River cruise through Frankfurt, Mainz, Rüdesheim, Wertheim, Würzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg
Guided tours of Christmas markets in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, Mainz, Rüdesheim, Wertheim, Würzburg and Bamberg
UNESCO World Heritage sites including Rhine Gorge, Bamberg and Würzburg's Baroque Residenz Palace
Trip Details
Departs
Wed 29 Nov 2028
Returns
Wed 6 Dec 2028
Embarks
Frankfurt
Ship
AmaPrima
Operator
AMAWaterways
Embark on a magical river cruise through Germany, immersing yourself in the festive charm of its renowned Christmas markets. Begin in Frankfurt, where you will board your elegantly decorated ship and delight in seasonal cuisine and activities. Explore Wiesbaden’s Sternschnuppenmarkt, a glittering "Shooting Star Market" filled with elegant stalls and holiday spirit. Discover Wertheim's medieval charm, complete with half-timbered houses and a cozy market offering mulled wine and handcrafted gifts. This enchanting journey promises an unforgettable celebration of Germany’s Christmas traditions.
This river cruise journeys through Germany, calling at Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Mainz, Rüdesheim, Wertheim, Würzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaCerto and AmaPrima.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaPrima
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaPrima
Deck plans
4
AmaPrima · 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.
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
Frankfurt
Wed 29 Nov
FRANKFURT – EMBARKATION. Board your ship for you Magical Christmas Markets of Germany river cruise.
2
Frankfurt
Thu 30 Nov
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.
3
Mainz
Fri 1 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. Later in the day, arrive in Koblenz where you can enjoy an evening walk through this charming town.
4
Rüdesheim
Sat 2 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. In the afternoon, join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas markets. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal and with free time visiting the Christmas markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards.
5
Wertheim
Sun 3 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.
6
Würzburg
Mon 4 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.
7
Bamberg
Tue 5 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.
8
Nuremberg
Wed 6 Dec
NUREMBERG – 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.
City tour & Christmas Market.
Kleinmarkthalle visit and tastings.
Main River bike tour.
Walking tour & Christmas Market.
Wiesbaden city tour & Christmas Market.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaCerto and AmaPrima.
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 15 Nov 2028 and 03 Jan 2029, 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
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