Christmas Markets on the Rhine

12 days
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3.7/5 Great
39 reviews  
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River Cruise
Begin your journey in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s iconic canals, unique Dutch architecture and vibrant winter atmosphere. Visit Cologne’s magical Christmas Markets and its majestic Gothic cathedral, then relax on board as you cruise the stunning Rhine River Gorge, lined with ruins of medieval castles and fortresses. Next you’ll experience the university town...
From$4,479
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Explore get a chance to visit Christmas Markets.
    • Enjoy Strasbourg city tour and visit Christmas Markets
    • Opportunity to cruise along Rhine Gorge, admiring many amazing castles
    • Experience cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne
    • Drive to Rüdesheim experience wine tasting

What's this trip about?

    Begin your journey in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s iconic canals, unique Dutch architecture and vibrant winter atmosphere. Visit Cologne’s magical Christmas Markets and its majestic Gothic cathedral, then relax on board as you cruise the stunning Rhine River Gorge, lined with ruins of medieval castles and fortresses. Next you’ll experience the university town of Heidelberg before wandering the streets and famed Christmas Market of Strasbourg in Alsace. You will also visit two of Switzerland’s loveliest and most cosmopolitan cities, Lucerne and Zurich, where you enjoy a lake excursion, bustling Christmas Markets and pristine Alpine vistas.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range36 to 64 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAmsterdam
End CityZurich

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Netherlands

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Heidelberg

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • River cruise

Trip includes

    • 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom - most staterooms offer revolutionary twin balconies
    • Shore excursions in every port with personal headset included
    • Limited Edition Tours
    • Entertainment on demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library and English language TV stations
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
    • Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
    • Fine dining with all meals included during your cruise
    • Unlimited red and white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer and soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board
    • Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
    • Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain's Gala Dinner
    • Special highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and afternoon/evening piano music
    • Transfer from ship in Basel to hotel in Lucerne
    • 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Lucerne at the Radisson Blu including daily Buffet Breakfast
    • 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Zürich Hotel Continental including daily Buffet Breakfast
    • Bicycles to explore on your own and guided bicycle tours
    • Services of professional Cruise Manager
    • All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
    • Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the purchase of cruise and land package; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare from AmaWaterways

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive In Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Embarkation

Meals: Dinner

Arrive in charming Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour. Begin with a scenic canal cruise and see the tall narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge, and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hidin...

Day 3: Cologne, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The ship arrives in Cologne around lunchtime. You will have a guided tour of the city, strolling through the Old Town and Cathedral Square, and visiting the fabled Gothic cathedral. This evening, you will experience the elaborate Christmas Market in Cathedral Square, one of Europe’s largest and most renowned. The ship cruises overnight.

Day 4: Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, admiring its many castles and fortress ruins and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon you will arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim where you will have the ...

Day 5: Mannheim – Heidelberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Arrive in Speyer, where you have a choice between three excursions this afternoon. Your first option is a half-day excursion to the historic university town of Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled castle with its Gr...

Day 6: Strasbourg, France

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Capital city of France’s Alsace region, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. After arriving this morning, enjoy one of three excursions. The first option is a panoramic tour that will take you past the Ora...

Day 7: Breisach, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You have two exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town renowned for its historic architecture and for its Riesling wines, followed by time at the town’s Christmas Ma...

Day 8: Basel, Switzerland – Disembarkation – Lucerne

Meals: Breakfast

Disembark after breakfast and head off on a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and old, elegant homes. You will have free tim...

Day 9: Lucerne

Meals: Breakfast

Situated on Lake Lucerne, this city is truly a medieval gem. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city’s famous cobblestone streets, monuments, fountain-embellished public squares, covered bridges and colorful fresco-covered buildings. You will have free time in the afternoon to shop for Swiss-made watches, knives, and delicious chocolates.

Day 10: Lucerne – Zurich

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a free morning in Lucerne before checking out of your hotel. Afterwards, you will cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, where you will board a motor coach for a scenic drive to Zurich. After checking into your hote...

Day 11: Zurich

Meals: Breakfast

Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zurich will include the Grossmünster and St. Peter, which has the largest church clock face in the world. You will also see the Old Town, the Town Hall and the Fraumünster abbey, home to five world-famou...

Day 12: Depart Zurich

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,479
Price per day$373
Single supplement (single occupancy)$600
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with AMA Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

AMA Waterways Reviews & Ratings

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Other AMA Waterways Reviews

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Karen Schoppe Rublee

Dec 2020

Provided byAMA Waterways

I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times

I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best!...

R

Roberta Millert

Oct 2020

Provided byAMA Waterways

Cancel for any reason

AMA’s “Cancel for any reason” insurance is bogus. It should be called rebook for any reason.

A

Aime Hoffman

Sep 2020

Provided byAMA Waterways

Refund my deposit for the Danube River Cruise

Refund my deposit for the Danube River Cruise. You canceled through 11/17 and our trip was the following week. You know darn well that trip will not happen. You’r...

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Tour Operator

AMA Waterways

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AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising.

AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. All Three brought tremendous experience, knowledge and dedication to the venture. Rudi was one of river cruising’s pioneers, having introduced the modern-day river cruise concept to the market. Kristin brought with her vast sales and customer service experience. And Jimmy Murphy is the founder and former owner of Brendan Vacations. Their combined expertise and passion for the river cruise business results in a river cruise vacation experience that will exceed expectations. With more than 20 different itineraries to choose from, the river cruise vacation of a lifetime awaits with AmaWaterways!

At AmaWaterways, we love what we do — providing our guests with the best travel experiences possible. In fact, “Ama” is derived from the Latin word for “love.” It is a concept that permeates every aspect of our river cruises, from the design of our ships to the development of our itineraries to the high levels of service we deliver to our guests. It is a philosophy that drives our attention to detail, constant innovation and culture of always making our guests our top priority. It is the reason our guests all have a story about why it was the best cruise they’ve ever taken.

What they’re known for
All-inclusive luxury river cruises in Europe and Asia that offer a high level of service and attention to detail.

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Logistics

Ship & cabin information
AmaKristina
The AmaKristina – set to debut in 2017 – is a sister ship to the AmaViola and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 350 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and entertainment on demand; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.
Built: 2017 Built in: Netherlands Length: 443 ft. Width: 38 ft. Crew: 51 Staterooms: 79 Suites: 4 Registry: Switzerland
Deck Pans Suite:
Cancellation policy

In the unfortunate event a participant must cancel travel, notice to AmaWaterways must be via email to Res@AmaWaterways.com, which must include a return receipt and read notation, or other writing stating clearly and correctly each guest’s name, ship name, start and end date of the cruise and a brief statement of the reason for cancellation. Other forms of notice are not sufficient. The effective date of the cancellation is the date we receive the written cancellation notice. Name changes, a substitution of a participant or a reduction in the number of guests in a stateroom are treated as a cancellation in that all applicable cancellation charges apply. Cancellation charges for bookings within charter and part-charter agreements are as per the charter contract. All other cancellation charges are per-person, based on the cancellation date, as follows:

 

  • More than 121 days prior to departure , Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: $200 (Europe & Asia)
  • 120-90 days prior to departure , Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: $400 (Europe & Asia)
  • 89-60 days prior to departure, Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: 35% of cruise and land price
  • 59-30 days prior to departure, Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: 50% of cruise and land price
  • 29-7 days prior to departure, Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: 80% of cruise and land price
  • 6-0 days prior to departure, Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: 100% of cruise and land price
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

11 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners

Age Requirements
36 to 64 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
traveltalktours-ChrRhiAma

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