Christmas Markets On The Rhine from $2,649

River Cruise Team > AMA Waterways > Christmas Markets On The Rhine from $2,649

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)

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)

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce. (B,L,D)

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have four choices of excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting or go on a hike through the vineyards. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola. Later in the evening, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas market. (B,L,D)

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. Alternatively, you can 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 Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik 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 Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre 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. (B,L,D)

Visit Basel, one of Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan cities. On your walking tour, admire the city’s 40 museums, a picturesque Old Town and richly decorated Market Square and a 500-year-old Rathaus (town hall). Alternatively, those wishing a more active excursion will want to bike along the Rhône River. Explore whimsical Lucerne, situated where the Reuss River flows into Lake Lucerne, where you can admire its small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and frescoed buildings. (B,L,D)

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)