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Christmas Markets on the Rhine with Zurich and Lucerne

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Christmas Markets on the Rhine with Zurich and Lucerne

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Christmas Markets on the Rhine with Zurich and Lucerne
Christmas Markets on the Rhine with Zurich and Lucerne
Christmas Markets on the Rhine with Zurich and Lucerne
New Release Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise Festive Winter Christmas Markets
Our Price From
US$6,249
Save $574pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
Zurich
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
12 Day Christmas Markets on the Rhine with Zurich and Lucerne Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland
 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
Zurich
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
12 Day Christmas Markets on the Rhine with Zurich and Lucerne Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland
Ship
Departures
Passengers
156
Crew
51
Launched
2021
Cruise Code
ARXZL
Ship
Departures
Passengers
156
Crew
51
Launched
2021
Cruise Code
ARXZL

Overview

Schöni Wiehnachte, Joyeux Noël, Froehliche Weihnachten and Zalig Kerstfeest—mean Merry Christmas in Swiss, French, German and Dutch, so get ready to hear these sincere greetings as you experience the deep-rooted traditions of the Christmas season in the most idyllic and historic settings. Brimming with seasonal spirit, cities and towns dazzle. Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, delights with fairytale half-timbered houses dressed in giant red-and-white hearts. Heidelberg with its romantic backdrop of a castle offers a warming glow of light along one of the longest pedestrian...read more zones in Europe. Zurich glitters even more with a spectacular 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals, and Gengenbach is the setting of the world's biggest Advent calendar.

Join together with friends and loved ones, and do what the Europeans have been doing for centuries—gather at the timeless Christmas Markets, warm up with a mug of steamy vin chaud in France or glühwein in Germany, shop for one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasures and celebrate the true spirit of the season.
Schöni Wiehnachte, Joyeux Noël, Froehliche Weihnachten and Zalig Kerstfeest—mean Merry Christmas in Swiss, French, German and Dutch, so get ready to hear these sincere greetings as you experience the deep-rooted traditions of the Christmas season in the most idyllic and historic settings. Brimming with seasonal spirit, cities and towns dazzle. Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, delights with fairytale half-timbered houses dressed in giant red-and-white hearts. Heidelberg with its romantic backdrop of a castle offers a warming glow of light along one of the longest pedestrian...read more zones in Europe.

Zurich glitters even more with a spectacular 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. Join together with friends and loved ones, and do what the Europeans have been doing for centuries—gather at the timeless Christmas Markets, warm up with a mug of steamy vin chaud in France or glühwein in Germany, shop for one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasures and celebrate the true spirit of the season.

Itinerary

Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.

Excursions:

  • Transfer to hotel

Join a walking tour of Zurich and experience the magic of the city dressed in her holiday best. You'll visit Zurich's Christmas markets, including the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe located in Zurich's Main Train Station. An absolute highlight is a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. (B)

Excursions:

  • “Little Big City” tour and Christmas Markets

Begin your transfer to Lake Lucerne. As part of your included excursions, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains," on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Then, enjoy a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. While cruising, enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery, marked by steep Alpine peaks, sloped forests and fertile meadows and valleys beyond. From there, check into your hotel. (B)

Excursions:

  • Transfer to Lake Lucerne
  • “Queen of the Mountains” excursion
  • Lake Lucerne Cruise

Enjoy a walking tour of Lake Lucerne. Small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and frescoed buildings typify the city. Afterwards, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem while wandering through its Christmas market, located at the Franziskanerplatz, and enjoy a mug of holiday cheer, glühwein. (B)

Excursions:

  • Lake Lucerne walking tour and Christmas Markets

Board your ship in Basel for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (B)

Excursions:

  • Basel Transfer & Basel City Tour

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town's wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg's Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Colmar Excursion and Christmas markets OR Freiburg Excursion & Christmas markets OR Breisach bike tour

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. Afterwards, 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. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas market where, every year, the locals count down to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Strasbourg city tour and Christmas markets OR Guided bike tour
  • Gengenbach Advent Calendar

You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along German's Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher's Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets. Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village's sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Heidelberg tour and Christmas Markets OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets OR Philosopher's Path Hike OR Ladenburg bike tour
  • Rüdesheimer wine tasting OR Rüdesheimer coffee

Visit Siegfried's whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards or soar high above the town by gondola and later enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas market. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique tour of Lahneck Castle. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Christmas Markets OR Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Gondola ride OR Rüdesheim vineyards hike OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
  • Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
  • Exclusive Burg Lahneck Tour

Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its 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. Then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Cologne walking tour and Christmas Market OR Düsseldorf walking tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets OR Guided bike tour

Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafés. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location. (B/L/D) *Please note an alternative tour will operate depend on docking location.

