Christmas Markets on the Rhine : 2018 - 7-Night Cruise with 4 Nights Post-Cruise : Zurich to Amsterdam : ms AmaPrima
CRUISE FROM : Amsterdam to Basel
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. Cologne's Christmas Market with its impressive Gothic cathedral backdrop; the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, with its magnificent great Christmas tree; and Heidelberg's Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town; are all timeless traditions handed down through the centuries. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
RIVERS: Rhine
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
At A Glance
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Land Program
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 : ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.
Day 2 : ZURICH
Set alongside a gleaming lake and framed by the Alps, Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future-all of which will be on full display during your city tour. See Grossmunster Abbey; St. Peter, which boasts the world's largest church clock face; Old Town; Town Hall; and Fraumunster Abbey. Experience the magic of Zurich dressed in her holiday best. 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)
Day 3 : ZURICH - LUCERNE
Check out of your hotel for a scenic drive past three lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Afterwards, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 4 : LUCERNE
Take a walking tour of Lucerne soaking up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem. Wander through its Christmas Market located at the Franziskanerplatz and enjoy a mug of holiday cheer, gluhwein. (B)
Day 5 : LUCERNE - BASEL - EMBARKATION
En route to Basel, visit the Lion Monument, built to honor the Swiss Guards who fought for King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Once in Basel, board your luxury ship. (B,D)
Day 6 : BREISACH, GERMANY
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 go to Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone; you'll also visit its enchanting Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
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 �le, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : MANNHEIM, GERMANY
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 Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)
Day 9 : RÃ?DESHEIM - RHINE GORGE
Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting of the Rheingau Rieslings. Those who wish to soar high above the vineyards can take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Or, for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee. You'll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rudesheim Christmas Market. Later in the day, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)
Day 10 : COLOGNE
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. (B,L,D)
Day 11 : AMSTERDAM
Begin your discovery of Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise, followed by a walking tour to the Begijnhof, known for its historic Middle Ages building and concluding with a panoramic city tour that includes the Royal Palace and Westerkerk. (B,L,D)
Day 12 : DISEMBARKATION - DEPART AMSTERDAM
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Call (972) 727-9196 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13854108
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2018
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaPrima
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Zurich | ||
| Day 2 | Zurich | ||
| Day 3 | Lucerne | ||
| Day 4 | Lucerne | ||
| Day 5 | Basel | ||
| Day 6 | Breisach | ||
| Day 7 | Strasbourg | ||
| Day 8 | Mannheim | ||
| Day 9 | Rhine Gorge | ||
| Day 10 | Cologne | ||
| Day 11 | Amsterdam | ||
| Day 12 | Amsterdam |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Notes:
Christmas Markets NoticeNote: Most Christmas Markets open during the last week of November and remain open until approximately Dec. 22. Check with each country's tourist office for more information.
ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges not included in cruise price$168 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; Suites 100% of twin price. Please see terms below for details.
Single Supplement for Land$640 per person.
BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).Terms & Conditions:
All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
