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Choose your departure
Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
2 departures
Experience Europe's most festive Christmas Markets aboard a Rhine river cruise through four countries
- Visit Cologne, Strasbourg, and Heidelberg Christmas Markets
- Cruise the Rhine Gorge with castle ruins and vineyards
- Guided tour of the European Parliament in Strasbourg
Trip Details
- Departs
- Thu 7 Dec 2028
- Returns
- Thu 14 Dec 2028
- Embarks
- Amsterdam
- Disembarks
- Basel
- Ship
- AmaLucia
- 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 AmaViola and AmaLucia.
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 AmaLucia
AmaLucia
- 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.
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
Thu 7 DecAMSTERDAM, 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
Amsterdam
Fri 8 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
Sat 9 DecDÜSSELDORF, GERMANY. Discover Düsseldorf’s lively winter streets, or venture to Cologne to uncover the city’s ancient past among remarkable Roman ruins–then raise a glass of Kölsch at the storied Belgian House in celebration of its living history. - 4
Rüdesheim
Sun 10 DecRHINE 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
Ludwigshafen
Mon 11 DecLUDWIGSHAFEN. Celebrate Germany’s holiday traditions in Heidelberg’s castle-topped old town or Speyer’s historic heart, where centuries-old streets lead from soaring cathedrals to the wonders of the Technik Museum. - 6
Strasbourg
Tue 12 DecSTRASBOURG, FRANCE. Step into Strasbourg’s cobblestone streets, where timbered houses and glowing market stalls fill the air with the timeless magic of the season. While you’re there, gain exclusive insight into the heart of European democracy with a guided visit to the European Parliament, where history and policy converge in Strasbourg’s grand halls. - 7
Breisach
Wed 13 DecBREISACH, GERMANY. Step into the magic of Alsace as you wander through Colmar’s half-timbered houses and snow-dusted squares, or explore the medieval charm of Freiburg, alive with the scent of mulled wine and the sparkle of its Christmas Market. For a deeper look into the region’s history, journey to the UNESCO-listed Neuf-Brisach Citadel–a masterpiece of 17th-century military design and a testament to France’s enduring cultural heritage. - 8
Basel
Thu 14 DecBASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
- Scenic Cruising in/out of Amsterdam.
- Walking tour.
- Beer Tasting tour.
- Slot Zuylen Visit.
- Scenic cruising.
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaViola and AmaLucia.
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?
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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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Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Smithsonian Journeys)
- All accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ship AmaViola with elegantly decorated staterooms
- 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)
- 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
- 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