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Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise Land Reverse

From Zurich, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Length: 14 Days - Departs: Mon, Nov 24, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Nov 24, 2025
Arrival
Dec 07, 2025

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

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Save $250 per Active or Retired Military Member

Mention Promo Code: PT2711
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Save $250 per Active or Retired Military Member

Save $250 per Active or Retired Military Member

Promotion Details
Save $250 per active or retired military member or veterans on any of our river cruises, excluding Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises or receive 2-For-1 cruise fares on select 2025 river cruises (ask your Travel Consultant for applicable dates.)
Must Book By Wed, Dec 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Military offers are only applicable to active or retired military or veterans with valid military ID or discharge certificate, and only applies to new FIT and Group reservations. Military $250 Discount is per eligible person, applicable to cruise only; and is combinable with other promotions and discounts available at the time of booking. Military 2-for-1 Cruise Savings is only valid on select sailings and based on double occupancy; and is not combinable with any other promotions. 2-for-1 Cruise Savings applies to the cruise fare only, excluding port charges. Military 10% Single Supplement is applicable to solo travelers in lieu of 2-for-1 Cruise Savings; and is not combinable with any other promotions. Offers are limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, airfares and gratuities are additional.


River Cruise Itinerary

Spend 2 nights in Zurich and 2 nights in Lake Lucerne, followed by a 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam visiting the Rhine'''s grand Christmas Markets

  1. Day 1
    Mon, Nov 24, 2025
    ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
  2. Day 2
    Tue, Nov 25, 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
    Wed, Nov 26, 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
    Thu, Nov 27, 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
    Fri, Nov 28, 2025
    D''SSELDORF, GERMANY. Enjoy a scenic cruise into D''sseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany'''s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe'''s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic D''sseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in D''sseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    Sat, Nov 29, 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 Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town'''s special delights, R''desheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    Sun, Nov 30, 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
    Mon, Dec 01, 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
    Tue, Dec 02, 2025
    BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town'''s wonderful 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
    Wed, Dec 03, 2025
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' LAKE LUCERNE. Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in 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
    Thu, Dec 04, 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
    Fri, Dec 05, 2025
    LAKE LUCERNE ''' ZURICH. Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the '''Queen of the Mountains,''' on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (B)
  13. Day 13
    Sat, Dec 06, 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. Plus, take some time to explore Europe'''s largest indoor Christmas Markets located in the town'''s main railway station and its underground mall as well as other Christmas Markets in this beautiful city. (B)
  14. Day 14
    Sun, Dec 07, 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 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 Daily 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 Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel(or similar) including city tour, Christmas Marketand daily breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel in Zurich to Lucerne with scenicLake Lucerne cruise en route
  • 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel SchweizerhofLucerne (or similar), including walking tour, LionMonument,Christmas Market and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from Lucerne to the ship in Basel with Baselcity highlights tour en route

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

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
4.4
Accommodations
4.5
Itinerary
4.4
Professional Staff
4.6
Repeat with Operator
4.4
Value for Money
4.1

Ratings based off 37 reviews - currently showing 7 reviews with comments only

Just about everything was great. Staff was exceeding going out of their way to please. Loved the blue night light in the bathroom. I don't have a broad taste pallet. Picked almost all of the Chefs recommendations. They were very good. Only minor issues. The duvet was too warm for us. They cordially removed and left sheet only. I don't like the oversized square pillows. They did not have any others. We extended our trip on our own to Luxembourg and Belgium. Embarking at Wasserbillig. We took the train to Luxembourg central station. All public transportation is free in the country of Luxembourg. Taxi would have been over $100. The staff was great about taking our suitcases for the short walk to the station. It's a short walk away. But, UPHILL.! We made the mistake of having the staff take our suitcases up the first steps. Then we found out we had to go to the other side. Taking our suitcases down the steps and fortunately up a ramp on the other side.

The Cruise was very enjoyable.The itinerary, service and the staff was excellent. I would take an Amawaterways cruise again.

Covid has provided many perils for traveling these days, but we truly enjoyed the AMA cruise mainly due to the great expertise of the Cruise Director, whom we had done a cruise with prior. He is amazing at taking a problem and doing a quick solve with the guests not even being aware. There were lots of changes and unexpected challenges that he did work arounds for and the whole crew was fantastic. This cruise is one that is done infrequently compared to AMA's repertoire, but is most delightful and great little towns to see. Highly recommend!

This was my first river cruise, and my only regret is that I've waited as long as I have to do this. The entire AmaWaterways crew -- from the ship captain all the way to the housekeeper -- were outstanding. The ship itself was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and the cabin was well organized and extremely comfortable. I appreciated the variety of available shore excursions, and the local guides were excellent. I'm looking forward to cruising again many times with AmaWaterways.

AmaWaterways provided a wonderful experience - the food, the staff, the excursions and the ship were all top notch!

Food choices and flavors were excellent. Boat decor was upscale and clean. Staff was cheerful efficient and very pleasant. Shore excursions were well managed and local guides excellent. All in all a wonderful cruise experience.

Enjoyed this River Cruise -- will probably do another one!

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