Enchanting Rhine (Taste of Christmas)
Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad . Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.
This river cruise journeys through Switzerland, Germany, France and Netherlands, calling at Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Utrecht and Amsterdam.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaPrima, AmaCerto and AmaSiena.
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.
- 18 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026
from $6,848 pp twin share * - 23 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026
from $7,972 pp twin share * - 24 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
from $6,848 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Basel
BASEL – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise.
Day 2 – Breisach
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. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside.
Day 3 – Strasbourg
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 walking 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 Baden-Baden and take in the town’s romantic Christmas Markets.
Day 4 – Ludwigshafen
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM. 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
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN. Visit Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or soar high above the town by gondola. Both excursions conclude with time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim’s Christmas Market. More active travelers can opt for a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River or a hike through the vineyards. 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 a unique and exclusive tour of Burg Lahneck Castle.
Day 6 – Cologne
DÜSSELDORF. 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. 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 – Utrecht
UTRECHT – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Begin your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide to Amsterdam. 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 an alternative tour will depend on docking location
Day 8 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.
Highlights
- Extensive lineup of included tours on every river cruise
- Choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours
- Unique exclusive tour of Burg Lahneck Castle in Lahnstein
Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad . Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.
This river cruise journeys through Switzerland, Germany, France and Netherlands, calling at Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Utrecht and Amsterdam.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaPrima, AmaCerto and AmaSiena.
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.
Inclusions
- Colmar excursion.
- Breisach bike tour.
- Strasbourg city tour and Christmas Market.
- Guided bike tour.
- Baden-Baden Walking Tour and Christmas Markets.
- Heidelberg tour and Christmas Markets.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaPrima, AmaCerto and AmaSiena.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA+
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 18 Nov 2026 and 31 Dec 2026, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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