CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE RHINE 2026
December 03-10, 2026
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Colorful market stalls brim with whimsical handicrafts and the aromas of seasonal delights fill the air.
BOOK NOW
BOOK NOW
Experience the Magic of European Christmas Markets
7- Night Christmas Markets on the Rhine
December 03-10, 2026
Reserve Your Spot TODAY With Deposit of $400 Per Person
Reserve Your Spot TODAY with Deposit of $400 Per Person
*With additional options of 2-Nights Amsterdam (Pre-Cruise), and/or 2-Nights Lake Lucerne & 2-Nights Zurich (Post-Cruise)
Right Now
SAVE
$250 Per Person!
Celebrate tradition
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. Savor Rüdesheimer coffee in the village it was named for, and witness the whimsical lighting of Gengenbach, Germany’s artistic town hall Advent calendar.
Enjoy treasured holiday traditions and get caught up in the magic of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW
WHY a River Cruise?
You like to limit stress and hassles in your vacation
You like to simplify your vacation planning process for a more enjoyable experience
You like highly inclusive packages that cover meals, accommodations, transfers, tours, and more
You like personalized and attentive service and a less-crowded ship experience for more individualized attention
You're not a fan of sea sickness
You like flexibility in your vacation experience with your meals, port tours, etc., to do as much or as little as you want.
VIEW FULL ITINERARY DETAILS
Trip At a Glance
Day 1 Amsterdam EMBARKATION
DAY 2 Amsterdam Canal Cruising
Scenic Cruising out of Amsterdam
DAY 3 Dusseldorf Cologne Walking Tour and Christmas
Markets
OR Dusseldorf Walking Tour with
Altbier tasting and Christmas
Markets
OR Dusseldorf Bike Tour
DAY 4 Rhine Gorge Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
Rüdesheim- Wine Tasting and Christmas
Markets
OR Gondola Ride and Christmas
Markets
OR Vineyards Hike
OR Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau
and Christmas Markets
Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
OR Rüdesheimer Coffee
DAY 5 Ludwigshafen Heidelberg Tour and Christmas Markets
OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas
Markets
OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path Hike
and Christmas Markets
OR Ladenburg Bike Tour
DAY 6 Strasbourg Strasbourg City Tour and Christmas Markets
OR Strasbourg bike tour
Gengenbach Christmas Markets Tour
DAY 7 Breisach Colmar Excursion and Christmas Markets
OR Freiburg Excursion and Christmas
Markets
OR Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour
DAY 8 Basel DISEMBARKATION
Day 1 Amsterdam EMBARKATION
Day 2 Amsterdam Canal Cruising
Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam
Kampen Bike Tour
Day 3 Dusseldorf Cologne Walking Tour and Christmas Markets
OR Dusseldorf Walking Tour
with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets
OR Dusseldorf Bike Tour
Day 4 Rhine Gorge Castles along the Rhine
Scenic cruising
Rüdesheim- Wine Tasting and
Christmas Markets OR Gondola Ride and Christmas Markets
OR Vineyards Hike
OR Guided Bike Tour of the
Rheingau and Christmas
Markets
Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
OR Rüdesheimer Coffee
DAY 5 Ludwigshafen Heidelberg Tour and Christmas Markets
OR Medieval Speyer and
Christmas Markets
OR Heidelberg Philospher's Path Hike and Christmas Markets
OR Ladenburg Bike Tour
DAY 6 Strasbourg Strasbourg City Tour and
Christmas Markets
OR Strasbourg Bike Tour
Gengenbach Christmas Markets
DAY 7 Breisach Colmar Excursion and Christmas
Markets
OR Freidburg Excursion and
Christmas Markets
OR Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour
DAY 8 Basel DISEMBARKATION
Countries you will visit:
France, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine River
* Pre-Cruise:
Day 1 Amsterdam- Lake Lucerne Cruise and Scenic Drive to Zurich
Day 2 Amsterdam- Walking Tour
Day 3 Amsterdam- Zaanse Schans visit
Day 4 Amsterdam- Canal Cruise, Scenic Cruising out of Amsterdam
*Post-Cruise:
Day 10 Basel- DISEMBARKATION, Basel Highlights tour, transfer to Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne Walking Tour, Hotel Check-In
Day 11 Lake Lucerne- Lion Monument and Medieval City Walls
Day 12 Lake Lucerne- Lake Lucerne Cruise and Scenic Drive to Zurich- Hotel check-in
Day 13 Zurich- "Little Big City" tour
Day 14 Zurich- Return Flight Home
(*Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise additional)
- Additional Options to Extend Your Christmas Markets Trip w/ AmaWaterways -
A Milestone or Celebration Gift
Lovers of Festive Holiday Traditions
Foodies!