Excursions:

  • Scenic Cruising into Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam canal cruise OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.

Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.

Excursions:

  • Transfer to hotel

Join a walking tour of Zurich and experience the magic of the city dressed in her holiday best. You'll visit Zurich's Christmas markets, including the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe located in Zurich's Main Train Station. An absolute highlight is a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. (B)

Excursions:

  • “Little Big City” tour and Christmas Markets

Begin your transfer to Lake Lucerne. As part of your included excursions, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains," on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Then, enjoy a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. While cruising, enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery, marked by steep Alpine peaks, sloped forests and fertile meadows and valleys beyond. From there, check into your hotel. (B)

Excursions:

  • Transfer to Lake Lucerne
  • “Queen of the Mountains” excursion & Lake Lucerne cruise

Enjoy a walking tour of Lake Lucerne. Small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and frescoed buildings typify the city. Afterwards, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem while wandering through its Christmas market, located at the Franziskanerplatz, and enjoy a mug of holiday cheer, glühwein. (B)

Excursions:

  • Lake Lucerne walking tour and Christmas Markets

Board your ship in Basel for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (B)

Excursions:

  • Basel Transfer & Basel City Tour

Breisach is your gateway to medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town's wonderful Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Colmar Excursion and Christmas markets OR Breisach bike tour

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 walking 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. During the afternoon, visit Baden-Baden and take in the town's romantic Christmas Markets. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Strasbourg city tour and Christmas markets OR Guided bike tour
  • Baden-Baden Walking Tour and Christmas Markets

You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along German's Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher's Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets.

Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village's sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Heidelberg tour and Christmas Markets OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets OR Philosopher's Path Hike OR Ladenburg bike tour
  • Rüdesheimer wine tasting OR Rüdesheimer coffee

Visit Siegfried's whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards or soar high above the town by gondola and later enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas market.

Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique tour of Lahneck Castle. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Christmas Markets OR Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Gondola ride OR Rüdesheim vineyards hike OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
  • Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
  • Exclusive Burg Lahneck Tour

Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its 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. Then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Cologne walking tour and Christmas Market OR Düsseldorf walking tour and Christmas Markets OR Guided bike tour

Begin your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide to Amsterdam. Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafés. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Walking Tour OR Beer Tasting
  • Scenic Cruising into Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam canal cruise OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.

Life Onboard AmaSiena

AmaSiena
AmaSiena

Onboard AmaSiena you'll find inviting public spaces, massage and hair salon, fitness room and a heated Sun Deck 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

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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.

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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 $6,249
From $7,208
From $9,992
Tuesday 02 Dec 2025 02 Dec 25 Zurich
Saturday 13 Dec 2025 13 Dec 25 Amsterdam
Details
AmaStella
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River View
US$6,249
Save $250
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 22 Nov 2026 22 Nov 26 Zurich
Thursday 03 Dec 2026 03 Dec 26 Amsterdam
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AmaSiena
River View
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Unavailable
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Saturday 05 Dec 2026 05 Dec 26 Zurich
Wednesday 16 Dec 2026 16 Dec 26 Amsterdam
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AmaCerto
River View
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Unavailable
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Tuesday 08 Dec 2026 08 Dec 26 Zurich
Saturday 19 Dec 2026 19 Dec 26 Amsterdam
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AmaViola
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River View
US$6,643
Save $266
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 12 Dec 2026 12 Dec 26 Zurich
Wednesday 23 Dec 2026 23 Dec 26 Amsterdam
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AmaPrima
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River View
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Unavailable
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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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