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Departure & Pricing
Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Your departure
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Eight-day river cruise through Christmas Markets of the Rhine with expert-led cultural immersion
- Visit Europe's oldest and largest Christmas Markets in Cologne, Strasbourg and Colmar
- Cruise through UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge past 40 medieval castles
- Guided tours of Rijksmuseum, Roman ruins, Technik Museum and European Parliament
Trip Details
- Departs
- Sat 5 Dec 2026
- Returns
- Sat 12 Dec 2026
- Embarks
- Amsterdam
- Disembarks
- Basel
- Ship
- AmaViola
- Operator
- AMAWaterways
Experience the enchantment of some of Europe’s most beloved Christmas Markets on our Christmas Markets Along the Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel , featuring AmaWaterways’ signature Holiday Cruise traditions on the most elegantly decorated ships on the rivers. Delight in the dazzling holiday lights of Amsterdam and sample local flavors in Utrecht and Düsseldorf. Take in spectacular views of the castle-laden Rhine Gorge and venture to hilltop castles that have guarded the river for centuries. Visit charming towns like Rüdesheim and Heidelberg, rich in holiday traditions and local crafts, and immerse yourself in the enchanting Christmas Markets of Cologne, Strasbourg and Colmar, stopping to enjoy seasonal treats and warming mulled wines. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours of the Rijksmuseum, the Roman ruins of Cologne, the Technik Museum in Speyer and even the European Parliament. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
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 ship AmaViola.
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.
Your transports AmaViola
- Deck plans
- 4
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Amsterdam
Sat 5 DecAmsterdam, the Netherlands. Arrive in Amsterdam and board your elegantly decorated river cruise ship. You’ll have free time before and after dinner to take a stroll through the city, perhaps to see the Christmas tree in Dam Square or watch locals ice skate in front of the Rijksmuseum. Catch a glimpse of the radiant installations of the Amsterdam Light Festival, set up annually along the city’s canals. - 2
Amsterdam
Sun 6 DecAmsterdam/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
Düsseldorf
Mon 7 DecDüsseldorf or Cologne, Germany. Spend a relaxing morning cruising through scenic countryside to Düsseldorf. Stay in Düsseldorf for an afternoon bike ride or a walking tour of the historic center and its Christmas Market. Or head to Cologne, where the diverse architecture ranges from Romanesque churches to avant-garde buildings erected after the Allied bombings of World War II. Choose between a guided walk through the Old Town visiting the Fischmarkt and seeing Great St. Martin Church, or join an archaeological walking tour of its extensive Roman sites and the Belgian House where many Roman artifacts are on display. Venture into one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets, set against the soaring backdrop of the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to wander among the stalls, sipping a glühwein if you wish, or nibbling on lebkuchen (gingerbread). - 4
Rüdesheim
Tue 8 DecRhine Gorge and Rüdesheim. Enter the spectacular Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the Rhine Gorge. Here, more than 40 medieval castles perch on bluffs high over the river and charming villages dot the riverbanks, twinkling with holiday spirit at this time of year. Hear the legend of Lorelei Rock as you glide toward Rüdesheim, a gateway to the Rheingau wine region. Choose from a range of excursions: visit a wine cellar for a tasting of Rheingau wines, go on a hike or a guided bike ride, or ride a gondola over the vineyards, taking in stunning views. Then experience holiday traditions from around the world at the town’s Christmas Market. Later, see whimsical self-playing instruments at Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town’s specialties: Rüdesheimer coffee. - 5
Ludwigshafen
Wed 9 DecHeidelberg or Speyer. From the riverside town of Ludwigshafen, explore your choice of historic Rhineland cities and their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and centuries-old university. Here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Market. Or hike along the historic Philosopher’s Path, enjoying views of Heidelberg’s castle and the city below, then enjoy free time to browse the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, bike along the River Neckar to medieval 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; and tour the Technik Museum to see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine and a space shuttle. You’ll have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the Old Mint (Alten Münze). - 6
Strasbourg
Thu 10 DecStrasbourg, France. Strasbourg becomes even more enchanting during the season of Advent. Its Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, is the oldest Christmas Market in France and one of the largest. Walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely Petite France district, where timeless, half-timbered houses line winding canals. See the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and its famous astronomical clock and then delve into the town’s famous Christmas Market, perhaps sampling a vin chaud or one of the city’s famous Christmas cookies. Alternatively, opt to visit the seat of the European Parliament on a guided tour (subject to availability). You may also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different neighborhoods on a guided bike tour. Later this afternoon, opt to visit the historic spa town of Baden-Baden and its romantic Christmas Markets. - 7
Breisach
Fri 11 DecColmar or Breisach, Germany. Go ashore in the German town of Breisach, poised on the border between the Alsace region of France and Germany’s Black Forest. In the fairytale Alsatian town of Colmar, experience a whimsical blend of French and German culture, and choose to tour the home of August Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, or explore the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, venture to the UNESCO-designated Neuf-Brisach Citadel, or ride a bicycle through the countryside around Breisach. - 8
Basel
Sat 12 DecBasel. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION.
- Canal cruise.
- Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam.
- Walking tour.
- Beer Tasting tour.
- Slot Zuylen Visit.
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaViola.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category CA
- Category CB
- Category D
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
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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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Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Smithsonian Journeys)
- Accommodation aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaViola for seven nights
- Extensive included tours with choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest excursions
- Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Strasbourg's Grande Île and Speyer Cathedral
Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Smithsonian Journeys)
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise and walking tour included
- Choice of excursions including bike tours and hikes
- Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships throughout
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