Educational Opportunities Tours

Tours

Christmas Markets on the Rhine River Cruise with Guest Speaker Dr. Craig C. Hill | Dec 6, 2023

9 days
France, Germany & The Netherlands
Starting from $3998*

Join us for 7 Nights of Christmas Markets on the Rhine River Cruise on Amawaterways' AmaSiena starting at $3998* from Amsterdam on December 6, 2023, with guest Speaker Dr. Craig C. Hill. Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and 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 neo-classical 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. 

Special Airfare Pricing from Select Cities Call for Availability 1-800-247-0017, X590.

What’s Included

  • Cruise
  • Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
  • Meals on Ship
  • Port Charges
  • Select Shore Excursions
  • Administrative Fees

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 Day 1 DEPART USA

Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Day 2 DAY 2 ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)

Day 3 DAY 3 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. (B,L,D)

Day 4 DAY 4 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5 DAY 5 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. (B,L,D)

Day 6 DAY 6 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). (B,L,D)

Day 7 DAY 7 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. 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. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Day 8 DAY 8 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. (B,L,D)

Day 9 DAY 9 BASEL – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Enhance Your Journey

Amsterdam Pre Cruise Starting from $750

December 4-7, 2023  •  $750*

Day 1 DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

DAY 2 ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

DAY 3 AMSTERDAM
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)

DAY 4 AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D) 

Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.
*A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.

Swiss Post Tour Starting from $1679

DECEMBER 14-18, 2022 • $1680*

DECEMBER 14 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION – LUCERNE
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)

DECEMBER 15 - LUCERNE
Discover Lucerne’s unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. (B)

DECEMBER 16 - LUCERNE - ZURICH
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Once in Zurich, check into your hotel. (B)

DECEMBER 17 - ZURICH
Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town, where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. (B)

DECEMBER 18 - DEPART ZURICH
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.

*A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions

Departure Dates

  1. Wednesday, December 6, 2023
    From $3998* Register Now!
*A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.