2023 : Christmas Markets on the Rhine : 7-Night Cruise with 4 Nights Pre-Cruise : Zurich to Amsterdam : ms AmaPrima
Overview
CRUISE FROM : Amsterdam to Basel
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world's most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy gluhwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noel," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg's majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world's largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
RIVERS: Rhine
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
At A Glance
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 : ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLand
Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.
Day 2 : ZURICH
Set alongside a gleaming lake and framed by the Alps, Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future-all of which will be on full display during your city tour. See Grossmunster Abbey; St. Peter, which boasts the world's largest church clock face; Old Town; Town Hall; and Fraumunster Abbey. Experience the magic of Zurich 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. (B)
Day 3 : ZURICH - LUCERNE
Check out of your hotel for a scenic drive past three lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Afterwards, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 4 : LUCERNE
Take a walking tour of Lucerne soaking up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem. The iconic Lion Monument, which you'll 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." You'll also 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, gluhwein. (B)
Day 5 : LUCERNE - BASEL - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Before boarding the ship, you'll go on a highlights tour of the city. One of Switzerland's most cosmopolitan cities, Basel is home to 40 museums (the highest concentration in the nation), a picturesque Old Town and richly decorated Market Square, a 500-year-old Rathaus (town hall) and Switzerland's oldest zoo (built in 1870 and home to 600 animal species and exotic flora). (B,D)
Day 6 : 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 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 Munster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmarik 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 Ile, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely "La Petite France" district, where you will see the Cathedrale de Notre 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : LUDWIGSHAFEN- RUDESHEIM
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 Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). Later in the day, sail to Rudesheim where you can taste local wine or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 9 : RUDESHEIM - RHINE GORGE
Your exploration of Rudesheim continues with your choice of excursions. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg; or hike through the town's beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)
Day 10 : COLOGNE
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 Kolsch beer and Reibekuchen-potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)
Day 11 : AMSTERDAM, NETHERLandS
Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the "Venice of the North" and admire the historic architecture along the way. Then, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafes. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B,L,D)
Day 12 : DISEMBARKATION - DEPART AMSTERDAM
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Call (517) 548-3151 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17413556
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 9/30/2023
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaPrima
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Zurich | ||
| Day 2 | Zurich | ||
| Day 3 | Lucerne | ||
| Day 4 | Lucerne | ||
| Day 5 | Basel | ||
| Day 6 | Breisach | ||
| Day 7 | Strasbourg | ||
| Day 8 | Rudesheim | ||
| Day 9 | Rhine Gorge | ||
| Day 10 | Cologne | ||
| Day 11 | Amsterdam | ||
| Day 12 | Amsterdam |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Notes:
Christmas Markets NoticeMost Christmas Markets open during the last week of November and remain open until approximately Dec. 22. Check with each country's tourist office for more information.
ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges not included in cruise price$196 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
BeddingPlease 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.
