River cruise through Swiss Alps and Rhine castles during Christmas, visiting four countries with included tours and activities
Cruise through UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge with 40 castles along riverbanks
Visit Christmas Markets in Basel, Lake Lucerne, Strasbourg and Gengenbach
Explore medieval cities including Heidelberg, Cologne, Amsterdam and charming Rüdesheim
Trip Details
Departs
Tue 21 Dec 2027
Returns
Tue 28 Dec 2027
Embarks
Basel
Disembarks
Amsterdam
Ship
AmaSerena
Operator
AMAWaterways
Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards and the joy of the holiday season as part of this all-encompassing Rhine River cruise and land fantasy. Start by spending time in Italy’s vibrant Milan and beautiful Lake Como. Continue on to Basel to board your elegantly decorated ship before crossing the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. You’ll also enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks. Conclude your cruise by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich
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.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaSerena
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaSerena
Deck plans
4
AmaSerena · 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
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 21 Dec
EMBARKATION – BASEL, SWITZERLAND. Embark your ship in Basel for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise.
2
Basel
Wed 22 Dec
BASEL – LAKE LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Both tours offer free time to visit Basel’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lake Lucerne or spend your afternoon there. Lake Lucerne is known for its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” Whether you choose the full-day excursion or half-day tour to Lake Lucerne, you’ll also see Lake Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century, plus enjoy free time to explore the Christmas Markets.
3
Strasbourg
Thu 23 Dec
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its 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. During the tour you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town Gengenbach stroll through the town’s narrow streets full of half-timbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas Market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th century town hall.
4
Ludwigshafen
Fri 24 Dec
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM. Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four 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. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. 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. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas Markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft and even a submarine! Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.
5
Rüdesheim
Sat 25 Dec
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE. Let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas Markets. 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, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle.
6
Cologne
Sun 26 Dec
COLOGNE, GERMANY. Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
7
Amsterdam
Mon 27 Dec
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. Please note: tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour. May be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour based on docking location
8
Amsterdam
Tue 28 Dec
AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
“City of Art” tour with Christmas Markets.
Three countries bike tour.
Full-Day Lake Lucerne excursion with Christmas Markets.
Lake Lucerne with Christmas Markets.
“The Gem of Alsace” tour and Christmas Markets.
Strasbourg bike tour.
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 16 Nov 2027 and 28 Dec 2027, 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.
