Click Here to View Your Vacation
Christmas Markets on the Rhine | AmaWaterways
November - December 2023 - 2024 | AmaWaterways:
Experience the deep rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year.
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 glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO designated Gothic
cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," 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 neoclassical 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.
Call to Book
800-829-5448
Included With Your Trip
AAA Exclusive Benefits on select sailings:
7, 10 & 11-NIGHT CRUISES:
• Up to $500 per stateroom discount
• Up to $150 per stateroom onboard credit
PLUS A WELCOME GIFT
• Europe—wine & chocolates
Additional Information
Day 1 - AMSTERDAM
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise.
Day 2 - 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
Day 3 - COLOGNE
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 Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce.
Day 4 - RHINE GORGE RÜDESHEIM
Cruise through the castle laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, 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 Rüdesheim’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, Rüdesheimer coffee.
Day 5 - 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 Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).
Day 6 - STRASBOURG
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik 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. Afterward, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre 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.
Day 7 - BREISACH
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 Münster, 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.
Day 8 - BASEL
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.
Get an Estimate
Product Code: AAA-AMA
Please refer to vendor brochure or their website for general information, itineraries and all terms, conditions and responsibility statements. Wi-Fi access may be limited. Applicable AAA benefits apply to first two passengers, are non-transferable, have no cash value if not used, and may not be applied to purchase. Gov’t misc fees/taxes and travel insurance not included. Restrictions and limitations apply. Ask AAA for details. Agency #178-018-521 AAA Vacations valid on new FIT cruise bookings made from October 1, 2021 through sailing date on the select 2022 AAA Vacations® Amenity dates listed. Offer does not apply to Groups. AAA Vacations® Amenity offer is combinable with AAA Member Benefits and with current promotional offers available at the time of booking. *AAA Vacations® Amenity offer of up to $800 per stateroom savings is already inclusive of AAA Member Benefits for 14-night Europe cruises, based on double occupancy (solo travelers receive half). 7-, 10- & 11-night cruises receive $500 savings per stateroom based on double occupancy (solo travelers receive half). Onboard credit is $150 per stateroom on 7-, 10- & 11-night cruises and $300 per stateroom on 14-night Europe cruises, based on double occupancy (solo travelers receive half). AAA advisor must request the AAA Vacations® amenities at the time of booking. Cruise must be booked through AAA Travel in order to receive AAA Vacations® Amenities and AAA Member Benefits. Stateroom category upgrades, land programs, roundtrip airfare, gratuities and port charges are additional. Availability is limited on each cruise and the offer is subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-20.