2026 : Christmas Markets on the Rhine : 7- Night Cruise : Amsterdam to Basel : ms AmaSiena
COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
RIVERS: Rhine
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Included Features
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - EMBARKATION
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)
Day 2 : AMSTERDAM - UTRECHT
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : DUSSELDORF, GERMANY
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Dusseldorf. 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 Dusseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. 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)
Day 4 : RHINE GORGE - RUDESHEIM
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Once in Rudesheim, 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 Rudesheim'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, Rudesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
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. 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 Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)
Day 6 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmarik 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 Ile, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely 'La Petite France' district, where you will see the Cathedrale de Notre 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 Baden-Baden and take in the town's romantic Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : BREISACH, GERMANY
Breisach is your gateway to 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 Munster, 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)
Day 8 : BASEL, SWITZERLAND - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Call (508) 668-2636 for more information or to book today! Mention code 19123690
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2025
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaSiena
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | ||
| Day 2 | Utrecht | ||
| Day 3 | Dusseldorf | ||
| Day 4 | Rudesheim | ||
| Day 5 | Ludwigshafen | ||
| Day 6 | Strasbourg | ||
| Day 7 | Breisach | ||
| Day 8 | Basel |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Notes:
Christmas Markets NoticeMost Christmas Markets open during the last week of November and remain open until approximately Dec. 22. Check with each country's tourist office for more information.
ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges (included in cruise price)$250 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
