhine River Gorge
  • Choose from guided tours, bike tours, hikes and wine tastings

Trip Details

Departs
Wed 2 Dec 2026
Returns
Wed 9 Dec 2026
Embarks
Basel
Disembarks
Amsterdam
Ship
AmaPrima
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 AmaPrima, AmaCerto and 2 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

AmaPrima

AmaPrima
Details · AmaWaterways

AmaPrima

Deck plans
4
AmaPrima · Deck plans

Piano Deck

AmaPrima — 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

    Wed 2 Dec
    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise.
  2. 2

    Amsterdam

    Thu 3 Dec
    AMSTERDAM – UTRECHT. Step into centuries of history at Slot Zuylen, a castle first built around 1250 and shaped by generations that followed. A significant renovation in the mid-17th century transformed the castle. This, along with smaller changes over the centuries have created a rich tapestry of architectural styles, evident as you move through its rooms and corridors. Beyond the walls, the gardens offer a more peaceful, quieter retreat. Together, the castle and its gardens make Slot Zuylen a place where history feels layered, lived in, and very much alive.
  3. 3

    Düsseldorf

    Fri 4 Dec
    DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY. Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. 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 Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.
  4. 4

    Rüdesheim

    Sat 5 Dec
    RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, 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 Rüdesheim’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, Rüdesheimer coffee.
  5. 5

    Ludwigshafen

    Sun 6 Dec
    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 Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).
  6. 6

    Strasbourg

    Mon 7 Dec
    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 walking 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. Later in the day, opt to visit Baden-Baden and take in the town’s romantic Christmas Markets.
  7. 7

    Breisach

    Tue 8 Dec
    BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to 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 Münster, 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.
  8. 8

    Basel

    Wed 9 Dec
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Canal cruise.
  • Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam.
  • Walking tour.
  • Beer Tasting tour.
  • Slot Zuylen Visit.
  • Scenic cruising.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaPrima, AmaCerto and 2 sister ships.

Stateroom categories available

  • Suite
  • Category AA
  • Category AB
  • Category BA
  • Category BB
  • Category CA
  • Category CB
  • Category D
Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals stateroom
Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals stateroom
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 25 Nov 2026 and 24 Dec 2026, 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.

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