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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.
River cruise through festive European Christmas Markets along the Rhine with included guided tours and choice excursions
- Visit Europe's oldest and largest Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, Cologne and Heidelberg
- Cruise the castle-laden Rhine River through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland
- Choose from walking tours, bike tours, hikes and wine tastings at each port
Trip Details
- Departs
- Sun 5 Dec 2027
- Returns
- Sun 12 Dec 2027
- Embarks
- Amsterdam
- Disembarks
- Basel
- 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 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
Sun 5 DecAMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. - 2
Amsterdam
Mon 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
Tue 7 DecDÜSSELDORF, 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
Rüdesheim
Wed 8 DecRHINE 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
Ludwigshafen
Thu 9 DecLUDWIGSHAFEN. 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
Strasbourg
Fri 10 DecSTRASBOURG, 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 a walk 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
Breisach
Sat 11 DecBREISACH, 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
Basel
Sun 12 DecBASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Canal cruise.
- Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam.
- Walking tour.
- Beer Tasting tour.
- Slot Zuylen Visit.
- Scenic cruising.
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?
What is generally included?
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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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- Extensive included tours with choice of standard, bike, hiking and special interest options
- Two Smithsonian Journeys Experts guide you throughout the journey
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