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Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amalucia
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Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the MS Amalucia. Embrace the spirit of the holidays in Europe's most festive season, exploring timeless Christmas Markets from Amsterdam's iconic canals to Switzerland's serene Lake Lucerne and Zurich. Sip steamy gluhwein at Cologne's market, set against the backdrop of its magnificent Gothic cathedral. Discover the enchanting "Capital of Noel" in Strasbourg, home to France's oldest and largest Christmas Market. Wander through Heidelberg's picturesque market, nestled among the historic squares of the Old Town. In Gengenbach, witness the world's largest Advent calendar illuminate the town hall, revealing art-inspired windows each evening. Celebrate the magic of the season as you cruise along the enchanting Rhine.
Basel at Christmas, SwitzerlandExplore the famous vineyards of RudesheimPeaceful canal running through a European townAmsterdam by nightView of Strasbourg cityVienna
Highlights
  • Stroll Heidelberg’s markets and walk along the Philosopher's Path
  • Tour Cologne's Old Town and visit its famous Christmas market
  • Explore Amsterdam's canals and bridges on a guided walking tour
  • Sail the Rhine, visit Rudesheim, and taste local festive delights
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Amsterdam, The Netherlands | Embark

Embark on your enchanting Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise from Amsterdam.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Amsterdam boasts 165 scenic canals, and you have the chance to experience some of them on a relaxing canal cruise. Later in the day, embark on your journey as you sail out of the city.

Day 3: Dusseldorf, Germany

Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you can 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 Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, you can taste Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf 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.

Day 4: Rhine Gorge | Rudesheim

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you 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 worldwide. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola, followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. Before visiting the Christmas Market, you may also join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee.

Day 5: 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. 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).

Day 6: Strasbourg, France

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 can 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. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar.

Day 7: 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 Münster, 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.

Day 8: Basel | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. 

Ship/Hotel

MS Amalucia

Pool Area
Spa
Interior

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Nov 27, 2025from $4,039
  • Dec 4, 2025from $4,139
  • Dec 11, 2025from $4,139
  • Nov 26, 2026from $4,249
  • Dec 3, 2026from $4,449
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Per person starting at
$4,039

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Category D
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E
160 square feet. 4 cabins on Piano Deck, fixed windows.
Category E
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D
160 square feet. 8 cabins on Piano Deck, fixed windows.
Category CB
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CB
155 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony.
Category CA
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CA
170 square feet. 14 cabins on Violin and Cello Deck, French balcony.
Category BB
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BB
210 square feet. 15 cabins on Cello Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category BA
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BA
210 square feet. 12 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category AB
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AB
235 square feet. 10 cabins on Cello Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category AA
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AA
235 square feet. 8 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category Suite
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Suite
350 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony and outside balcony, mini-bar, sofa and two chairs, expansive bathroom with bathtub and separate shower.
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
  • Port Fees
  • 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 

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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.
Lisa Bridge

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