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Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise Only Reverse

From Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Wed, Dec 17, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Dec 17, 2025
Arrival
Dec 24, 2025

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

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Complimentary Land Package

Mention Promo Code: PT3315
Promotion Image

Complimentary Land Package

Complimentary Land Package

Promotion Details
For a limited time, receive a complimentary 2-, 3-, or 4-night land package before or after select 2025 and 2026 Europe river cruises. Plus, this offer is combinable with special AirPlus fixed rates on airfare – a great value on your entire journey. (Not all packages are applicable, contact your Travel Consultant for details.)
Must Book By Mon, Jun 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Complimentary Land Package offer is valid on new FIT and Group reservations made March 31 - June 30, 2025; applies to select 2025 and 2026 Europe sailings. Tour Operators are eligible; additional restrictions apply. Certain sailings and/or land packages may not be available due to special local events. Not all advertised Land Packages are eligible for this offer – details advised at the time of booking. Additional land packages associated with the itineraries mentioned are also available at an additional cost. Complimentary Land is only valid with the purchase of a participating cruise at full fare. Hotel to/from ship transfer is included with eligible complimentary land package. Airport arrival and departures transfers are not included but may be purchased at an additional cost. Offer is combinable with AirPlus Rates, Combination Cruise Savings, Referral Savings, Loyalty Savings and Future Cruise Benefit Program. Solo Travelers must pay full cruise fare, inclusive of full fare single supplement rates, in order to receive complimentary land on eligible land packages. Offer is not applicable to travel advisors and does not apply to industry rates or other offers deemed by AmaWaterways. We will seek to use hotels listed (if any) on your confirmation. Changes may be necessary; therefore, hotel brand name listed on invoice is not guaranteed. An effort will be made to substitute similar hotels, but the level of similarity may vary. When possible, AmaWaterways will book guests traveling together on conjunction bookings in the same hotel if the requests are made. All requests are subject to availability. AmaWaterways will provide the confirmed details for the hotel approximately 3-4 weeks prior to departure, when Digital Travel Documents are available. Must request promo code FREELAND-PRE or FREELAND-POST at time of booking for double occupancy. Other optional land packages, visas, airfares and gratuities are additional. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Other restrictions apply.

Save $250 per Active or Retired Military Member

Mention Promo Code: PT2711
Promotion Image

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
    Wed, Dec 17, 2025
    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS ''' EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)
  2. Day 2
    Thu, Dec 18, 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)
  3. Day 3
    Fri, Dec 19, 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)
  4. Day 4
    Sat, Dec 20, 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)
  5. Day 5
    Sun, Dec 21, 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)
  6. Day 6
    Mon, Dec 22, 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)
  7. Day 7
    Tue, Dec 23, 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)
  8. Day 8
    Wed, Dec 24, 2025
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND ''' DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Countries Visited

Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Germany

Rivers Visited

Rhine, Danube

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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
4.6
Accommodations
4.9
Itinerary
4.4
Professional Staff
4.8
Repeat with Operator
4.5
Value for Money
4.4

Ratings based off 28 reviews - currently showing 8 reviews with comments only

Our AMAWaterways cruise manager, was informative, extremely engaging, and very welcoming and helpful. The boat was beautiful and service was impeccable.

AMA waterways provided a quality experience. The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly.

We booked the cruise and extensions which was 24 days. Evidentially, this trip could have been booked in segments which we were not aware of as the coming and going of various groups was very strange throughout. We started in Prague, always a great adventure. We were to go to Nuremberg, but due to low water were bused to the ship departure, Vilshofen, with options to hit the first two ports we missed by bus as excursions. Other folks joined from Vienna, a large group came onboard, and we were nearly at max going down the river. All but 18 people left at Budapest, including the Cruise Director. At that point we found out the second portion was a Wine Cruise with a different name, new director, and new passengers came aboard bringing us to capacity once again. So this became two cruises, actually, with totally different passengers on each except the original 18. As we continued for the extension, there were 40 of us until the end in Bucharest. One can see how this was rather disfunctional and more like a train ride with customers joining and departing continuously. Never knew who would be at dinner the next night. This may work from a business point, but very confusing to those that just purchased a single cruise with extensions and enjoyed meeting folks as we sailed down the river. Had I known there would be such a revolving door would have researched better and re-evaluated my choice. AMA, as always did a superb job, but the logistics of this whole adventure must have been a nightmare and stressful for the staff. Vacations need continuity.

All the arrangements were made through Affordable Tours and everything went as planned.

The trip was outstanding. Very professional staff and excellent accommodations.

River cruise with AmaWaterways was great. No problems. It was a great cruise.

Everything was included in the price of this tour including the off shore excursions. There were so many excursions that the week went by very quick.

It was freezing cold and yet still a fantastic vacation!

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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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