2024 : Christmas Markets on the Rhine : Amsterdam to Zurich : 7- Night Cruise With 2-Nights Pre-Cruise And 4 Nights Post-Cruise : ms AmaPrima

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

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

    AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

    AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef's Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chai des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chai des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

    A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

    Land Program

  • 2 nights hotel in Amsterdam at the Barbizon Palace or Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (or similar), including walking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne with Basel city highlights tour en route
  • 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar), including walking tour, Lion Monument, Christmas Market and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel in Lucerne to Zurich with scenic Lake Lucerne cruise en route
  • 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel (or similar) including city tour, Christmas Market and daily breakfast

    Detailed Itinerary

    Day 1 : ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
    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 - EMBARKATION
    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 : 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 or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne's traditional Kolsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus-potato pancakes served with applesauce. (B,L,D)

    Day 6 : RHINE GORGE - RUDESHEIM
    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 Musical Instrument Museum, 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 Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)

    Day 8 : 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. 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, GERMANY
    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 Munster, 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, SWITZERLAND - DISEMBARKATION - LUCERNE
    Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in 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 : LUCERNE
    Discover 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 : LUCERNE - ZURICH
    Check out of your hotel and, before transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Once in Zurich, check into your 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. (B)

    Day 14 : DEPART ZURICH
    After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

  • Call (972) 298-5554 for more information or to book today! Mention code 16814423

    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Duration
    14 Days
    Cruise Ship
    ms AmaPrima

    Click for more information on this ship.

    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Amsterdam  
    Day 2Amsterdam  
    Day 3Amsterdam  
    Day 4Amsterdam  
    Day 5Cologne  
    Day 6Rudesheim  
    Day 7Ludwigshafen  
    Day 8Strasbourg  
    Day 9Breisach  
    Day 10Basel  
    Day 11Lucerne  
    Day 12Zurich  
    Day 13Zurich  
    Day 14Zurich  
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    12/09/2024$6,129.00* (USD)Quote
    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$224 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.

      
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