2025 : Christmas Markets on the Rhine : 7- Night Cruise With 2-Nights Pre-Cruise And 4 Nights Post-Cruise : Amsterdam to Zurich : ms AmaStella
Overview
CRUISE FROM : Luxembourg to Nuremberg
From the meandering Main to the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its multitude of castles dotting its shores to the vineyard-clad hills of the Moselle, enjoy Europe at its most picturesque. Let the storybook villages-Bernkastel, Cochem and Wertheim-captivate you; and Rothenburg, located on the Romantic Road enchant you. Marvel at the world's largest ceiling fresco in the Wurzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Savor the many flavors of Germany with a chance to sample the world-famous wines of the Rheingau and the hearty smoked beer of Bamberg. All along the way, gain an intimate understanding of the history and culture of the places you visit.
COUNTRIES : Germany, Luxembourg
RIVERS : Rhine, Moselle, Main, Main-Danube Canal
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Included Features
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Land Program
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2 : Amsterdam
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
Day 3 : Amsterdam
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)
Day 4 : Amsterdam
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. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : Dusseldorf
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Dusseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Home to one of Germany s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Then visit one of Europe s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Or explore historic Dusseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Dusseldorf that is 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. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : Rhine Gorge
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Once in Rudesheim, 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 Rudesheim 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 Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town s special delights, Rudesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
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. 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 M nze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)
Day 8 : Strasbourg
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsm rik 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 le, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely La Petite France district, where you will see the Cath drale de N tre 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. (B,L,D)
Day 9 : Breisach
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 M nster, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 10 : Basel
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 11 : Lake Lucerne
Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. (B)
Day 12 : Lake Lucerne
Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the Queen of the Mountains, on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (B)
Day 13 : Zurich
Switzerland s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Plus, take some time to explore Europe s largest indoor Christmas Markets located in the town s main railway station and its underground mall as well as other Christmas Markets in this beautiful city. (B)
Day 14 : Zurich
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Call (207) 892-2246 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17533358
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2023
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaStella
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | ||
| Day 2 | Amsterdam | ||
| Day 3 | Amsterdam | ||
| Day 4 | Amsterdam | ||
| Day 5 | Dusseldorf | ||
| Day 6 | Rhine Gorge | ||
| Day 7 | Ludwigshafen | ||
| Day 8 | Strasbourg | ||
| Day 9 | Breisach | ||
| Day 10 | Basel | ||
| Day 11 | Lake Lucerne | ||
| Day 12 | Lake Lucerne | ||
| Day 13 | Zurich | ||
| Day 14 | Zurich |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Notes:
Important Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges not included in cruise price $231 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for Land A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
Bedding Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
Terms & Conditions:
All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
