Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2024 Start Basel, End Amsterdam
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of Europe, immersing yourself in the festive spirit of the Christmas Markets on the Rhine. This multi-day tour starts in Basel, Switzerland, and takes you through the charming towns of Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, Lahnstein, Cologne, and finally, Amsterdam. Experience the blend of French and German culture, marvel at medieval architecture, taste local delicacies, and explore the oldest Christmas markets in France. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided excursions and leisure time, allowing you to customize your experience to your interests. Whether you prefer cycling through scenic landscapes, hiking through vineyards, or exploring historic sites, this tour has something for everyone. Enjoy comfortable accommodation on a cruise ship and savor delicious meals as you sail through the iconic Rhine River.
Included
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
AmaSiena: Suite, AmaCerto: Suite
All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Special Interest Tours
Personal headset for easy exploration
Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Knowledgeable guides
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Ship
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Basel
- Basel - Arrival day
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Start your journey in the beautiful city of Basel, Switzerland, where you'll board your cruise ship for the Christmas Markets on the Rhine tour. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board as you prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach - Colmar - Freiburg
- Fribourg
- Colmar
- Freiburg im Breisgau
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- Freiburger Münster
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Arrive in the town of Breisach, your gateway to several exciting excursions. Explore the medieval town of Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France, and delight in its wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, visit the city of Freiburg, home to a Gothic cathedral and its own enchanting Christmas market. For the more active, a cycling tour through the scenic countryside is available.
Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg - Gengenbach
- Strasbourg
- Offenburg
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- Grande Île, Strasbourg
- Strasbourg Zoological Museum
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Experience the allure of Strasbourg during the season of Advent. Visit the oldest Christmas market in France, the Christkindelsmärik, and explore the historic town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the Gengenbach Christmas market, known for its 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar.
Day 4 – Day 4: Heidelberg - Speyer - Rüdesheim
- Speyer
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- Speyerer Tor
- Heidelberg Tun
- Landesdenkmal
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Choose from several excursions based on your interest. Visit the perfectly preserved medieval city of Heidelberg, nestled in the Neckar River Valley, and its Christmas markets. Alternatively, discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets. Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village’s sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim - Lahnstein
Day 5: Rüdesheim - Lahnstein
- Sooneck Castle
- Siegfried's Mechanical Museum
- Ingelheim Imperial Palace
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Spend the day in Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards, or enjoy the Rüdesheim Christmas Market. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take an exclusive tour of Burg Lahneck Castle.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cologne
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
- Cologne Central Mosque
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Cruise to Cologne, where you'll join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Alternatively, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Day 7 – Day 7: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés.
Day 8 – Day 8: Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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Your journey comes to an end as you disembark the ship in Amsterdam. Bid farewell to the city as you prepare for your return flight home.
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