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Ice skating at a Christmas Market in Zurich

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard MS Amaprima
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Join the MS Amaprima on a wonderful 14-day christmas theme voyage. Start your cruise in Amsterdam and tour her renowned canals. Next, visit Heidelberg and Cologne, famous for its majestic Cathedral and bustling Christmas markets. Weave through the fabled Black Forest region and the Alsace region as you make your way toward Basel, then disembark your ship, MS Amaprima, for a visit to two of Switzerland's loveliest cities, Lucerne and Zürich, where you can enjoy a lake excursion, magical Christmas markets, and pristine alpine vistas.
Detailed ornament at a Christmas MarketWander a cozy Christmas MarketChristmas Markets on the RhineChristmas markets on the RhineViennaIce skating at a Christmas Market in Zurich
Highlights
  • Cruise through the canals of Amsterdam, the "Venice of the North"
  • Tour Cologne, Germany and browse the festive Christmas market
  • Visit the historic Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim
  • Explore the streets and monuments of Lucerne, Switzerland
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

Check out of your hotel and before transferring to the ship, visit Zaanse Schanse windmills and village.

Day 4: Amsterdam

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 a few of the highlights you can see. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

Day 5: Cologne, Germany

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 | Rudesheim

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will 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 special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. 

Day 7: 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. 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). 

Day 8: 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. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where every year the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. 

Day 9: Breisach, Germany

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 wants to cycle through the scenic countryside; or go on an excursion to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as 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, visit was sculpted in memory for 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. Afterwards, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem wandering through its Christmas Market located at the Franziskanerplatz and enjoy the festive 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 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 Amaprima

Relaxing at the pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Rhine River Cruises.
Category E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 148 sq. ft.
Category D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 148 sq. ft.
Category C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Category BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Category BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Category AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Category AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Category AA+
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 290 sq. ft.
Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
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
  • 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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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
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