11-Day ~ Rhine Christmas Markets (Dec 2023)
AmaWaterways
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Start Date:
December 1, 2023
End Date:
December 12, 2023
Christmas Markets on the Rhine ~ Itinerary
Day 1 - Zurich - Hotel Check-in
Arrival Date:
December 1, 2023
Departure Date: December 1, 2023
Day 2 - Zurich - "Little Big City" tour and Christmas market
Arrival Date:
December 2, 2023
Departure Date: December 2, 2023
Day 3 - Zurich - Transfer to Lucerne and Lucerne Lake Cruise
Arrival Date:
December 3, 2023
Departure Date: December 3, 2023
Day 4 - Lucerne - Lucerne walking tour and Christmas Market
Arrival Date:
December 4, 2023
Departure Date: December 4, 2023
Day 5 - Lucerne/Basel - Basel Transfer and Basel City Tour
Arrival Date:
December 5, 2023
Departure Date: December 5, 2023
Basel Transfer and Basel City Tour - Basel Walking Tour
Embark the ship in Basel. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers on board.
Day 6 - Breisach
Arrival Date:
December 6, 2023
Departure Date: December 6, 2023
Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. 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
Day 7 - Strasbourg
Arrival Date:
December 7, 2023
Departure Date: December 7, 2023
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 countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar.
Day 8 - Ludwigshafen/Rudersheim
Arrival Date:
December 8, 2023
Departure Date: December 8, 2023
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. Alternatively, you can 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). Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can taste local wine or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.
Day 9 - Rudesheim/Rhine Gorge/Lahnstein
Arrival Date:
December 9, 2023
Departure Date: December 9, 2023
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of excursions. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or 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. Alternatively, 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.
Day 10 - Cologne
Arrival Date:
December 10, 2023
Departure Date: December 10, 2023
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 and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce.
Day 11 - Amsterdam
Arrival Date:
December 11, 2023
Departure Date: December 11, 2023
Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Then, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on docking location.
Day 12 - Amsterdam
Arrival Date:
December 12, 2023
Departure Date: December 12, 2023
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.