Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Christmas Time)
Discover fairytale castles underlaid with the winter holiday’s glow on this magical Rhine River cruise. Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll immerse yourself in the seasonal atmosphere of grand city such as Cologne as well as charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. Glide through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like Christmas lights along the riverbanks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this Festive Delights itinerary is truly a holiday wish come true.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Basel and Basel.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSerena and AmaVenita.
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.
- 17 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026
from $6,548 pp twin share * - 24 Nov 2026 – 01 Dec 2026
from $7,148 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise.
Day 2 – Amsterdam
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.
Day 3 – Cologne
COLOGNE, GERMANY. Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fischmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Day 4 – Rüdesheim
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards, or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. 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, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.
Day 5 – Ludwigshafen
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. 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, Altpörtel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops.
Day 6 – Strasbourg
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 7 – Basel
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, you may opt to visit Lucerne with a full-day excursion. In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of Swiss wines or venture to the powerful Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 8 – Basel
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Basel and prepare for your flight home.
Highlights
- Choice of standard, bike, hiking and special interest tours
- Sailing aboard AmaSerena or AmaVenita river ships
- Wine tasting in Rudesheim and Basel included
Discover fairytale castles underlaid with the winter holiday’s glow on this magical Rhine River cruise. Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll immerse yourself in the seasonal atmosphere of grand city such as Cologne as well as charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. Glide through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like Christmas lights along the riverbanks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this Festive Delights itinerary is truly a holiday wish come true.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Basel and Basel.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSerena and AmaVenita.
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.
- Scenic cruising.
- Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting.
- Cologne bike tour.
- Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising.
- Wine tasting.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSerena and AmaVenita.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 17 Nov 2026 and 01 Dec 2026, 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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