Enchanting Rhine (Taste of Christmas)
Coming to life with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters at the start of the holiday season. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste seasonal flavors such as glühwein , and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. From the majestic Swiss Alps to Amsterdam’s colorful canals, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive on board and on shore along the Rhine during this Festive Delights river cruise.
This river cruise journeys through Switzerland, Germany, France and Netherlands, calling at Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim, Monheim, Utrecht and Amsterdam.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLucia, AmaSofia and 2 sister ships.
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.
- 16 Nov 2028 – 23 Nov 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 18 Nov 2028 – 25 Nov 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 19 Nov 2028 – 26 Nov 2028
from $5,463 pp twin share * - 24 Dec 2028 – 31 Dec 2028
from $6,914 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Basel
EMBARKATION – BASEL, SWITZERLAND. Embark on your journey down the Rhine along the vibrant streets of Basel and settle into life on the river. As the ship sets sail, enjoy your first glimpse of Switzerland’s best brews meeting fellow travelers at a festive welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Breisach
BREISACH, GERMANY. In Breisach, step into a festive winter wonderland with a stroll through the enchanting 16th-century streets of Colmar, admire its historic architecture, or embrace the season with a bike ride through the scenic countryside or a hike amid the vineyards and unique landscapes of the Kaiserstuhl.
Day 3 – Strasbourg
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. In Strasbourg, the magic of the holidays comes alive as you wander the storybook streets of UNESCO-listed La Petite France, marvel at the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame, or glide through the festive city and Parc de l’Orangerie on a guided bike tour.
Day 4 – Ludwigshafen
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM. From Ludwigshafen, begin your journey through Germany’s heart with a visit to Heidelberg’s fairy-tale castle or the historic streets of Speyer. Later, sail to Rüdesheim and soak in the festive spirit with Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or a warming Rüdesheimer Coffee made with brandy.
Day 5 – Rüdesheim
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE. Enjoy the holiday spirit of Rüdesheim. Glide above the vineyards on a gondola to the Niederwalddenkmal and drink in sweeping views of the winding Rhine, savor the festive flavors of Riesling among sunlit vines, or pedal through the town’s charming streets and verdant vineyards. In the afternoon, sail through the storybook Rhine Gorge, where fabled castles perch on every hill, before stepping ashore to explore the majestic Lahneck Castle in Lahnstein.
Day 6 – Monheim
MONHEIM – DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY. Start your day in Monheim with a choice of a half- or full-day tour of Cologne, exploring the enchanting Old Town and the majestic UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, then continue to Düsseldorf for a festive walking tour or an active bike ride through the city streets, soaking in the holiday lights and seasonal cheer.
Day 7 – Utrecht
UTRECHT – AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. Begin your journey through Utrecht with a leisurely walking tour or a special beer tasting, then set sail on a scenic cruise to Amsterdam and glide through its iconic canals, soaking in festive lights, charming gabled houses, and the cozy glow of cafés offering Dutch specialties.
Day 8 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.
Highlights
- Guided walking tours and bike rides included across many stops
- Choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest excursions
- Beautifully decorated river ship with festive welcome dinner on embarkation
Coming to life with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters at the start of the holiday season. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste seasonal flavors such as glühwein , and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. From the majestic Swiss Alps to Amsterdam’s colorful canals, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive on board and on shore along the Rhine during this Festive Delights river cruise.
This river cruise journeys through Switzerland, Germany, France and Netherlands, calling at Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim, Monheim, Utrecht and Amsterdam.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLucia, AmaSofia and 2 sister ships.
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.
Inclusions
- Colmar Walking Tour.
- Kaiserstuhl hike.
- Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour.
- “The Gem of the Alsace” Tour.
- Strasbourg Bike Tour.
- “Romantic Heidelberg” Excursion.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLucia, AmaSofia and 2 sister ships.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category CA
- Category CB
- Category D
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 16 Nov 2028 and 31 Dec 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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