Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey that takes you through the heart of Europe's most charming Christmas markets. This multi-day tour begins in Basel, Switzerland, and takes you through the picturesque towns of Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, Lahnstein, Düsseldorf, and finally, Amsterdam. Experience the magic of the season as you explore medieval towns, marvel at Gothic cathedrals, taste local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets. This tour is perfect for those who love history, culture, and the holiday season.
Included
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
AmaCerto or AmaLucia or AmaPrima or AmaSiena or AmaStella or AmaViola
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily
AmaLucia: Suite, AmaSiena: Suite, AmaPrima: Suite, AmaCerto: Suite, AmaViola: Suite
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Knowledgeable guides
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
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
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Destinations
Amsterdam
Basel
Dusseldorf
Strasbourg
Offenburg
Cologne
ColmarMap
Attractions
Heidelberg Botanical Garden
Museum of Ancient Seafaring
Freiburg Minster
Speyer Cathedral
Schinderhannesturm
Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg
Cologne Zoological Garden
Grande Île, Strasbourg
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Duisburg Inner HarbourDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Basel
- Basel - Arrival day
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Your magical Christmas journey begins in Basel, Switzerland. Board your cruise ship and settle in for the adventure that awaits. Enjoy a welcome breakfast onboard.
Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach, Colmar, and Freiburg
- Colmar
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- Freiburg Minster
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From Breisach, you'll journey into the medieval town of Colmar, where you'll marvel at the half-timbered houses and the enchanting Christmas markets. Alternatively, you can visit Freiburg, home to the Gothic cathedral, Freiburg's Münster, and its own charming Christmas market. For the more active, a cycling tour through the scenic countryside is available.
Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg and Gengenbach
- Strasbourg
- Offenburg
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- Château de Spesbourg
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg
- Grande Île, Strasbourg
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Experience the allure of Strasbourg during Advent season. Visit the oldest Christmas market in France, the Christkindelsmärik, and explore the historic town center, including the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame. In the afternoon, visit the Gengenbach Christmas market, famous for its 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar.
Day 4 – Day 4: Heidelberg, Speyer, and Rüdesheim
- Heidelberg
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- Heidelberg Botanical Garden
- Speyer Cathedral
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Choose between a visit to the perfectly preserved medieval city of Heidelberg, a hike along the historic Philosopher's Path, or a bike ride along the Neckar River to Ladenburg. Alternatively, discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets. Later, sail to Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village's sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim and Lahnstein
Day 5: Rüdesheim and Lahnstein
- Museum of Ancient Seafaring
- Grenzau Castle
- Schinderhannesturm
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In Rüdesheim, visit Siegfried's whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour, or hike through the vineyards. Enjoy the Rüdesheim Christmas market before embarking on a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique tour of Lahneck Castle.
Day 6 – Day 6: Düsseldorf and Cologne
- Cologne
- Dusseldorf
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- Cologne Zoological Garden
- Duisburg Inner Harbour
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Cruise into Düsseldorf and take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Explore the enchanting Old Town and visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Back in Düsseldorf, explore the city on foot or by bike, and enjoy a tasting of Altbier, a traditional beer, before visiting the local Christmas Market.
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. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafés.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
- More
Your enchanting Christmas journey comes to an end. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
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