Karen Gill & Anie Chevrier known in the travel industry often as "The Travel Wives" found a passion together in river cruising when they sailed "The Danube" together. So its time to bring our husbands along on on another sailing!
Co-Owners of Plan A Vacation
Co-Owners of The Travel Boutique
A Rhine River Christmas Markets River Cruise is a magical and enchanting experience. The Rhine River flows through several European countries, including Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, and during the Christmas season, many towns and cities along the river host festive Christmas markets.
Overall, a Rhine River Christmas Markets River Cruise is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. It combines the charm of Christmas markets with scenic river views, festive entertainment, and culinary delights, making it a memorable and joyful experience for travelers.
What to Expect!
Here's what you can expect on a Rhine River Christmas Markets River Cruise:
Christmas Markets: The highlight of the cruise is visiting the charming Christmas markets along the Rhine River. These markets are adorned with beautiful decorations, twinkling lights, and the aroma of mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts fill the air. You'll find numerous stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, local delicacies, and other festive goodies. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and pick up unique souvenirs.
Scenic Views: As you cruise along the Rhine River, you'll be treated to stunning views of picturesque landscapes, historic castles, and charming riverside towns. The winter scenery adds an extra layer of beauty to the journey, with snow-covered hills and frosty landscapes creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Festive Entertainment: Onboard the river cruise ship, you'll enjoy various forms of entertainment that capture the holiday spirit. There might be live music performances, carol singing, and themed parties. The ship's interiors are often beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a festive ambiance throughout your journey.
Culinary Delights: During the cruise, you'll be able to indulge in a wide array of delicious food and drinks. Apart from the local specialties available at the Christmas markets, the onboard dining options typically feature seasonal menus with traditional Christmas dishes. You may have the chance to try regional delicacies and festive treats like roasted meats, stollen (a traditional German fruitcake), and spiced cookies.
Shore Excursions: In addition to visiting the Christmas markets, the cruise may offer shore excursions to nearby towns and attractions. These excursions provide the opportunity to explore historic sites, visit museums, and experience the local culture and traditions. Some popular destinations along the Rhine River include Cologne, Strasbourg, Basel, and Amsterdam.
CRUISE FROM : BASEL TO AMSTERDAM
Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River holiday fantasy. Explore the canal-laden city of Amsterdam in all its seasonal glory, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Wander the stalls of France’s oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg and explore the restaurants, open-air wine gardens, and Christmas Market of Drosselgasse, the cultural heart of Rüdesheim. Sail aboard an elegantly decorated ship through cities and towns brimming with beautiful decor, glittering Christmas trees and holiday spirit. Plus, enjoy festive onboard traditions and an exquisite holiday feast with all the trimmings on every Christmas Markets departure. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a Christmas miracle.
COUNTRIES: FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND
RIVERS: RHINE
Please note all port timings are SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
November 25, 2024
EMBARKATION DAY
Embark your ship in Basel, Switzerland for your Castles, Swiss Alps & Christmas Markets river cruise. (D)
3:00 PM EMBARK BASEL SWITZERLAND
11:59 PM OVERNIGHT BASEL SWITZERLAND
November 26, 2024
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland's third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center. Basel's glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Both tours offer free time to visit Basel's Christmas Markets. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lake Lucerne or spend your afternoon there. Lake Lucerne is known for its Lion Monument - the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 - which Mark Twain described as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." Whether you chose the full-day excursion or the half-day tour to Lake Lucerne, you'll also see Lake Lucerne's spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century, plus enjoy free times to enjoy the Christmas Markets. (B,L,D) (Lunch included if staying on the ship.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Basel
"City of Art" tour with Christmas Markets
OR
Three countries bike tour
Lucerne
Full-Day Lake Lucerne excursion with Christmas Markets
OR
Lake Lucerne with Christmas Markets
6:30 PM DEPARTURE BASEL SWITZERLAND
November 27, 2024
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its border 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 Petit France" district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale.
Wander through charming streets past the Cathedral de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets.
Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Par de l'Orangerie. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town of Gengenback stroll through the town's narrow streets full of half-timbered houses.
Enjoy the Gengerbach Christmas Market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th century town hall. (B,L,D)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Strasbourg
"The Gem of Alsace" tour and Christmas Markets
OR
Gengenbach Christmas Market Tour
9:00 AM ARRIVAL STRASBOURG FRANCE
11:00 PM DEPARTURE STRASBOURG FRANCE
November 28, 2024
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Necker 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. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the Festive Christmas Markets. 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. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas Markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft and even a submarine@ Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops.
Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rudesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards/ Or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ludwigshafen
Heidelberg tour and Christmas markets
OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets
OR Heidelberg Philosopher's hike
OR Ladenburg bike tour
Wine Tasting
OR Rudesheimer coffee
08:00 AM ARRIVAL LUDWIGSHAFEN GERMANY
2:00 PM DEPARTURE LUDWIGSHAFEN GERMANY
7:30 PM ARRIVAL RÜDESHEIM GERMANY
11:59 PM OVERNIGHT RÜDESHEIM GERMANY
November 29, 2024
Let Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town's cultural heart, and the Christmas Markets.
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, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
HIGHLIGHTS
Rudesheim
Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Gondola ride and Christmas Market
OR Vineyard Hike
OR Guided bike tour of Rheingau
Rhine Gorge - Castles along the Rhine Scenic Cruising
Lahnstein - Unique Lahneck Castle Visit
12:30 PM DEPARTURE RÜDESHEIM GERMANY
Sailing the Rhine Gorge enjoying the many castles!