Multi-generational experience
Friends that love to travel together
Cultural and History Enthusiasts
Small Group travelers
Stress-Free Holiday Seekers
Luxury Travelers
Educational Travelers
Photographers
Severely mobility challenged individuals
Families with small children
Those who do not like winter travel
Short-term vacationers
This cruise may not be a good fit for:
This cruise is perfect for:
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW
Severely mobility challenged individuals
Families with small children
Those who do not like winter travel
Short-term vacationers
ONBOARS CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- 7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
- Dedicated Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- All onboard dining in multiple venues with regionally inspired cuisine and locally sourced ingredients
- Bottled water in room replenished daily
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Immersive small group guided tours in every destination with a variety of choices, including exclusive special interest, hiking and biking tours with options for gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tours.
- Professionally trained Wellness Host leading engaging wellness activities
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room
- Daily local entertainment including cultural performances
- Unlimited complimentary Internet and Wi-Fi access
ADDITIONAL ON BOARD AMENITIES:
- Exclusive Adventures by Terra surprises!
- Massage services, hair salon, and laundry services for additional fee
** IF YOU CHOOSE PRE-CRUISE LAND OPTION:
- 2 nights hotel in Amsterdam at the Barbizon Palace or Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (or similar), including walking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfast
** IF YOU CHOOSE POST-CRUISE LAND OPTION:
- Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne with Basel city highlights tour en route
- 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar), including walking tour, Lion Monument, Christmas Market and daily breakfast
- Transfer from hotel in Lucerne to Zurich with scenic Lake Lucerne cruise en route
- 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel (or similar) including city tour, Christmas Market and daily breakfast
- Exclusive Adventures by Terra surprises!
What is Included:
What is Not Included:
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW
Bonus for YOU:
Reserve your airfare with me & AmaWaterways and I will include your transfers to and from the airport!
- Any and all airfare
- Transfers to and from airport to hotel unless air is purchased with AmaWaterways
- Optional tours or extensions outside of itinerary
- Travel Insurance - HIGHLY recommend - (I will gladly assist you with quote options)
- Personal expenses
- Meals outside of what is indicated in
itinerary
- Tips and Gratuities
- Any and all airfare
- Transfers to and from airport to hotel unless air is purchased with AmaWaterways
- Optional tours or extensions outside of itinerary
- Travel Insurance - HIGHLY recommend - (I will gladly assist you with quote options)
- Personal expenses
- Meals outside of what is indicated in itinerary
- Tips and Gratuities
ONBOARS CRUISE INCLUSIONS:
- 7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
- Dedicated Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- All onboard dining in multiple venues with regionally inspired cuisine and locally sourced ingredients
- Bottled water in room replenished daily
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Immersive small group guided tours in every destination with a variety of choices, including exclusive special interest, hiking and biking tours with options for gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tours.
- Professionally trained Wellness Host leading engaging wellness activities
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room
- Daily local entertainment including cultural performances
- Unlimited complimentary Internet and Wi-Fi access
ADDITIONAL ON BOARD AMENITIES:
- Exclusive Adventures by Terra surprises!
- Massage services, hair salon, and laundry services for additional fee
** IF YOU CHOOSE PRE-CRUISE LAND OPTION:
- 2 nights hotel in Amsterdam at the Barbizon Palace or Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Hotels (or similar), including daily breakfast
** IF YOU CHOOSE POST-CRUISE LAND OPTION:
- Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne with Basel city highlights tour en route
- 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar), including walking tour, Lion Monument, Christmas Market and daily breakfast
- Transfer from hotel in Lucerne to Zurich with scenic Lake Lucerne cruise en route
- 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel (or similar) including city tour, Christmas Market and daily breakfast
Right Now
SAVE
$250 Per Person!
The elegant AmaSiena brought with her a sense of joy when she was christened in 2021. Her spacious twin-balcony staterooms to her Main Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offer exceptional views of the castles along the Rhine River. Ship overview: 156 passengers, 79 staterooms, 51 crew, length 443 ft., width 38 ft.
Your Accommodations:
Choose Your AmaSiena Stateroom:
** Pre-Cruise Option
Amsterdam Barbizon Palace (or similar)
** Post-Cruise Option
Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar)
Zurich Marriott Hotel (or similar)
River Cruise AmaSiena
AmaSiena's spacious staterooms range from 150 sq. ft. to 300 sq. ft., most with Twin or French balconies. Staterooms are fully equipped with all modern amenities including in-cabin wifi. Take a look at the photos and descriptions below to find the stateroom that is right for you.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
French Balcony, 155 sq. ft.
