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EUROPE | Switzerland, France, Germany, The Netherlands

Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets

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This trip includes:
8 Days
20 Meals
25 Sites

‘Tis the season to set sail for festive destinations in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands on an Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets. Get in the holiday spirit as you shop world-renowned Christmas Markets, discover the beauty of Strasbourg from aboard the famed Petit Train, add some thrills to your holiday with a visit to a unique theme park, cruise the canals of Amsterdam and much more on this very merry river cruise adventure.

Trip Price Starting From $5,999USD

Call us at (800) 543-0865
or contact your Travel Agent

Call us at (800) 543-0865
or contact your Travel Agent

Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets

Season:
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Snow covered buildings and cathedrals of Basel, Switzerland along the banks of the Rhine RiverSnow covered buildings and cathedrals of Basel, Switzerland along the banks of the Rhine River

DAY 1

BASEL, SWITZERLAND

Activities Highlights:

Arrive in Basel & Board the Ship, Swiss Cheese & Wine Welcome Reception, Captain's Welcome Cocktail & Dinner

AmaLucia

Dinner Included

Transfer from Basel Airport (BSL) to the Ship

Be escorted from Basel Airport to your new home for the next 8 days, a luxurious AmaWaterways Ship.

Check into Your Stateroom

Your Adventure Guides help with the check-in as you familiarize yourself with your well-appointed stateroom. Look around the ship and discover its many fantastic amenities including the heated pool, fitness center, massage and hair salon, giant chessboard, library, sun deck and lounge.

Welcome Reception in Basel: Swiss Cheese & Wine

Enjoy a taste of Switzerland at a special welcome event that features delicious Swiss cheese and wine on board the ship!

Captain's Welcome Cocktail & Dinner on Board the Ship

Meet the Captain and your fellow Adventurers as you enjoy your first scrumptious dinner on board.

After dinner, bundle up and head out to the Sun Deck to take in the twinkling holiday lights of Basel.

Day 1, BASEL, SWITZERLAND, Show Less
A cobblestone street in Strasbourg, France lined with shops decorated for Christmas lit up at nightA cobblestone street in Strasbourg, France lined with shops decorated for Christmas lit up at night

DAY 2

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Activities Highlights:

Europa-Park Visit OR Colmar Excursion

AmaLucia

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Breakfast on Board the Ship

Start your day with a hearty breakfast with your fellow Adventurers.

Full-Day Activity – Choose One of These Options:

OPTION A:

Europa-Park Visit in Rust, Germany

Nestled between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains, enjoy an array of fun-filled attractions and entertaining shows at this one-of-a-kind theme park that celebrates the best of Europe. Fully decked out for the holidays, the festive Christmas village and Christmas market are sure to bring out the spirit of the season! You will enjoy lunch during your visit to the park.

OPTION B:

Colmar Excursion

Discover the picturesque French village of Colmar. Famed for its Christmas markets, it’s succession of stalls, decorations and lights will sweep you up in the magic of the Christmas season. Your visit to Colmar includes:

  • Guided Walking Tour
  • Visit to the Cheese Museum with a Cheese-Making Demonstration & Tasting
  • Lunch at the Cheese Museum
  • Visit Christmas Markets at your leisure

Dinner on Board the Ship

Return to the ship for a delectable evening meal.

Day 2, STRASBOURG, FRANCE, Show Less
Christmas market stalls in the courtyard of a church in Strasbourg, France lit up at nightChristmas market stalls in the courtyard of a church in Strasbourg, France lit up at night

DAY 3

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Activities Highlights:

Batorama Canal Boat Tour, Visit Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame, Macaroon Demonstration OR Petit Train of Strasbourg Ride

AmaLucia

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Breakfast on Board the Ship

Begin your day of exciting activities with a good breakfast.

Batorama Canal Boat Tour

Take a Strasbourg city tour on the Batorama Canal Boat and pass by this city’s main attractions—including towers, covered bridges and the Vauban Dam—and through this city’s various districts such as the renowned Petite France.

Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame

Visit Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame for an at-your-leisure visit of this beautiful cathedral, built in 1439 in the grand Gothic style, with Renaissance-era stained-glass windows and a famous astronomical clock created in 1843.

Lunch On Board the Ship

Savor lunch on board the ship highlighting Strasbourg’s unique cuisine influenced by both the French and German cultures. Refuel to be ready for the afternoon activities!

