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Our Highly Recommended Christmas market cruise along the Rhine, experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. Your enchanting 7-night Rhine River cruise that takes you through the fabled Black Forest region and the Alsace region Cologne’s Christmas Markets with its impressive Gothic Cathedral backdrop. The “Capital of Noel”, Strasbourg, with its magnificent great Christmas tree, and Heidelberg’s Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town, are all timeless traditions handed down through the centuries. Cherish all the glory of the season in Grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine, conclude your winter adventure in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s legendary canals and colorful holiday surroundings.
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 - Amsterdam
The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour. Begin with a scenic canal cruise and see the tall narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge, and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WWII. Next, you’ll walk to Begijnhof, known for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and have some free time to explore. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour on which you’ll see the Royal Palace, Westerkerk and stop for photos at a Dutch windmill before returning to the ship. This afternoon depart for Germany.
Day 3 - Cologne, Germany
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce.
Day 4 - Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have three choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting or go on a hike through the vineyards. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market.
Day 5 - Ludwigshafen
You have the choice to explore two of Germany’s historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).
Day 6 - Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where, every year, the locals count down to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar.
Day 7 - Breisach, Germany
Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture, as well as famous sights such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside.
Day 8 - Disembarkation - Depart Basel
Disembark the ship and prepare for your homeward flight.
Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 - Breisach, Germany
You have two exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a visit to Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the Middle Ages. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town to explore; Freiburg has an interesting historical city center and you will also see Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Rejoin the ship in Breisach, where we moor overnight.
Day 3 - Strasbourg, france
This morning, the ship cruises to the capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg, a picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. Here you may choose to take a walking tour along the town’s narrow cobbled streets to see the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, with its sandstone Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to shop or perhaps visit the famous Christmas Market in Strasbourg. The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg
Day 4 - Mannheim, Germnay
Arrive in Mannheim, where you have a choice between three excursions this afternoon. Your first option is a half-day excursion to the historic university town of Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. You can also opt to visit the Mannheim Baroque Palace, intended to be the second largest Baroque palace complex in Europe. It was designed to highlight the important role of the Palatine Prince Electors in the Holy Roman Empire. As a third option you can enjoy a tour of Speyer one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the medieval Altpörtel (Old Gate). You will have time later to visit the local Christmas Markets. This evening, the ship continues onward to Strasbourg, France.
Day 5 - Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge
This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Museum and its collection of robotic and self-playing musical instruments, made during the 18th- 20th centuries. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants, before heading to a wine tasting with a local vintner. You will also visit the town’s massive Christmas Market, with more than 120 stands of German delicacies and unique gifts guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. This afternoon your ship departs for Koblenz, passing through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river with numerous vineyards, castles, and picturesque hamlets. After arriving in Koblenz this evening, your Cruise Manager will lead you on a walking tour through this charming town. We overnight in Koblenz.
Day 6 - Cologne
This morning, the ship cruises to Cologne, where we will spend the entire day. You will have a walking tour through the old part of the city and visit Cologne’s fabled Gothic cathedral. During your free time, you may return to the cathedral square to browse through Cologne’s impressive Christmas Market or explore other areas of the city on your own. The ship departs tonight for Amsterdam
Day 7 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Arrive mid-day and take a guided canal boat tour past the city’s beautiful bridges, churches and centuries-old merchant houses. Later, enjoy a panoramic motor coach tour of Amsterdam. You will also have some free time to explore on your own. The ship moors in Amsterdam overnight.
Day 8 - Disembarkation, Amsterdam
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight
Discover the highlights of Basel before journeying on to the unrivalled beauty and charm of Lucerne. Visit the iconic Lion Monument, which was sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French revolution in 1972. You’ll also take in the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dated back to the 13th century and featuring the oldest clock in the city. A leisurely cruise will take you across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, then a scenic drive through the countryside, passing Alpine lakes and small villages en route to Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich. Enjoy a city tour and a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and modern Bahnhofstrasse. Prices from £1099 per person
Get acquainted with the Netherlands largest city, Amsterdam boasting history, art, architecture, bridges, canals, cobblestone streets, world class museums, bicycles and narrow alleys on a city tour. Enjoy leisure time exploring the city, perhaps visit on of the prestigious museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrant’s The Night Watchman and Vermeer’s The Kitchen Maid. Visit Zaanse Schans, where you can observe life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th – 18th century village. Prices from £451 per person
With design inspired by classic ocean yachts, AMA Waterways’ revolutionary Concerto Class vessels provide the most delightful river cruise experience. Accommodating 162 passengers in spacious staterooms, many incorporating the exclusive Twin Balcony concept. Relax in comfortable and inviting public areas or take a dip in the heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ships also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.
*Payable Locally
81 spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites range in size from 160-300 sq. ft. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an stateroom amenities include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. In the bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads.
AmaSiena, scheduled for launch in July 2020, provides a distinctive river cruise experience, with design inspired by classic ocean yachts, AMAWaterways’ revolutionary Concerto Class vessels provide the most delightful river cruise experience.
Accommodating 156 passengers in spacious staterooms, select staterooms can become adjoining by request, and some offer triple occupancy to accommodate the needs of families. many incorporating the exclusive Twin Balcony concept. Relax in comfortable and inviting public areas or take a dip in the heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar; enjoy Chaine des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues.
The ships also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience. (Please note photo’s are for reference only, actual photos will be available in 2020 prior to the ships launch in July 2020)
78 Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms range in size from 155-235 sq. ft. or indulge even more in one of the 4 suites at 350 sq. ft. Select staterooms can become adjoining by request, and some offer triple occupancy to accommodate the needs of families. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an stateroom amenities include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. In the bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads.
AmaLucia, scheduled for launch in July 2020, provides a distinctive river cruise experience, with design inspired by classic ocean yachts, AMAWaterways’ revolutionary Concerto Class vessels provide the most delightful river cruise experience.
Accommodating 156 passengers in spacious staterooms, select staterooms can become adjoining by request, and some offer triple occupancy to accommodate the needs of families. many incorporating the exclusive Twin Balcony concept. Relax in comfortable and inviting public areas or take a dip in the heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar; enjoy Chaine des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues.
The ships also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience. (Please note photo’s are for reference only, actual photos will be available in 2021 prior to the ships launch)
78 Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms range in size from 155-235 sq. ft. or indulge even more in one of the 4 suites at 350 sq. ft. Select staterooms can become adjoining by request, and some offer triple occupancy to accommodate the needs of families. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an stateroom amenities include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. In the bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads.
With design inspired by classic ocean yachts, AMA Waterways’ revolutionary Concerto Class vessels provide the most delightful river cruise experience. Accommodating 162 passengers in spacious staterooms, many incorporating the exclusive Twin Balcony concept. Relax in comfortable and inviting public areas or take a dip in the heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ships also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.
*Payable locally
81 Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites range in size from 160-300 sq. ft. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an stateroom amenities include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. In the bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads.
Fares displayed are cruise only, please call or enquire online for flights.
AMAWaterways are rated as having the 10 best ships on the rivers by Berlitz river cruise guide. We love this cruise because it takes you to some of the best Christmas markets, Strasbourg one of the oldest markets and Cologne with its 6 different markets around the city. Included excursions go beyond the ordinary with small groups tours exploring the culture and traditions of the places you visit as well as the main sights. Real destination enrichment and deeper understanding is in the cost of your cruise.