Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (Christmas Markets)

Included choice of excursions: bike tours, hikes, castle visits and wine tastings
Seven nights aboard AmaWaterways river ships with onboard holiday feast
Guided tours of Basel, Strasbourg, Cologne and Amsterdam included

$6,263 pp twin share

7 nights

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City Escapes: Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals

Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (Christmas Time) - route map

When & how much

Choose your departure

3 departures

Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

River cruise through Swiss Alps and Rhine castles visiting Christmas markets across four countries

Sail through Rhine Gorge with fairytale castles and historic vineyards
Explore France's oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg and Cologne's 160-stall markets
Visit Amsterdam's canal-laden city and Swiss landmarks including Chapel Bridge

Trip Details

Departs: Tue 12 Dec 2028
Returns: Tue 19 Dec 2028
Embarks: Basel
Disembarks: Amsterdam
Ship: AmaVenita
Operator: AMAWaterways

Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River holiday fantasy. Explore the canal-laden city of Amsterdam in all its seasonal glory, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Wander the stalls of France’s oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg and explore the restaurants, open-air wine gardens, and Christmas Market of Drosselgasse, the cultural heart of Rüdesheim. Sail aboard an elegantly decorated ship through cities and towns brimming with beautiful decor, glittering Christmas trees and holiday spirit. Plus, enjoy festive onboard traditions and an exquisite holiday feast with all the trimmings on every Christmas Markets departure. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a Christmas miracle.

This river cruise journeys through Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands, calling at Basel, Basel, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam and Amsterdam.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaVenita and AmaSerena.

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.

$6,263

pp twin share

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Life in transit

AmaVenita

Details · AmaWaterways

AmaVenita

Deck plans: 4

AmaVenita · 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
Basel
Tue 12 Dec
EMBARKATION – BASEL, SWITZERLAND. Arrive in Basel and settle into your cabin, docked where the city’s charm and riverside beauty will welcome you.
2
Basel
Wed 13 Dec
BASEL. Celebrate the season in Basel, visiting its medieval town hall, festive market square, and elegant 18th-century homes. Explore the city on foot or by bike through three countries, or take a full-day excursion to Lucerne to admire its historic towers and the iconic Chapel Bridge. For a cozy afternoon, sample Swiss wines, tour Wildegg Castle and its gardens, or soak in the holiday cheer at Basel’s Christmas Markets.
3
Strasbourg
Thu 14 Dec
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Celebrate the holidays with a stroll through Strasbourg’s fairytale “La Petite France,” as you admire the cathedral’s astronomical clock, and explore the sparkling Christmas Markets. In the afternoon, visit Baden-Baden’s historic casino, hot springs, and charming Christmas Market.
4
Ludwigshafen
Fri 15 Dec
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM. In Ludwigshafen, wander medieval Heidelberg and its towering castle, hike the scenic Philosopher’s Path, explore historic Speyer, or pedal along the Neckar to charming Ladenburg. Stroll through twinkling Christmas Markets, then cruise to Rüdesheim for a tasting of the town’s iconic vineyards or savor a warming Rüdesheimer coffee, made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.
5
Rüdesheim
Sat 16 Dec
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE. Delight in festive Rüdesheim with your choice of whimsical musical marvels at Siegfried’s Cabinet, a gondola ride above wintery vineyards, or active hikes and bike rides. Cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Lahnstein for a special evening visit at Lahneck Castle.
6
Cologne
Sun 17 Dec
COLOGNE, GERMANY. Sail into Cologne and step into a city alive with holiday spirit as you explore its charming Old Town on a guided tour. Then follow the scent of mulled spices and roasted treats to the city’s dazzling Christmas Markets, with more than 160 stalls and vendors to choose from. Adventurous passengers can choose to pedal along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
7
Amsterdam
Mon 18 Dec
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. Celebrate the season in Amsterdam as you glide along its iconic canals, soaking in storybook scenery draped in holiday charm. Or, choose to savor Dutch seasonal treats in a grand café while wandering past gabled houses, narrow bridges, and twinkling waterways.
8
Amsterdam
Tue 19 Dec
AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Begin your journey home

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Basel City Tour.
Three Countries Bike Tour.
Lucerne Excursion.
Klus 177 Wine Tasting.
Swiss castle excursion.
Castle Ruins Hike.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaVenita and AmaSerena.

Stateroom categories available

Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category C
Category D
Category E

City Escapes: Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals 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 28 Nov 2028 and 19 Dec 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.

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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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