Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Basel to Amsterdam)

Our clients ask many questions about the who what and why about Ama Waterways. Let start with your stateroom which may have 2 balconies for AMA River Cruises guests. When in port guests can choose from a list of unique tours all included in your AMA River Cruise price. From a bike tour to a stop for a bratwurst with a beer the optionals are terrific. Clients rave in their AMA Waterways reviews about the personal service aboard their sailing. We receive so many comments about AMA Christmas river cruises. Pavlus Travel provides value all Ama River Cruises sailings. In fact we promise the lowest fare to all clients.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Basel to Amsterdam)



Tour Description:

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. Cologne’s Christmas Market with its impressive Gothic cathedral backdrop; the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, with its magnificent great Christmas tree; and Heidelberg’s Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town; are all timeless traditions handed down through the centuries. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

Map for Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Basel to Amsterdam)
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Dates & Pricing

Thursday 05 Dec 24 — Thursday 12 Dec 24Starting at $3,699 Get a Quote
Saturday 14 Dec 24 — Saturday 21 Dec 24Starting at $3,699 Get a Quote
Saturday 29 Nov 25 — Saturday 06 Dec 25Starting at $3,799 Get a Quote
Wednesday 03 Dec 25 — Wednesday 10 Dec 25Starting at $3,899 Get a Quote
Thursday 04 Dec 25 — Thursday 11 Dec 25Starting at $3,899 Get a Quote
Saturday 06 Dec 25 — Saturday 13 Dec 25Starting at $3,899 Get a Quote
Wednesday 10 Dec 25 — Wednesday 17 Dec 25Starting at $3,899 Get a Quote
Thursday 11 Dec 25 — Thursday 18 Dec 25Starting at $3,899 Get a Quote
Saturday 13 Dec 25 — Saturday 20 Dec 25Starting at $3,899 Get a Quote
Wednesday 17 Dec 25 — Wednesday 24 Dec 25Starting at $3,899 Get a Quote


ITINERARY

Day 1
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - EMBARKATION. Board your ship in Basel for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise.

Day 2
BREISACH, GERMANY. 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, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside.

Day 3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. 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. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas market where, every year, the locals count down to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar.

Day 4
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY. You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along German’s Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can 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
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE SCENIC CRUISING – LAHNSTEIN, GERMANY. Visit Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards or soar high above the town by gondola and later enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to 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
DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY. 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.

Day 7
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B,L,D) *Please note an alternative tour will depend on docking location.

Day 8
AMSTERDAM - DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.