Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas Market Cruise
7 Night Cruise Tour from Basel to Amsterdam with AmaWaterways
There is a distinct kind of travel magic that only reveals itself when Europe dresses for the festive season.
For Kiwi travellers seeking a sophisticated Christmas escape, AmaWaterways’ Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas Markets cruise offers an unforgettable winter journey aboard the elegant AmaVenita.
Sailing from Basel to Amsterdam, this special seasonal departure combines the charm of Europe’s iconic Christmas markets with the relaxed luxury of river cruising. Wander through beautifully decorated market squares, browse handcrafted gifts, sip warming seasonal treats and experience centuries-old festive traditions in some of Europe’s most enchanting riverside towns.
Carrying just 162 guests across 81 intimate staterooms, AmaVenita offers a boutique cruising experience with welcoming social spaces in the Main Lounge and peaceful corners to unwind between destinations.
By day, cruise past storybook castles, vineyard-covered hillsides and picturesque villages dressed in winter charm. By evening, step ashore into glowing Christmas markets filled with twinkling lights, festive aromas and a magical atmosphere that makes this time of year so special.
This is Europe at its most enchanting — where luxury river cruising and the spirit of Christmas come together.
*An optional pre-cruise land package of 2 nights in Milan & 2 nights in Lake Como is also available.
Your Itinerary
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Board your luxury vessel and settle in to begin your festive holiday adventure.
Welcome to Switzerland! Arrive in the beautiful city of Basel and board your ship to start your holiday cruise. Take the afternoon to settle into your cabin, unwind, and enjoy the scenic riverside charm as the magic of the season unfolds around you.
River Cruise Embarkation
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Wander through medieval streets, cycle across borders, or journey to iconic lakeside towers and holiday markets.
Celebrate the season in the historic city of Basel. Choose to explore on foot during a walking tour that takes you past the medieval town hall, festive market square, and elegant 18th-century homes, or join a bike tour traversing three countries. Alternatively, embark on a full-day excursion to Lucerne to admire its historic towers, the iconic Chapel Bridge, and vibrant holiday displays. For a cozy afternoon, you can sample local varieties during a Swiss wine tasting, tour the historic Wildegg Castle and its gardens, or simply soak in the holiday cheer at Basel’s magical Christmas markets.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
“City of Art” Tour with Christmas Markets
“Three Countries” Bike Tour
Full Day Lake Lucerne Excursion with Christmas Markets
Swiss Wine Tasting
Swiss Castle Excursion
Castle Hill visit
Christmas Markets exploration
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Indulge in storybook city charm, winter delights, and sparkling holiday markets.
Celebrate the holidays in Strasbourg with a stroll through the fairytale district of “La Petite France,” where you can admire the cathedral’s famous astronomical clock and explore the sparkling Christmas markets. In the afternoon, cross the border to visit Baden-Baden to discover its historic casino, relaxing hot springs, and charming winter market layout.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
“The Gem of Alsace” Tour and Christmas Markets
Strasbourg Bike Tour
Baden Baden Walking Tour and Christmas Markets
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Wander through storybook castles, sacred landmarks, and twinkling winter markets before enjoying iconic local treats.
Start your day in Ludwigshafen with your choice of historical excursions. You can wander through medieval Heidelberg to admire its towering castle, hike along the scenic Philosopher’s Path, explore the sacred splendor of historic Speyer, or pedal along the Neckar River to the charming town of Ladenburg. After strolling through the twinkling Christmas markets, enjoy a relaxing cruise to Rüdesheim. Once there, you can indulge in a tasting from the town’s iconic vineyards or warm up with a traditional Rüdesheimer coffee, famously crafted with flambéed Asbach Uralt brandy, hot coffee, and fresh whipped cream.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Heidelberg Tour and Christmas Markets
Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets
Heidelberg Philosopher’s Hike
Ladenburg Bike Tour
Wine Tasting
Rudesheimer Coffee
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Savor panoramic vineyard views and musical marvels before gliding past dramatic cliffside castles.
Delight in the festive atmosphere of Rüdesheim with a variety of morning adventures. You can discover a whimsical collection of self-playing musical instruments at Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, soar above the wintry vineyards on a scenic gondola ride, or stay active with a guided hike or bike ride through the Rheingau region. In the afternoon, enjoy breathtaking views during a scenic cruise through the castle-laden Rhine Gorge. Your day concludes in Lahnstein with an exclusive, atmospheric evening visit to the historic Lahneck Castle.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Gondola Ride
Vineyard Hike
Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau
Castles Along the Rhine Scenic Cruising
Exclusive Burg Lahneck Castle Visit
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Discover timeless historic streets and a dazzling winter wonderland alive with holiday spirit.
Sail into Cologne and step into a city beautifully transformed for the festive season. Explore the charming Old Town on a guided walking tour to uncover its historic heart, and then follow the scent of mulled spices and roasted treats to the city’s dazzling Christmas markets, featuring more than 160 traditional stalls and vendors. For a more active adventure, you can choose to hop on a bicycle and pedal along the scenic Rhine River and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Cologne Walking Tour and Christmas Markets
Cologne Bike Tour
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Glide along iconic historic canals or taste traditional seasonal flavors in a festive winter setting.
Celebrate the season in Amsterdam as you explore the city from its famous waterways. You can choose to glide along the iconic canals on a scenic boat ride, soaking in the storybook scenery draped in holiday charm. Alternatively, opt to wander past the beautiful gabled houses and narrow bridges before stopping to savor Dutch seasonal treats and traditions in a grand local café.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Canal Cruise
A Taste of Amsterdam
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Bid farewell to the waterways as your festive holiday cruise comes to a close.
Enjoy your final breakfast onboard before completing your disembarkation in Amsterdam. Gather your belongings and prepare for your journey home, carrying wonderful memories of the historic castles, charming villages, and magical Christmas markets along the Rhine.
River Cruise Disembarkation
Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.
From $7,781 per person, twin-share based on departure date 07 December 2027, or from $8,426 based on departure date 30 November 2027 in a Category E Stateroom
*14 Dec 2027 departures are also available. Limited departures in 2026 are also still available.
For solo travellers, receive waived single supplements on select 2027 Europe sailings for this departure date and for other staterooms, including balcony staterooms, when you book by July 31, 2026.
Terms & Conditions: All rates are per person, cruise-only, include port fees and gratuities, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.
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