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Basel at Christmas, Switzerland

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard MS Amalucia
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Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. Cologne’s Christmas Market with its impressive Gothic cathedral backdrop; the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, with its magnificent great Christmas tree; and Heidelberg’s Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town; are all timeless traditions handed down through the centuries. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise two weeks along the Rhine onboard MS Amalucia. 
ViennaIce skating at a Christmas Market in ZurichAmsterdam by nightEhrenfels Castle on Rhine River near RudesheimBicycles on a bridge over the canal.Basel at Christmas, Switzerland
Highlights
  • Visit Zaanse Schanse windmills and village
  • Ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten
  • Enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market
  • Explore Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe
Activities
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, The Netherlands

Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

Day 2: Amsterdam

  • 1 Breakfast
A city tour of Amsterdam provides the perfect overview before enjoying leisure time on your own. 

Day 3: Amsterdam | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Check out of your hotel and before transferring to the ship, visit Zaanse Schanse windmills and village. 

Day 4: Amsterdam

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your scenic canal cruise. Tall narrow homes along the water, the beautiful wooden Skinny Bridge, and the Anne Frank House are some of the highlights you will see. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

Day 5: Cologne, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 and through the historic Stadtgarten, or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce.

Day 6: Rhine Gorge | Rüdesheim

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you have three choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting. Those who wish to soar high above the vineyards can take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Or, for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you have two more options. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments, or taste one of the town’s unique delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. Have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. 

Day 7: Ludwigshafen

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that captures your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along with one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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). 

Day 8: Strasbourg, France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. Afterward, 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 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. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market, where the locals countdown to Christmas every year with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. 

Day 9: Breisach, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire the historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. Those wishing a more active excursion want to cycle through the scenic countryside; or go on a tour to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions and home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles, and quaint towns. 

Day 10: Basel, Switzerland | Disembark | Lucerne

  • 1 Breakfast
After disembarking your ship, go on a highlights tour of Basel before being transferred to Lucerne. Once in Lucerne, get acquainted with the city on a walking tour along with a visit to the Christmas Market before checking into your hotel. 

Day 11: Lucerne

  • 1 Breakfast
The iconic Lion Monument, which you can visit, was sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. It has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries, including Mark Twain, who praised it as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” Visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers dating back to the 13th century. Located around the Musegg Wall area, the towers rise high over the city, giving great panoramic views of Lucerne, the Reuss River, and the surrounding mountain scenery. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. Afterward, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem wandering through its Christmas Market located at the Franziskanerplatz and enjoy the jovial atmosphere with a mug of holiday cheer, glühwein.

Day 12: Lucerne | Zurich

  • 1 Breakfast
Cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, where you can board a motorcoach for a scenic drive through the countryside to Zurich, which seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future. Once in Zurich, check into your hotel.

Day 13: Zurich

  • 1 Breakfast
Join a walking tour of Zurich and as you do experience the magic of the city dressed in her holiday best. Visit Zurich’s Christmas Markets, including the largest indoor Christmas Market in Europe located in Zurich's Main Train Station. An absolute highlight is a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. 

Day 14: Depart Zurich

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. 

Ship/Hotel

MS Amalucia

Pool Area
Spa
Interior

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$5,379

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
  • 13 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 13 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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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
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