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Enchanting Rhine (Festive Delights)

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Enchanting Rhine (Festive Delights)

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$2,889
Save $1,360pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Basel
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
8 Day Enchanting Rhine (Festive Delights) Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Basel
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
8 Day Enchanting Rhine (Festive Delights) Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland
Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
No Reviews
Ship
Departures
Passengers
156
Crew
51
Launched
2021
Cruise Code
ARL
Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
No Reviews
Ship
Departures
Passengers
156
Crew
51
Launched
2021
Cruise Code
ARL

Overview

Coming to life with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters at the start of the holiday season. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste seasonal flavors such as the Christmas Market staple, glühwein, and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions.

Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated...read more UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. From the majestic Swiss Alps to Amsterdam’s colorful canals, 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.
Coming to life with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters at the start of the holiday season. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste seasonal flavors such as glühwein, and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee.

Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with...read more its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. From the majestic Swiss Alps to Amsterdam’s colorful canals, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive on board and on shore along the Rhine during this Festive Delights river cruise.

Itinerary

Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (D)

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor's Colmar birthplace. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to 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.

Excursions:

  • Colmar excursion OR Breisach wine country bike tour OR Black Forest* hike

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, 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 République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “The Gem of Alsace” tour OR Strasbourg bike tour

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 be rewarded with 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 Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion OR Heidelberg Philosopher's hike OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour
  • Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town's beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you'll enjoy an exclusive festive celebration. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Wine Tasting OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour OR Vineyard hike
  • Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
  • Exclusive festive celebration

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then 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. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • "Holy City" walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour OR Cologne bike tour

Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jordaan tour. (B/L/D) *Depending on docking location, Jordaan Tour may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Excursions:

  • Canal cruise tour OR Jordaan walking tour*

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (D)

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor's Colmar birthplace.

Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Colmar excursion OR Breisach wine country bike tour OR Kaiserstuhl Vineyards hike

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “The Gem of Alsace” tour OR Strasbourg bike tour

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 be rewarded with 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 Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion OR Heidelberg Philosopher's hike OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour
  • Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town's beautiful vineyards.

During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you'll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Gondola ride and wine tasting OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour OR Vineyard hike
  • Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
  • Exclusive Burg Lahneck visit

The quaint town of Monheim is your gateway to both Cologne and Düsseldorf. In the morning, choose either a half-day or full-day tour of Cologne. Home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest.

In the afternoon, for those who have not chosen the full-day tour in Cologne, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, or cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Cologne Half-day walking tour OR Cologne Full-day excursion
  • Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting OR Düsseldorf bike tour

In the morning, explore charming Utrecht on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. Then, enjoy a scenic cruise to Amsterdam before setting out on the city's famous canals. Embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B/L/D)

*Depending on docking location, Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Excursions:

  • Walking Tour OR Beer Tasting
  • Scenic cruising
  • Canal cruise tour OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Life Onboard AmaLucia

AmaLucia
AmaLucia

Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, you'll find inviting public spaces, massage and hair salon, fitness room and heated pool with swim-up bar. Read more

All Excursions Included
All Excursions Included

Our guests have different tastes, so we offer a variety of included shore excursions so you can tailor your experience in every port of call. Read more

The Luxury Of Space
The Luxury Of Space

Sophisticated, contemporary and elegantly appointed, your spacious stateroom serves as your personal oasis for rejuvenation. Read more

Award-Winning Dining
Award-Winning Dining

All onboard dining, as well as unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner, is included so you can indulge whenever and however you'd like. Read more

Feels Like Family
Feels Like Family

Our staff are committed to the happiness of our guests and cruise after cruise they tell us of their wonderful experiences the've had with us. Read more

Active Ways To Discover
Active Ways To Discover

All of our guided hikes and bike tours are included in the cruise fare so you have more choices when it comes to how you prefer to explore. Read more

Brochure

AmaWaterways Danube River Cruises (2025) Brochure

AmaWaterways Danube River Cruises (2025)

Flowing through multiple countries and four iconic capitals – Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Belgrade – the Danube winds through Old-World Europe, where castles were built, kings and queens were crowned, and visionary artists were inspired. With ships cruising the Danube River nearly year-round, no two journeys on this storied waterway are the same....more Plus, we offer an unparalleled variety of included excursions to suit every kind of traveler – in every single season.

Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026) Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026)

Step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences, where your journey is our passion. Allow us to share villages that time forgot. Walk along cobblestone streets filled with delights. Pedal through historic town squares. And revel in moments that last a lifetime. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart....more Every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share. Experience these wonders and delights with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $2,889
From $3,944
From $6,728
Wednesday 19 Nov 2025 19 Nov 25 Basel
Wednesday 26 Nov 2025 26 Nov 25 Amsterdam
Details
AmaPrima
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Itinerary Variation
River View
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Unavailable
Sold Out
Wednesday 18 Nov 2026 18 Nov 26 Basel
Wednesday 25 Nov 2026 25 Nov 26 Amsterdam
Details
AmaPrima
Exclusive Savings
Itinerary Variation
River View
US$3,704
Save $644
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 23 Dec 2026 23 Dec 26 Basel
Wednesday 30 Dec 2026 30 Dec 26 Amsterdam
Details
AmaCerto
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$2,889
Save $1,360
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 24 Dec 2026 24 Dec 26 Basel
Thursday 31 Dec 2026 31 Dec 26 Amsterdam
Details
AmaSiena
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River View
US$2,889
Save $1,360
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 18 Nov 2027 18 Nov 27 Basel
Thursday 25 Nov 2027 25 Nov 27 Amsterdam
Details
AmaLucia
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,543
Save $1,136
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 21 Nov 2027 21 Nov 27 Basel
Sunday 28 Nov 2027 28 Nov 27 Amsterdam
Details
AmaStella
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,639
Save $1,140
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 22 Dec 2027 22 Dec 27 Basel
Wednesday 29 Dec 2027 29 Dec 27 Amsterdam
Details
AmaPrima
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,735
Save $1,144
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 23 Dec 2027 23 Dec 27 Basel
Thursday 30 Dec 2027 30 Dec 27 Amsterdam
Details
AmaSiena
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,639
Save $1,140
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AmaWaterways. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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