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Christmas on the Rhine - Basel to Amsterdam - 2026

From Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Mon, Dec 07, 2026
Operator
Departure
Dec 07, 2026
Arrival
Dec 14, 2026

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

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All the River Operators Offers & More:

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Your Choice Sale, up to $2000 Credit or Free Beverage Package & Tips

Mention Promo Code: PT3508
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Your Choice Sale, up to $2000 Credit or Free Beverage Package & Tips

Your Choice Sale, up to $2000 Credit or Free Beverage Package & Tips

Promotion Details
For a limited time, receive up to $4000 off, plus choose your bonus savings between up to $1000 onboard credit or a Free Beverage package and Included gratuities. Also, receive our exclusive $400 off per couple and up to $1000 onboard credit. (Not all sailings apply, contact your Travel Consultant for full details.)
Must Book By Tue, Mar 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Your choice of shipboard credit (SBC36) or a FREE beverage package & included gratuities (BEV36). Shipboard credit based on cruise length. Up to 8 days: $500 per couple ($250 per person); 9 to 12 days: $750 per couple ($375 per person); 13+ days: $1,000 per couple ($500 per person). No beverage package on Egypt ships. Excludes World Cruise itineraries. A limited-time $25 per person deposit is due at time of booking for all featured itineraries; remaining deposit is due with final payment (excludes World Cruise itineraries). Oceans: Save up to $4,000 per couple ($2,000 per person) based on select departures and categories of Viking Homelands; British Isles & Ireland; South America & the Chilean Fjords; Australia & New Zealand and Australia, Asia & Alaska; other itineraries, dates and categories may vary. FREE roundtrip international airfare based on select departures of Grand Australia Circumnavigation. FREE roundtrip airfare based on select departures of Panama Canal & Central America. Rivers: Save up to $4,000 per couple ($2,000 per person) based on select departures and categories of Grand European Tour, Cities of Light and Rhine & Main Explorer. FREE roundtrip international airfare based on select departures of Grand European Tour; Magnificent Mekong; France’s Finest; London, Paris & D-Day; Capitals of Eastern Europe; European Sojourn and Pharaohs & Pyramids. FREE roundtrip airfare based on select departures of featured Mississippi River itineraries. Expeditions: Save up to $4,000 per couple ($2,000 per person) based on select departures and categories of Antarctic Explorer. FREE roundtrip international airfare based on select departures of Antarctic Explorer, Chilean Fjords & Scenic Shores and Panama Canal & the Americas. FREE roundtrip airfare based on select departures of Niagara & the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Treasures and Canada & East Coast Explorer. FREE Airfare offer available from most gateways and is subject to change: Based on inventory availability at time of purchase and may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. 2027–2028 Viking World Cruise: A limited-time reduced deposit of 10% is due within 7 days of booking; pay in full by May 15, 2027. 2028 Arctic to Antarctic Explorer: A limited-time reduced deposit of 10% is due within 7 days of booking; pay in full by February 15, 2028.

Exclusive, $400 Off + up to $1000 Onboard Credit

Mention Promo Code: PT3013
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Exclusive, $400 Off + up to $1000 Onboard Credit

Exclusive, $400 Off + up to $1000 Onboard Credit

Promotion Details
Only at AffordableTours.com will you save an additional $400 per couple ($200 per person) and up to $1000 onboard credit on any Viking cruise.
Must Book By Thu, Dec 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Offer applies to new bookings deposited from April 9, 2024 and is capacity controlled which may be removed at any moment without notice. Promotion is not combinable with Viking vouchers. Offer is combinable with all Viking offers Additional restrictions apply. Onboard credit amount varies by length of cruise and has no monetary value and is non-refundable and non-transferable, may not be used toward service charges, cannot be redeemed for cash, and unused portions will become void after sailing is complete.

Exclusive, $200 Onboard Credit on All Sailings

Mention Promo Code: PT3655
Promotion Image

Exclusive, $200 Onboard Credit on All Sailings

Exclusive, $200 Onboard Credit on All Sailings

Promotion Details
Book during our exclusive sale and receive $200 onboard credit per stateroom ($100 per person) on all available voyages.
Must Book By Tue, Mar 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Shipboard Credit: $100 shipboard credit offer is per person and is only valid on new FIT bookings reserved February 1- March 31, 2026. This shipboard credit is only eligible for bookings made within the booking window provided above. No cash value. Booking must be deposited for offer to be valid. Valid for departure dates of river and ocean voyages. Not applicable to Viking Tours or any other Viking itineraries or products. Shipboard credits are not applicable on group bookings or any bookings sailing within 60 days. Viking hotel stays during cruisetours and pre- or post-cruise extension packages are not eligible. Additional terms and conditions apply; contact your Travel Advisor for details. Promotion expires February 28, 2026. Viking reserves the right to correct errors and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time.

Save 2% On Your River Cruise!

Mention Promo Code: PT2191
Promotion Image

Save 2% On Your River Cruise!

Save 2% On Your River Cruise!

Promotion Details
Enjoy the convenience of paying for your trip by echeck and save 2%. (Speak with your Travel Consultant for full details.)
Combinable with all current offers
Must Book By Thu, Dec 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

You may use echeck to pay for your Viking cruise or cruisetour, and for airfare. Every dollar paid for cruise, air, taxes, fees or surcharges can be paid by echeck, including regular-priced itineraries and airfare, any special offers or Viking Air Plus services to receive a 2% discount. Additional restrictions may apply.

