Have questions? We're here.
Wander a cozy Christmas Market

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amacerto
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Rhine River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Begin your winter adventure in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s legendary canals and colorful holiday surroundings. Embark upon an enchanting 7-night Rhine River cruise on the MS Amacerto that takes you through the fabled Black Forest region and the Alsace region. Visit Heidelberg and Cologne, famous for its majestic Cathedral and bustling Christmas markets. Disembark your journey in Basel.
Detailed ornament at a Christmas MarketChristmas markets on the RhineChristmas Markets on the RhineChristmas markets on the RhineWander a cozy Christmas Market
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 capital of the Alsace region in France, Strasbourg
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Amsterdam | Embark

  • 1 Dinner
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. 

Day 2: Amsterdam

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

Day 3: Cologne

  • 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 or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce

Day 4: Rhine Gorge Rüdesheim

  • 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 will 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 from around the world. 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. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. 

Day 5: Ludwigshafen

  • 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 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. 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 6: Strasbourg

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

Day 7: Breisach

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate, followed by a visit to its charming 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 Amacerto

AmaCerto-Fitness
AmaCerto-Salon

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,699 2-3 travelers

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Cat E
Piano Deck, Fixed Window. 148 sq.ft.
Cat D
Piano Deck, Fixed Windows. 148 sq.ft.
Cat C
Violin & Cello Deck, French Balcony. 170 sq.ft.
Cat BB
Cello Deck, French & Outside Balcony. 210 sq.ft.
Cat BA
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 210 sq.ft.
Cat AB
Cello Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 235 sq.ft.
Cat AA
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 235 sq.ft.
Cat AA+
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 290 sq.ft.
Suite
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 350 sq.ft.
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
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Bike tours and hikes
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 

Map

When to Go

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

Top Rhine River Travel Destinations

Rhine River Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Rhine River

Rhine River Trips by Duration

Rhine River Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By