4:00 PM ARRIVAL LAHNSTEIN GERMANY
11:59 PM OVERNIGHT LAHNSTEIN GERMANY
November 30, 2024
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, and see other local sights. During your free time, browse through the city's most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kolsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
HIGHLIGHTS
Cologne
"Holy City" Walking tour and Christmas Markets
OR Kolsch Beer and Local Specialities Tasting
OR Cologne Bike Tour
6:30 AM DEPARTURE LAHNSTEIN GERMANY
1:00 PM ARRIVAL COLOGNE GERMANY
7:00 PM DEPARTURE COLOGNE GERMANY
December 1, 2024
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialities at one of Amsterdam's grand cafes. Please note: tour depends on docking location and may be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour. (B,L,D)
HIGHLIGHTS
Canal Cruise Tour
"A Taste of Amsterdam"
1:00 PM ARRIVAL AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS
11:59 PM OVERNIGHT AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS
December 2, 2024
Disembark your ship and prepare for your optional post river cruise extension or your return flight home. (B)
9:00 AM DISEMBARK AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS
OVERVIEW
Built in 2019 with 78 staterooms and 156 guests
Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the AmaMora is an incredible twin-balcony ship with generous personal space, multiple dining choices and exceptional stateroom comfort. On board, you’ll find an all-day tapas menu and afternoon tea, as well as a 24-hour coffee station, in addition to AmaWaterways’ signature exquisite, locally-sourced cuisine in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table.
Active leisure amenities include a sun-deck walking track, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room and bicycles for in-port exploration. Staterooms are equipped with everything you need for a relaxing vacation, including Entertainment-On-Demand with free high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi. And should you treat yourself to a suite, you’ll enjoy a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower, as well as a bed facing the river, so you can wake up and fall asleep to magnificent views
Also located on each Deck from the Top of the Ship Down.
Sun Deck - Heated Pool, Walking Track, Observation Deck, Navigation Bridge, Bikes
Violin Deck - Al Fresco Terrace, Observation Lounge, Main Lounge and Bar, Gift Shop, Reception, Elevator, The Chef's Table
Cello Deck - Elevator, Main Restaurant
Piano Deck - Elevator, Massage & Hair & Fitness Room
Cat E - Fixed Window Yellow
Cat D - Fixed Window Orange
Cat CB - French Balcony Light Green
Cat CA - French Balcony Purple
Cat BB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Dark Green
Cat BA - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Dark Blue
Cat AB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Dark Pink
Cat AA - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Mauve
Suite - French Balcony & Outside Balcony Light Pink
Pricing is in Canadian Dollars, based on Double Occupancy. USD pricing is available upon request. Single supplement varies by cabin category. Ask for details. Pricing includes port charges.
Piano Deck
Colour: Yellow
Fixed Window
160 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
SOLD OUT
Piano Deck
Colour: Orange
Fixed Window
160 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
SOLD OUT
Violin Deck
Colour: Light Green
French & Outside Balcony
155 sq. ft.
SOLD OUT
Violin & Cello Deck
Colour: Purple
Ftench & Outside Balcony
170 sq. ft.
SOLD OUT
Cello Deck
Colour: Dark Green
French & Outside Balcony
210 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
Sale Price: $6971.00 CDN includes port charges
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Violin Deck
Colour: Dark Blue
French & Outside Balcony
210 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
Sale Price: $7225.00 CDN includes port charges
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Cello Deck
Colour: Dark Pink
French & Outside Balcony
235 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
Sale Price: $7479.00 CDN includes port charges
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Violin Deck
Colour: Mauve
French & Outside Balcony
235 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
Sale Price: $7733.00 CDN includes port charges
*prices subject to change and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking*
Violin Deck
Colour: Light Pink
French & Outside Balcony
350 sq. ft.
Price Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
SOLD OUT
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Not included:
*International Air
*travel protection
*any additional pre or post additional tours
*visas
*meals not listed in the daily itinerary
*gratuities
*laundry, salon, spa services, shop purchases and other personal expenses.
*Beverages other than those included during the 7-night cruise portion on a complimentary basis during lunch and dinner and other than the 24-hour coffee/tea station.
Gratuities can be pre-paid at $318 CDN per person to include everyone anticipating a gratuity during both the 7-night cruise
*Optional tours during the cruise.
PRICING IS IN CANADIAN DOLLARS, PRICING IN USD CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST.
Deposit: $500 per person "Non Refundable Deposit" to secure your cabin at the time of booking.
Final Payment: Due August 27, 2024
Link to the booking form is located at both the top and bottom of this page.
Enjoy this video showcasing what it is like to sail along the Rhine River. Sailing from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, The Netherlands you will be captivated by the magic of each town we visit and the true magic of this river and the abundance of castles and history.
One of my personal favourite ports along the Rhine! You will feel like you are stepping into a story book.
One of the most magical things you will see in the world takes place along the Rhine. Enjoy this sneak peak of what it is like sailing along the Rhine Gorge.
Here is space for you to give visitors a glimpse into what you are offering. Pairing this photograph with supporting paragraph will reinforce your message.
As a member of the internationally recognized La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and with our Culinary Director a member of the prestigious French association Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterways prepares exquisite, regionally-inspired cuisine at every meal paired with complimentary hand-selected wines with every lunch and dinner. All meals are included in your river cruise fare – at both the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant where a delicious multi-course menu awaits.
There is something for everyone when sailing on board AmaWaterways, you will find a wellness coach that will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy stretching classes, yoga etc. All at no additional charge!