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

  • 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 packages
  • 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 Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaine 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 Hotels (or similar), including walking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfast.
  • Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne with Basel city tour en route
  • 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar), including walking tour, Lion Monument and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the hotel in Lucerne to Zurich with scenic Lake Lucerne cruise
  • 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Hotel Marriott Zurich (or similar), including city tour 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, 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.

    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Amsterdam  
    Day 2Amsterdam  
    Day 3Amsterdam  
    Day 4Amsterdam  
    Day 5Dusseldorf  
    Day 6Rudesheim  
    Day 7Ludwigshafen  
    Day 8Strasbourg  
    Day 9Breisach  
    Day 10Basel  
    Day 11Lake Lucerne  
    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
    12/18/2025$6,829.00* (USD)Quote
    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.

      
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