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Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise Land Forward

From Amsterdam, Netherlands to Zurich, Switzerland
Length: 14 Days - Departs: Thu, Nov 27, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Nov 27, 2025
Arrival
Dec 10, 2025

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

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River Cruise Itinerary

2 nights in Amsterdam, 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, 2 nights in Lucerne and 2 nights in Z''rich

  1. Day 1
    Thu, Nov 27, 2025
    ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
  2. Day 2
    Fri, Nov 28, 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
    Sat, Nov 29, 2025
    AMSTERDAM ''' EMBARKATION. Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)
  4. Day 4
    Sun, Nov 30, 2025
    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)
  5. Day 5
    Mon, Dec 01, 2025
    COLOGNE, GERMANY. Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany'''s most revered Gothicmasterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe'''s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located infront of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne'''s traditionalK''lsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus'''potato pancakes served with applesauce. (B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    Tue, Dec 02, 2025
    RHINE GORGE ''' R''DESHEIM. Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of R''desheim. Once in R''desheim, 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 R''desheim'''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 Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town'''s special delights, R''desheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    Wed, Dec 03, 2025
    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 M''nze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    Thu, Dec 04, 2025
    STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsm''rik 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 ''le, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely '''La Petite France''' district, where you will see the Cath''drale de N''tre 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)
  9. Day 9
    Fri, Dec 05, 2025
    BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate, followed by a visit to its charming Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg'''s M''nster, 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)
  10. Day 10
    Sat, Dec 06, 2025
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' LAKE LUCERNE. Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once at Lake Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
  11. Day 11
    Sun, Dec 07, 2025
    LAKE LUCERNE. Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. (B)
  12. Day 12
    Mon, Dec 08, 2025
    LAKE LUCERNE ''' ZURICH. Check out of your hotel and, before transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Once in Zurich, check into your hotel. (B)
  13. Day 13
    Tue, Dec 09, 2025
    ZURICH. Switzerland'''s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future'''all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. (B)
  14. Day 14
    Wed, Dec 10, 2025
    DEPART ZURICH. After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Countries Visited

Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Germany

Rivers Visited

Rhine, Danube, Douro

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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 programs
  • 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 Palaceor Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (or similar), includingwalking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne with Baselcity highlights tour en route
  • 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel SchweizerhofLucerne (or similar), including walking tour, LionMonument,Christmas Market and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel in Lucerne to Zurich with scenicLake Lucerne cruise en route
  • 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel(or similar) including city tour, Christmas Marketand daily breakfast

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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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
4.3
Accommodations
4.3
Itinerary
4.5
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
4.1

Ratings based off 11 reviews - currently showing 4 reviews with comments only

Every single worker was friendly, kind and helpful on the AmaStella. Highly recommend this company.

As far as I'm concerned, AMA Waterways is a very customer friendly business to deal with. They treat their customers with the utmost respect and as family. They are the only River Cruise outfit that we would consider doing another river cruise with. We have already given them a $400 deposit against a future cruise.

Trip was everything that was expected and more.

We are very pleased with our trip.Morgan gave many options to pick from but, after discussion of the places we wanted to see she help us to narrow our choices.I would recommend Morgan to any of our friends how are planning to travel.

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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.

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