Spring Sale, Reduced Air + Special Fares & $400 Off

Mention Promo Code: PT3664
Promotion Image

Spring Sale, Reduced Air + Special Fares & $400 Off

Spring Sale, Reduced Air + Special Fares & $400 Off

Promotion Details
Book now and receive reduced airfare + special fares with just $25 deposits per person. Plus, receive our additional $400 off per couple and up to $1000 onboard credit per stateroom. (Not all dates are applicable, contact your Travel Consultant for full details.)
Must Book By Tue, Mar 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

2026-2028 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES: Offer applies to bookings made from March 1-31, 2026. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn, Capitals of Eastern Europe, London, Paris & D-Day, Pharaohs & Pyramids, Magnificent Mekong. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2026: Pay in full by May 7th, 2026. 2027: Pay in full by July 31st, 2026. 2028: Pay in full by February 15, 2027. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires March 31, 2026. $25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to June 2026 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to August 2026 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details. AIR UPGRADE: Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business at additional cost based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit Airline Luggage Restrictions. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page. AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS: Offer expires March 31, 2026. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Passenger Ticket Contract. NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Basel
    Mon, Dec 07, 2026

    A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland's best-kept secret. During the holiday season, the medieval Old Town is transformed into a magical yuletide affair. Cobblestone streets are lined with wooden chalet-style huts selling all manner of festive treats and gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a warming cup of aromatic glühwein in a decorated boot-shaped mug. Hand-carved tree decorations, cheerfully painted ceramics and delicious food are sold from stalls throughout the city.

  2. Day 2
    Breisach
    Tue, Dec 08, 2026

    In the heart of Breisach's old town with a backdrop of the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen's cathedral, the Weinachtsmarkt is a highlight of the season. Steaming aromatic glühwein served in decorated mugs, alongside tasty yuletide treats, is sold from festive wooden huts and taverns, keeping visitors warm as they browse market stalls for gifts and handicrafts. The nearby Black Forest provides a fairy-tale atmosphere; its towering, snow-covered spruce trees resemble a winter wonderland.

  3. Day 3
    Strasbourg
    Wed, Dec 09, 2026

    Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city's cathedral square taking center stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city's Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colorful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d'epices (gingerbread).

  4. Day 4
    Rüdesheim
    Thu, Dec 10, 2026

    Located in the picturesque Rhine Valley, Rüdesheim is brimming with festive cheer. The vibrant Drosselgasse, a narrow alleyway lined with decorated restaurants and bars, is the perfect place to explore and immerse in the spirit of the holiday season. Traditional Rhineland music provides the backdrop to a tankard of Christmas beer. Market stalls offer an array of tasty morsels from various nations, and local artisans demonstrate their talents with displays of unique, handcrafted gifts.

  5. Day 5
    Koblenz
    Fri, Dec 11, 2026

    Koblenz is a traditional German country town with a wine heritage that spans centuries; a key ingredient for the warming glühweinthat is served from taverns and market stalls during the holiday season. The scent of cinnamon, cloves and spices waft from steaming mugs as the sounds of festivities fill the air from one of the many musical performances, creating a toe-tapping atmosphere. Centered around the Schängel fountain, the Koblenz Christmas market offers all the flavors of the yuletide season from its famous Christmas bakery.

  6. Day 6
    Cologne
    Sat, Dec 12, 2026

    Themed winter markets feature across Cologne during the holiday season, inviting visitors to browse colorful market stalls for handmade gifts, beautiful artwork and colorful crafts. The towering Gothic Cologne Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop to the city's festivities and array of offerings from its red wooden stalls. Beneath the pointed roofs of Cologne harbor's tented market, unique crafted goods are displayed amid the twinkling lights of boats bobbing in the marina.

  7. Day 7
    Scenic Sailing: Waal & Merwede
    Sun, Dec 13, 2026

    Sail the bucolic waters of the Rhine, deep into the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt Delta, as classic Dutch landscapes unfurl all around. Flat farmland, charming windmills and svelte poplar trees line the shores, and vast tracts of land stretch in all directions, growing all manner of bounty, from tomatoes to tulips. Gaze upon Friesian cows and tidy villages with their neatly laid farmhouses and marvel at how much of this land was reclaimed from the sea, with the aid of traditional windmills and the construction of dikes.

  8. Day 8
    Amsterdam
    Mon, Dec 14, 2026

    Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.

Countries Visited

France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Rivers Visited

Rhine

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Inclusions

8 Days 8 Guided Tours / 4 Countries

Daily Shore Excursions: 8 included guided tours
Port Charges: Included on all itineraires

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

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
4.3
Accommodations
4.4
Itinerary
4.4
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.2
Value for Money
4.2

Ratings based off 29 reviews - currently showing 5 reviews with comments only

Our cruise was complicated by record low river levels in Europe. Instead of doing the entire journey on one ship we ended up on three ships with bus connections made to get us around the stretches of river where ships could not pass. The Viking staff did a great job of minimizing the inconvenience of the situation and ensure that we missed nothing in our original itinerary. I was very impressed by their professionalism and dedication to customer service. Our trip was still memorable and we would definitely travel with Viking again.

I loved Viking. Everything was top notch.

Great trip. A lot of boat time, but saw many beautiful sights during shore excursions. Food on-board was excellent, but would have preferred more local cuisine options.

The crew on the Viking Baldur did an excellent job of pampering us and on many occasions even anticipating our needs on our recent cruise. We were truly amazed at their focus on taking care of their guests. The food prepared was excellent at every meal, along with the many regional favorites that were prepared for the meals or at several of the informational seminars that were presented on board. The crew had to deal with several unplanned challenges during the cruise and did a great job of ensuring planned activities were not missed along with ensuring the safety of the guests during a passenger departure at an unplanned remote location.

We thoroughly enjoyed the entire process and the trip was awesome!

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Viking. 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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