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Detailed ornament at a Christmas Market

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amasonata
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Experience a unique and original way to discover the most beloved Christmas markets along the romantic Rhine River. Board the MS Amasonata in Amsterdam and cruise towards Basel, making stops to visit Heidelberg and Cologne's Cathedral and bustling Christmas markets. Enjoy a wine tasting in the medieval Rudesheim, tour the historic university town of Heidelberg, and explore Strasbourg's famous Christmas market - said to be the oldest and best in all France. Conclude your journey in Basel, home to 40 museums and considered the city of culture. 
Old buildings in AmsterdamTake a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas MarketCologne, GermanyPlace Kleber in StrasbourgDetailed ornament at a Christmas Market
Highlights
  • Join a scenic canal cruise and see Amsterdam's narrow homes lining the water
  • Visit the renowned Christmas Market in Cologne's Cathedral Square
  • Admire the castles and fortress ruins along the picturesque Rhine Gorge
  • Visit Strasbourg’s Christmas Market– said to be the oldest in all of France
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Amsterdam, Netherlands | Embark

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

Day 2: Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 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 hiding during WWII. Next, walk to Begijnhof, known for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and have some free time to explore. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour on which you can see the Royal Palace, Westerkerk, and stop for photos at a Dutch windmill before returning to the ship. This afternoon depart for Germany. 

Day 3: Cologne, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The ship arrives in Cologne around lunchtime. You have a guided tour of the city, strolling through the Old Town and Cathedral Square, and visiting the fabled Gothic cathedral. This evening, 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, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, admiring its many castles and fortress ruins and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim where you have the option to take one of three excursions: wine tasting with a local vintner, a gondola ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, or a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to one of Germany's best wine regions. Later you have free time to shop at the town’s Christmas Market and explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous and charming street, a narrow passage lined with shops and taverns. This evening, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to a remarkable collection of old robotic and self-playing musical instruments, or enjoy some Rüdesheimer Coffee. The ship sails overnight. 

Day 5: Mannheim | Heidelberg, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 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 can visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. You can also opt to enjoy Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the medieval Altpörtel (Old Gate), on either a city tour or biking tour. Later , have time to visit the local Christmas Markets. This evening, the ship continues onward to Strasbourg, France.

Day 6: Strasbourg, France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 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 takes you past the Orangery, the European Parliament, and the Place de Republique. Afterwards, explore on foot with a walking tour of the lovely “La Petite France” neighborhood, where you can see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, and have a chance to visit Strasbourg’s famous Christmas Market – said to be the oldest and best in all of France. Your other options are a bike tour to the Old Town, or a hike that starts at the Orangery and makes its way to the cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. The ship moors in Strasbourg overnight. 

Day 7: Breisach, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 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 Market. A second option is a walking tour of the beautiful towns of Breisach and Freiburg, where you may visit the historical city center and Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. You can also visit Christmas Markets here. Your third option is guided bike tour of Breisach that takes you through the Rheinau woods. Tonight, the ship cruises towards Switzerland. 

Day 8: Basel, Switzerland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark your cruise in Basel and catch your independent flight home.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amasonata

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,899
Amasonata E cabin
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Cat. E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata D cabin
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Cat. D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata C
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Cat. C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Amasonata BB cabin
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Cat. BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft
Amasonata BA cabin
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Cat BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft
Amasonata AA cabin
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Cat. AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Cat. AA+
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 250 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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