Enchanting Rhine 2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day tour, immersing yourself in the festive spirit of Europe's most captivating Christmas Markets along the Rhine. Starting in Basel, this multi-day tour takes you on a magical journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the charming towns of Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, Lahnstein, Düsseldorf, and culminating in the iconic city of Amsterdam. Discover the unique blend of French and German culture, marvel at the medieval architecture, taste local delicacies, and soak in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided excursions and leisure time, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Accommodation, meals, and activities are all included, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable holiday experience.
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
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Ship
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
AmaLucia: Suite, AmaSiena: Suite, AmaPrima: Suite, AmaCerto: Suite, AmaViola: Suite
Knowledgeable guides
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
Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun-deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
Fitness room
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
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
Map
Attractions
Heidelberg Botanical Garden
Museum of Ancient Seafaring
Freiburg Minster
Speyer Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral
Schinderhannesturm
Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg
Grande Île, Strasbourg
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
Cologne Chocolate Museum
Duisburg Inner HarbourDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Basel
- Basel - Arrival day
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Begin your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise from the beautiful city of Basel. Board your ship and settle in as you prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach - Colmar - Freiburg
- Colmar
- Freiburg im Breisgau
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- Freiburg Minster
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From Breisach, venture into the medieval town of Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Admire the half-timbered houses and the town's wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, visit Freiburg, home to the Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone and its enchanting Christmas market. For the active travelers, a cycling excursion through the scenic countryside is available.
Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg - 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 the season of Advent. Visit the oldest Christmas market in France, the Christkindelsmärik, and explore the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. 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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- Heidelberg Botanical Garden
- Speyer Cathedral
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Choose from several excursions today. Visit the perfectly preserved medieval city of Heidelberg, nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road, 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, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim - Lahnstein
Day 5: Rüdesheim - 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 through the town and along the Rhine River, or hike through the vineyards. Enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas market. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, viewing many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique tour of Lahneck Castle.
Day 6 – Day 6: Düsseldorf - Cologne
- Utrecht
- Cologne
- Dusseldorf
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- Cologne Cathedral
- Cologne Chocolate Museum
- Duisburg Inner Harbour
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Cruise into Düsseldorf and in the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Explore its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Alternatively, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide and be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a traditional beer developed in Düsseldorf.
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: Departure from Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. This marks the end of your enchanting Christmas Markets on the Rhine tour.
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