1-800-342-0019 Speak to a River Cruise Expert
Hero Image

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Christmas) Cruise

From Amsterdam, Netherlands to Lake Como, Italy
Length: 13 Days - Departs: Sat, Dec 06, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Dec 06, 2025
Arrival
Dec 18, 2025

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

To receive our best value and service, please call us or Click Here For a Free Quote

Special Offers

CALL FOR BEST VALUE!
We have the best value and service on AmaWaterways River Cruises

River Cruise Itinerary

2 nights Amsterdam, 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, 2 nights in Lake Lucerne and 2 nights in Zurich

  1. Day 1
    Sat, Dec 06, 2025
    ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
  2. Day 2
    Sun, Dec 07, 2025
    AMSTERDAM. Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
  3. Day 3
    Mon, Dec 08, 2025
    AMSTERDAM ''' EMBARKATION. Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)
  4. Day 4
    Tue, Dec 09, 2025
    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'''ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
  5. Day 5
    Wed, Dec 10, 2025
    COLOGNE, GERMANY. Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city'''s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    Thu, Dec 11, 2025
    RHINE GORGE ''' R''DESHEIM, GERMANY. Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of R''desheim. In the afternoon, join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town'''s iconic vineyards. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town'''s cultural heart, and the Christmas markets. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal and with free time visiting the Christmas markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town'''s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried'''s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town'''s special delights, R''desheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    Fri, Dec 12, 2025
    LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany'''s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher'''s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany'''s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe'''a UNESCO World Heritage Site'''and the medieval Old Gate, Altp''rtel. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas Markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft and even a submarine! (B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    Sat, Dec 13, 2025
    STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'''Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la R''publique before walking through its iconic '''La Petite France''' district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cath''drale de N''tre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'''Orangerie. (B,L,D)
  9. Day 9
    Sun, Dec 14, 2025
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND. Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland'''s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel'''s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you'''ll have the opportunity to visit its Christmas Markets as well as see its Lion Monument ''' the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 ''' which Mark Twain described as '''the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.''' You'''ll also see Lucerne'''s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B,L,D). . *Not combinable with other tours offered this day.
  10. Day 10
    Mon, Dec 15, 2025
    BASEL ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' LAKE LUCERNE ''' LAKE COMO, ITALY. Disembark the ship and transfer to Lake Como, Italy, stopping in Bellinzona, Switzerland along the way, where you will enjoy a brief tour and free time for lunch. Once in breathtaking Lake Como, nestled at the foot of the Alps, check into your hotel for the evening. (B)
  11. Day 11
    Tue, Dec 16, 2025
    LAKE COMO. Be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean'''s Twelve and Casino Royale. (B)
  12. Day 12
    Wed, Dec 17, 2025
    LAKE COMO ''' BELLAGIO. Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio'''s restaurants before returning to the boat. (B)
  13. Day 13
    Thu, Dec 18, 2025
    LAKE COMO ''' RETURN FLIGHT. Bid farewell to Lake Como and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Countries Visited

France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland

Rivers Visited

Rhine

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Inclusions

  • SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun Deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances
  • AWARD-WINNING DINING
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef'''s Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
  • A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special interest tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
  • Land Program
  • 2 nights hotel in Amsterdam at the Barbizon Palace or Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Hotels (or similar), including walking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfastt
  • Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne withBasel city tour en route
  • 3 nights hotel in Como at the Hilton Lake Como (or similar), including city tour, cruise to Bellagio and daily breakfast

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Ship Information

Loading...

Cabins

Loading...

Life on Board

Loading...

Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
5
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

Ratings based off 4 reviews - currently showing 2 reviews with comments only

The ship and the crew were way above what I anticipated. AMA cruise line goes over and above to make sure you had the best time available. They offer many excursions every day to make your trip the very best.

We received excellent service from Affordable Tours and Ama Waterways.

You May Also Like

  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Ship
    AmaSerena
    Starts
    Amsterdam
    Ends
    Lake Como
    Days
    13
    From
    $6,379
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Ship
    AmaSerena
    Starts
    Amsterdam
    Ends
    Lake Como
    Days
    13
    From
    $3,899
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Emerald
    Ship
    Emerald Luna
    Starts
    Amsterdam
    Ends
    Zurich
    Days
    11
    From
    $9,130
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Ship
    AmaCerto
    Starts
    Amsterdam
    Ends
    Zurich
    Days
    14
    From
    $6,489

AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for AmaWaterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

Call Us Now 1-800-342-0019

How It Works

Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com

Freq Quote 1. Free Quote

Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!

Dedicated Travel Consultant 2. Dedicated Travel Consultant

Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!

Low Price Guaranteed 3. Lowest Price Guaranteed

Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!

Stress Free Travel 4. Stress Free Travel

Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!


AffordableTours.com BBB Business Review

Better Business Bureau

AffordableTours.com is a proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards 2006-2022 with A+ Rating.

It Pays To Refer! Earn Up To $200!

It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring.

Read More

Get discounts by Email!