Seven nights aboard a river ship exploring Germany's Christmas markets and festive traditions
River cruise through eight German cities with Christmas markets
UNESCO World Heritage sites including Bamberg and Würzburg's Residenz Palace
Rhine Gorge cruise through stunningly beautiful designated UNESCO stretch
Trip Details
Departs
Wed 15 Dec 2027
Returns
Wed 22 Dec 2027
Embarks
Frankfurt
Ship
AmaCerto
Operator
AMAWaterways
Embark on a magical river cruise through Germany, immersing yourself in the festive charm of its renowned Christmas markets. Begin in Nuremberg, where you will board your elegantly decorated ship and delight in seasonal cuisine and activities. Discover Wertheim's medieval charm, complete with half-timbered houses and a cozy market offering mulled wine and handcrafted gifts. Explore Wiesbaden’s Sternschnuppenmarkt, a glittering "Shooting Star Market" filled with elegant stalls and holiday spirit. In Frankfurt, the historic Altstadt transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and traditional delicacies. This enchanting journey promises an unforgettable celebration of Germany’s Christmas traditions.
This river cruise journeys through Germany, calling at Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Wertheim, Rüdesheim, Mainz, Frankfurt and Frankfurt.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaCerto.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaCerto
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaCerto
Deck plans
4
AmaCerto · Deck plans
Piano Deck
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
Nuremberg
Wed 15 Dec
NUREMBERG – EMBARKATION. Arrive in Nuremberg, where you will board your ship.
2
Bamberg
Thu 16 Dec
BAMBERG. Built on seven hills, this city is known as “Franconian Rome,” but in Bamberg, a church graces each hill. Bamberg’s medieval and Baroque architecture has withstood the test of time and, as such, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions, and afterwards, visit its distinctive Christmas Market. Alternatively, indulge in the culinary specialties of Bamberg, including licorice root, Hornla pastries, traditional German sausage and smoked beer. As a more invigorating option, join a guided bike tour.
3
Würzburg
Fri 17 Dec
WÜRZBURG. Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor, along with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, go on a fullday excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s bestpreserved walled town located on the Romantic Road and home to one of the country’s most charming Christmas Markets.
4
Wertheim
Sat 18 Dec
WERTHEIM. Wertheim’s old town center still features halftimbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. Join a guided walking tour through the historic city center and then learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery, with free time after your tour to visit the local Christmas Market. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley or hike high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany.
5
Rüdesheim
Sun 19 Dec
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – KOBLENZ. Explore the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Soar over the vineyards on a gondola ride, then join a wine tasting to discover the local flavors.. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you. In the afternoon, cruise through the captivating UNESCOdesignated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river. Arrive in Koblenz this evening, where you may join a guided stroll through this charming town.
6
Mainz
Mon 20 Dec
MAINZ. Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid15th century Gutenberg Bibles. As an alternative, join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including the gleaming Old University and grand Staatstheater. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz
7
Frankfurt
Tue 21 Dec
FRANKFURT. Enjoy a guided tour of Frankfurt, which offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness and modern infrastructure. After your time, enjoy time in the city’s historic Christmas Market. Alternatively, you may explore with your tastebuds on a guided tasting tour highlighting Hessian cuisine. For a more active excursion, join a guided bike ride along the Main River.
8
Frankfurt
Wed 22 Dec
FRANKFURT – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to your ship and prepare for your return flight home.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION.
Walking tour & Christmas Market.
Tastes of Bamberg.
Bike tour.
Residenz Palace visit.
Rothenburg excursion & Christmas Market.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaCerto.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category AA+
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category C
Category D
Medieval Treasures 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 24 Nov 2027 and 05 Jan 2028, 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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