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Cruise · AMA Waterways · 14 nights

Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals (Taste of Christmas)

  • Included Amsterdam canal cruise and walking tours with local guides
  • Choice of excursions including bike tours, hikes, and special interest options
  • Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ship AmaFiora for fourteen nights
From
$8,638 pp twin share
14 nights
When & how much

Departure & Pricing

Your departure

Departs Sat 25 Nov 2028 Amsterdam
Returns Sat 9 Dec 2028 Basel
Duration 14 nights
Ship AmaFiora
From pp twin share $8,638

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Cruise Snapshot
14 Nights

Fifteen-day river cruise through five countries exploring castles, canals, and Christmas traditions

  • Amsterdam canal cruise and scenic cruising through the IJsselmeer
  • Castle visits including De Haar, Gaasbeek, and Castle of the Counts
  • Museum Speelklok, Belgian chocolates, and Rhine UNESCO World Heritage Site

Trip Details

Departs
Sat 25 Nov 2028
Returns
Sat 9 Dec 2028
Embarks
Amsterdam
Disembarks
Basel
Ship
AmaFiora
Operator
AMA Waterways

Immerse yourself in a feast for the senses as you travel through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Taste rich Belgian chocolates. Listen to the distinctive clanks and charms of mechanical instruments at Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok. Admire the beautiful architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s de Haar, Brussels’ Gaasbeek Castle, and Ghent’s Caste of the Counts of Flanders. Inhale the aroma of freshly pressed Belgian waffles and Dutch street fries. Experience timeless traditions, from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Glide along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks. With a diverse array of knowledgeable and gracious local guides sharing each destination’s unique history with you, you’ll return from this cruise having experienced the best of Holland, Belgium, and the Rhine River.

This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Hellevoetsluis, Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, Dordrecht and Amsterdam.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaFiora.

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

AmaFiora

AmaFiora
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaFiora
Deck plans
4
AmaFiora · Deck plans

Piano Deck

AmaFiora — 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

    Sat 25 Nov
    AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Grand Rhine cruise.
  2. 2

    Amsterdam

    Sun 26 Nov
    AMSTERDAM – UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar on a walking or biking tour. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior.
  3. 3

    Hellevoetsluis

    Mon 27 Nov
    HELLEVOETSLUIS, NETHERLANDS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your tour of this medieval harbor town, you may see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. On another excursion, you can visit the fully operational “Dry Dock Jan Blancken,” the oldest stone dry dock in the Netherlands, and tour Linquenda II , a special flat bottom ship known as a clipperaak, built in 1914. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back.
  4. 4

    Ghent

    Tue 28 Nov
    GHENT, BELGIUM. There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. Other excursions are not combinable with full-day tour on this day.
  5. 5

    Brussels

    Wed 29 Nov
    BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Laeken Park on a guided bike ride, taking in the unique architecture of the Far East Museums, as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Gaasbeek Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders.
  6. 6

    Antwerp

    Thu 30 Nov
    ANTWERP, BELGIUM. Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America.
  7. 7

    Dordrecht

    Fri 1 Dec
    DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS. Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike.
  8. 8

    Amsterdam

    Sat 2 Dec
    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Enjoy a special tour of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Considered The Netherlands’ national museum, the Rijksmuseum encompasses 800 years of Dutch history. Wander through the world’s largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art, where some of the most renowned works are housed, and marvel at such historic paintings as Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.”
  9. 9

    Amsterdam

    Sun 3 Dec
    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Explore the city through your tastebuds by joining a walking tour that includes a sampling of local delicacies such as bitterballen and Dutch cheese at one of the city’s grand cafes. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour.
  10. 10

    Düsseldorf

    Mon 4 Dec
    DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY. As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, then kick up your feet with a tasting of Altbier, a Düsseldorf specialty brewed using traditional techniques. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, German’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Alternatively, explore Düsseldorf on two wheels with our guided bike tour.
  11. 11

    Rüdesheim

    Tue 5 Dec
    RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, then enjoy a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.
  12. 12

    Ludwigshafen

    Wed 6 Dec
    LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg.
  13. 13

    Strasbourg

    Thu 7 Dec
    STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a short drive to the Place de la République before walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
  14. 14

    Breisach

    Fri 8 Dec
    BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar. On your tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity.
  15. 15

    Basel

    Sat 9 Dec
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home.
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Amsterdam canal cruise.
  • Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam.
  • Walking tour with Museum Speelklok (organ museum) visit.
  • Castle de Haar visit.
  • Castle de Haar bike tour.
  • Cruising the Delta.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaFiora.

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 15 days and 14 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 25 Nov 2028 and 09 Dec 2028, subject to live availability.
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?

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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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From (twin) $8,638 pp
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