7 nights Christmas Markets on the Rhine | Amsterdam - Basel

Type of Vessel

This 156-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with exclusive twin balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, invigorating wellness activities, complimentary Wi-Fi on board and more.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive in Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Embarkation : Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise.
Day 2 | Amsterdam : 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.
Day 3 | Cologne, Germany : Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided visit through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne's traditional Kolsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus - potato pancakes served with applesauce.
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 three choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting or go on a hike through the vineyards. You may also opt to join a guided bike journey through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee. You'll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rudesheim Christmas Market.
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. Alternatively, you can 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).
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 expedition 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. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where, every year, the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar.
Day 7 | Breisach, Germany : Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking journey, admire historic architecture, as well as famous sights such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg's Munster, 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 8 | Basel - Disembarkation : Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.

Guest Services

Amenities include personalized service from a Cruise Manager during cruise and land programs and complimentary Wi Fi access.

Food and Dining

AmaWaterways was invited to be a member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs - a prestigious international culinary society - and with good reason. The expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional Western offerings. This is the only river cruise line that has The Chef's Table, an intimate specialty restaurant where you can watch the chef prepare a lavish dinner right in front of you. Each meal is specially paired with premium local reds and whites from Europe's renowned wine regions, with new selections each night. There's also sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast, menu service during lunch, as well as delicious tapas and snacks in the Main Lounge between meals.

Onboard Activities/Events

Soak up some rays or take a dip in the refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as you pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
Whether you'd like to dress up for the captain's special dinner or a night out on the town, you can complete your look by getting your hair styled in the salon.
Whether it's traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or contemporary piano favorites, you will enjoy an eclectic schedule of onboard entertainment every night.

Shore Excursions

Every year, the staff seek out new opportunities for guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These excursions are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination.
In many destinations, you'll be free to choose from one of several options. There's always a city journey designed to show you all the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well-versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg? Instead of taking the city excursion, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our Special Interest Tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life.
This is the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centers. Whether you feel like joining one of the exclusive guided bike voyage, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise.

Staterooms or Cabins

Most of the staterooms on this fleet feature not just one, but two private balconies - a French balcony and a full outside balcony. Together, they provide a unique panoramic view of the beautiful sights along the river and maximize the natural light coming in. With twin balconies, you can enjoy the river however you like.
All staterooms feature in-room temperature control, a deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads, large wardrobe with a full-length mirror, hairdryer, safety deposit box, telephone, flat screen TV, On Demand system that provides complimentary TV as well as movies and music, mini fridge, complimentary bottled water replenished daily, and a desk and chair.
Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower.

Spa

After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.

Fitness

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.