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Christmas Markets on the Rhine River Cruise | Dec. 5, 2025

9 days in France, Germany & The Netherlands
Starting from $3998*

Join us for 7 Nights of Christmas Markets on the Rhine River Cruise on Amawaterways' AmaViola starting at $3998* from Amsterdam on December 5, 2025. Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world's...Read More

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Starting from $3998

What’s Included

  • Cruise
  • Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
  • Meals on Ship
  • Port Charges
  • Select Shore Excursions
  • Administrative Fee

Join us for 7 Nights of Christmas Markets on the Rhine River Cruise on Amawaterways' AmaViola starting at $3998* from Amsterdam on December 5, 2025. Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world's most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg's majestic Christmas Market, nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world's largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open, and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
 

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Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - DECEMBER 5 - DEPART USA

Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.
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Day 2 - DECEMBER 6 - EMBARKATION – AMSTERDAM

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets cruise.(D)
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Day 3 - DECEMBER 7 - AMSTERDAM

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
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Day 4 - DECEMBER 8 - DUSSELDORF

Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its 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. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)

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Day 5 - DECEMBER 9 - RHINE GORGE - RUDESHEIM

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)

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Day 6 - DECEMBER 10 - 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. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher’s Path followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or 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). (B,L,D)
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Day 7 - DECEMBER 11 - STRASBOURG

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. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

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Day 8 - DECEMBER 12 - BREISACH

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach’s countryside. (B,L,D)
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Day 9 - DECEMBER 13 - BASEL

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland.Prepare for your return flight home from Basel.
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Enhance Your Journey

Amsterdam Pre Cruise - Starting from $830

DAY 1 - DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

DAY 2 - AMSTERDAM
Arrive in Amsterdam and check in to your hotel. 

DAY 3 - AMSTERDAM
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B) 

DAY 4 - AMSTERDAM - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing 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- to 18th-century village. (B,D) 

SWISS POST TOUR - Starting from $1760

DAY 1 - DISEMBARKATION - BASEL - LAKE LUCERNE
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)

DAY 2 - LAKE LUCERNE
Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. (B) 

DAY 3 - LAKE LUCERNE - ZURICH
Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (B) 

DAY 4 - ZURICH
Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Plus, take some time to explore Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Markets located in the town’s main railway station and its underground mall as well as other Christmas Markets in this beautiful city. (B)

DAY 5 - DEPART ZURICH
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B) 

Departure Dates

Friday, December 5, 2025
From $3998* Coming Soon!