Captivating Rhine (Taste of Christmas)
Aglow with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and glühwein—and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive on board and on shore along the Rhine during this Festive Delights river cruise.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach and Basel.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSiena, AmaViola and 2 sister ships.
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.
- 16 Nov 2028 – 23 Nov 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 19 Nov 2028 – 26 Nov 2028
from $5,463 pp twin share * - 22 Nov 2028 – 29 Nov 2028
from $5,463 pp twin share * - 21 Dec 2028 – 28 Dec 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Board your luxurious ship in Amsterdam, where you’ll begin your journey through Europe’s best breweries.
Day 2 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM. Step into centuries of history at Slot Zuylen, a castle first built around 1250 and shaped by generations that followed. A significant renovation in the mid-17th century transformed the castle. This, along with smaller changes over the centuries have created a rich tapestry of architectural styles, evident as you move through its rooms and corridors. Beyond the walls, the gardens offer a more peaceful, quieter retreat. Together, the castle and its gardens make Slot Zuylen a place where history feels layered, lived in, and very much alive.
Day 3 – Düsseldorf
DÜSSELDORF. Immerse yourself in holiday cheer in Düsseldorf, a vibrant hub of German culture and architecture. Stroll the city on a guided walking tour and warm up with a festive tasting of Altbier, brewed using traditional techniques. For a holiday adventure, visit nearby Cologne and explore the enchanting Old Town, taking in landmarks like the historic Cologne Rathaus, the 12th-century Fishmarkt, and the majestic Great St. Martin Church.
Day 4 – Rüdesheim
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Enjoy the holiday season as you cruise through the enchanting UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge and arrive in the festive winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Delight in a wine tasting at the town’s iconic vineyards, soar above the holiday-lit hills on a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, hike through sparkling vineyards, or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine. Later, enjoy the magical sounds of Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or savor a warming Rüdesheimer coffee, perfectly festive with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.
Day 5 – Ludwigshafen
LUDWIGSHAFEN. Celebrate the holiday season in Ludwigshafen with a choice of festive voyages: explore the medieval charm of Heidelberg and its iconic red sandstone castle, hike the panoramic Philosopher’s Path, visit the historic Romanesque cathedral in Speyer, or enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Neckar to the picturesque town of Ladenburg.
Day 6 – Strasbourg
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Wander the festive streets of Strasbourg as you trammel down the fairytale streets of “La Petite France,” admire the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and its famous astronomical clock, or pedal through the festive charm of the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 7 – Breisach
BREISACH, GERMANY. Step into a storybook holiday in Breisach with a stroll through the enchanting 16th-century streets of Colmar, glimpse the charming replica of the Statue of Liberty, or enjoy the festive spirit of the Rhine countryside on a cycling or hiking adventure through the scenic Kaiserstuhl region.
Day 8 – Basel
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. Begin your journey home
Highlights
- Choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours
- Stateroom categories to suit a range of preferences
- Guided Cologne walking tour with Christmas markets included
Aglow with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and glühwein—and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive on board and on shore along the Rhine during this Festive Delights river cruise.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach and Basel.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSiena, AmaViola and 2 sister ships.
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
- Canal cruise tour.
- Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam.
- Walking Tour.
- Beer Tasting tour.
- Slot Zuylen Visit.
- Cologne Walking Tour with Christmas Markets.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSiena, AmaViola and 2 sister ships.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category CA
- Category CB
- 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 16 Nov 2028 and 28 Dec 2028, 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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