Fixed Window, 160 sq. ft.
Fixed Window, 160 sq. ft.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
(Cat. BA SOLD OUT!)
(Cat. AA & AB)
(Cat. CA)
(Cat. CB)
(Cat. D)
(Cat. SS) Suite
(Cat. E)
(Cat. BB)
Centrally located on the Violin and Cello Decks. Each has a sitting area and both a full & French balcony. Deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious
bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, safe, flat-screen tv, and bottled water, among other amenities. *Some AA & AB rooms offer up to triple occupancy.
Located on the Cello Deck. Each has a sitting area that opens to a French balcony. Deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, safe, flat-screen tv, and bottled water, among other amenities. Max passengers 2.
Located on the Violin Deck. Each has a French Balcony. Deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious
bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, safe, flat-screen tv, and bottled water, among other amenities. Max passengers 2.
Located on the Violin Deck, Suites are extra spacious with exclusive Twin Balcony and mini-bar. There is also an enhanced sitting area featuring a sofa and two chairs as well as an expansive bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower. Each stateroom is equipped with Deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious bathrooms, with multi-jet showerheads, a hair dryer, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers a magnifying mirror and spa-quality toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. *Up to quadruple occupancy.
Located on the Piano Deck. Each has a fixed window for more privacy to create a sense of comfort and relaxation. Deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious
bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, safe, flat-screen tv, and bottled water, among other amenities. Max passengers 2.
Located on the Piano Deck. Each has a fixed window for more privacy to create a sense of comfort and relaxation. Deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious
bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, safe, flat-screen tv, and bottled water, among other amenities. Max passengers 2.
Located on the Cello Deck. Each has a sitting area and both a full & French balcony. Deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious
bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, safe, flat-screen tv, and bottled water, among other amenities.
*Beds can be configured to a Queen or two Twins.
Pricing based on double occupancy. *Single occupancy pricing available.
$6898- $6698
$5,298
$5,698
$4,498.00
$4,199.00
$8,198.00
$6298
per person
per person
per person
per person
per person
per person
per person
BOOK NOW
*ADDITIONAL 2 NIGHTS AMSTERDAM PRE-CRUISE OPTION $950 PER PERSON DBL OCCUPANCY
(Single Occupancy Rates available)
*ADDITIONAL 2 NIGHTS LAKE LUCERNE & 2 NIGHTS ZURICH POST-CRUISE OPTION $1960 PER PERSON DBL OCCUPANCY (Single Occupancy Rates also available)
*If you would like to extend your Christmas Markets trip before or after your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise not with AmaWaterways,
I am happy to help you with your Pre or Post-Cruise plans.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY WITH DEPOSIT OF $400 PER PERSON
Final Payment Due Sept. 02, 2026. Payment Plans Available After Deposit is Made
SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW WITH $400 PER PERSON DEPOSIT!
Right Now
SAVE
$250 Per Person!
Discounted price shown
Full Itinerary
7- Night Cruise
*with Option of 2 Nights Amsterdam Pre-Cruise and/or 2 Nights Lake Lucerne & 2 Nights Zurich
AMSTERDAM TO BASEL
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
AMSTERDAM - EMBARKATION
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)
DAY 4
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. (B,L,D)
DAY 5
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. (B,L,D)
DAY 6
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM
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)
DAY 7
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)
DAY 8
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. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)
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, 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)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)
BOOK NOW
(B,L,D) – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.
* Pre-cruise Option Amsterdam:
- DAY 1- Amsterdam, Hotel check-in
- DAY 2- Amsterdam walking tour (B)
- DAY 3- Zaanse Schans visit (B,D)
* Post-cruise Option Lake Lucerne & Zurich:
- DAY 10- Disembark the ship, Highlights of Basel tour. Once in Lake Lucerne -walking tour, Hotel check-in (B)
- DAY 11- Lake Lucerne Lion Monument (B)
- DAY 12- Check out of your hotel, Lake Lucerne scenic lake cruise. Once in Zurich, Hotel check-in (B)
- DAY 13- Zurich city tour (B)
- DAY 14- Depart Zurich. After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Traveling soon?
Find out my five BIG reasons why a U.S. passport book is the ultimate choice over a passport card. Trust me. You'll want these tips before your next adventure.