Afternoon Activity – Choose One of These Options:

OPTION A:

Take a French Macaron Hands-On Demonstration

Learn how to make delicious French macarons with the onboard chef.

OPTION B:

Petit Train of Strasbourg Ride

Discover the narrow streets, the romantic Petit France area, the quays and covered bridges and much more during a ride on the Petit Train through the beautiful city of Strasbourg.

Dinner On Board the Ship

Return to the ship for a delectable evening meal and to celebrate the holidays with your fellow Adventurers.

Activities may include decorating cookies, a festive gift exchange, and a Disney trivia challenge hosted by the Adventure Guides.

Day 3, STRASBOURG, FRANCE, Show Less
A Christmas market lit up at night near the base of the Water Tower in Manheim, GermanyA Christmas market lit up at night near the base of the Water Tower in Manheim, Germany

DAY 4

MANNHEIM, GERMANY

Activities Highlights:

Walking Tour of Heidelberg & Heidelberg Castle, Christmas Market Vist with Ice Skating

AmaLucia

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Breakfast On Board the Ship

Say hello to your fellow Adventurers as you get ready for the day ahead with a tasty breakfast.

Tour Heidelberg and the Famous Heidelberg Castle

Visit Heidelberg Castle with a costumed guide who will share the fascinating history of this fortress and home to royalty which was built in 1614 and considered an important Renaissance structure. Then, enjoy a walking tour through the streets of Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest and most renowned university town. You’ll also get to spend time exploring the baroque architecture, quaint shops and beautiful waterfront area on your own.

Christmas Market Visit with Ice Skating

Visit Heidelberg’s renowned Christmas Market where you can shop for stunning Christmas crafts and souvenirs. You can also slip on a pair of skates and take a spin on the open-air ice rink.

Lunch On Board the Ship

For those who didn't choose to participate in the full-day activity, enjoy lunch on board the ship.

Dinner On Board the Ship

Return to the ship from a fun-filled day to savor a delicious dinner and festive holiday where you’ll enjoy a night of celebration to remember with your family and fellow Adventurers.

Day 4, MANNHEIM, GERMANY, Show Less
Heart shaped ornaments hanging in a Christmas Market stall in Rudesheim, GermanyHeart shaped ornaments hanging in a Christmas Market stall in Rudesheim, Germany

DAY 5

RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY

Activities Highlights:

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, Biking Around Rüdesheim, Weingut Adolf Störzel Wine Tasting, Rhine Gorge Castle Cruise

AmaLucia

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Breakfast on Board the Ship

Wake up to a delightful breakfast with fellow Adventurers.

Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, which contains one of the largest collections of beautiful mechanical music boxes, giant pianos and other automated instruments–dating back from the 18th to the 20th century.

Choose a Morning Activity:

OPTION A:

Biking Around Rüdesheim

Enjoy biking on your own through the quaint town of Rüdesheim and the surrounding wine country that is the birthplace of acclaimed pinot noir and Riesling wines. Opens a dialog with important information about the bike riding activity. See important details

OPTION B:

On Your Own in Rüdesheim

Explore this quaint town and take advantage of the wonderful things to do, including savoring a cup of the famous local coffee or a delicious hot chocolate.

Rüdesheim Coffee & Hot Chocolate Tasting: Explore Rüdesheim and stop to savor a cup of the famous local coffee or a delicious hot chocolate.

Lunch On Board the Ship

Take a break between your morning and afternoon activities with a refreshing lunch on board.

Choose an Afternoon Activity:

OPTION A:

Biking Around Rüdesheim

Enjoy biking on your own through the quaint town of Rüdesheim and the surrounding wine country that is the birthplace of acclaimed pinot noir and Riesling wines. Opens a dialog with important information about the bike riding activity. See important details

OPTION B:

On Your Own in Rüdesheim

Explore this quaint town and take advantage of the wonderful things to do, including savoring a cup of the famous local coffee or a delicious hot chocolate.

Rüdesheim Coffee & Hot Chocolate Tasting: Explore Rüdesheim and stop to savor a cup of the famous local coffee or a delicious hot chocolate.

OPTION C:

Weingut Adolf Störzel Wine Tasting

Enjoy wine tasting accompanied by pretzels at Weingut Adolf Störzel inside the Bassenheimer Hof’s cellar.

