2025 : Captivating Rhine (Taste of Christmas) : 7-Night Cruise With 2-Nights Amsterdam Pre-Cruise And 2 Nights Lake Lucerne, 2 Nights Zurich Post-Cruise : Amsterdam to Zurich : ms AmaViola

Overview
Cruise From: Amsterdam to Basel
Aglow with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters. Experience the allure of France's Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Discover Breisach, the twinkling Christmas lights strung throughout the charming town, and Freiburg, one of Germany's picturesque cities and gateway to the Black Forest. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors-Rudesheimer coffee and Christmas Markets' gluhwein-and to touch history up close with guided walking tour and active excursions. From Amsterdam's colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive in select markets along the Rhine during this Taste of Christmas Markets cruise.
Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city
COUNTRIES:France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
RIVERS:Rhine
Captivating Rhine (Taste of Christmas)
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 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, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops 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 enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : DESSELDORF
As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Dusseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day's excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : RHINE GORGE - REDESHEIM
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : LUDWIGSHAFEN
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-and the medieval Old Gate, Altportel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique before walking through its iconic 'La Petite France'district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (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 Colmar. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)
*Please Note: Black Forest Hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.
Day 10 : BASEL, SWITZERLAND - DISEMBARKATION - LAKE LUCERNE
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once at Lake Lucerne, discover the unrivaled beauty and charm of this pristine city on a walking tour. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 11 : LAKE LUCERNE
Today, stop at the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. You'll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)
Day 12 : LAKE LUCERNE - ZURICH
Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. 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. (B)
Day 14 : DEPART ZURICH
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Call (773) 509-1300 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18908544
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaViola
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 | Rudesheim | ||
| Day 7 | Ludwigshafen | ||
| Day 8 | Strasbourg | ||
| Day 9 | Breisach | ||
| Day 10 | Basel | ||
| Day 11 | Lake Lucerne | ||
| Day 12 | Zurich | ||
| Day 13 | Zurich | ||
| Day 14 | Zurich |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
NOTES:
Important Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges (included in cruise price) $240 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise 50% 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, include port fees and are based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offers are 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. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