Iconic Castle Cruise Through the Rhine Gorge

Behold 30 castles in all their magnificence! Sail through the Rhine Gorge, with the ship's Cruise Manager commenting on the castles' fascinating history and offering insights about the area. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful Upper Middle Rhine Valley along the shoreline is splendid to behold. Also, participate in a Rüdesheimer coffee demonstration and tasting on the sun deck.

Dinner On Board the Ship

Be our Guest for another excellent dinner prepared by the ship’s culinary team.

PLEASE NOTE: Some activities have limited capacity and are on a first come, first served basis.

Day 5, RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY, Show Less
The Gothic, spotlighted Cologne Cathedral at nightThe Gothic, spotlighted Cologne Cathedral at night

DAY 6

COLOGNE, GERMANY

Activities Highlights:

Cologne Walking Tour & Fragrance Museum OR Chocolate Museum OR Cologne Pub Tour, Farewell Cocktail Party & Dinner

AmaLucia

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Breakfast On Board the Ship

Enjoy an early morning breakfast on board with fellow Adventurers.

Half-Day Activities—Choose One of These Morning Options:

OPTION A:

Cologne Walking Tour, Leisure Visit of Cologne Cathedral and Fragrance Museum

  • Take a Cologne walking tour and explore this incredible 2,000-year old city, restored with Gothic architecture and abounding with churches, museums and galleries.
  • Take an "on your own" tour of the famous Cologne Cathedral, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Learn about the storied history of fragrance and how traditional German eau de cologne is made on a privately guided tour.

OPTION B:

Cologne Walking Tour, Leisure Visit of Cologne Cathedral and Chocolate Museum

  • Take a Cologne walking tour and explore this incredible 2,000-year old city, restored with Gothic architecture and abounding with churches, museums and galleries.
  • Take an "on your own" tour of the famous Cologne Cathedral, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Learn about the history and culture of chocolate on a self-guided tour of the Chocolate Museum at your leisure. You'll enjoy tasting some amazing chocolate, as well as create your own chocolate bar.

OPTION C:

Cologne Walking Tour, Leisure Visit of Cologne Cathedral & Pub Tour

  • Walk the streets of this 2,000-year old city, restored with Gothic architecture and abounding with churches, museums and galleries.
  • Tour the famous Cologne Cathedral, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at your leisure.
  • Enjoy the fine beers of the region on a Cologne Pub Tour.

Lunch On Board the Ship and Depart for Amsterdam

Tapas are available beginning at noon for your enjoyment between excursions. A late lunch is served around 2:30 PM as the ship departs. Say goodbye to Cologne and head towards Amsterdam, continuing your picturesque voyage down the Rhine River.

Afternoon Frühschoppen

Take a break and enjoy a beer with sausages and pretzels as your Adventure Guides tell you about what lies ahead when you disembark tomorrow morning in Amsterdam.

Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party & Dinner On Board the Ship

Join the Captain on board the ship for one last cocktail party and scrumptious dinner. Say farewell to him and your fellow Adventurers and share the experiences you encountered on this magical adventure.

PLEASE NOTE: Some activities have limited capacity and are on a first come, first served basis.

Day 6, COLOGNE, GERMANY, Show Less
A group of snow covered bicycles parked near a row of buildings in AmsterdamA group of snow covered bicycles parked near a row of buildings in Amsterdam

DAY 7

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Activities Highlights:

Amsterdam Canal Cruise, Rijksmuseum OR The Rembrandt House Museum OR Van Gogh Museum; Fishing Village Visit OR Zaanse Schans Visit

AmaLucia

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Breakfast On Board the Ship

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast and get ready for the adventures ahead.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Travel by boat along one of the 165 canals that are Amsterdam's lifeline. Along the way, view this 800-year-old city's famous historical center and some of its most memorable and beautiful attractions—ancient churches, quaint canal houses, picturesque bridges, cobblestone streets and more.

Morning Activity—Choose One of These Options:

OPTION A:

Discover History at the Rijksmuseum

Discover the art and history of Amsterdam in The Rijksmuseum. This national museum displays nearly 8,000 pieces of art dating from the 9th to 19th centuries. Housed in over 150 rooms in an impressive, gold-leaf building, magnificent 15th- to 17th-century paintings are on display—masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, among others. It also houses some outstanding 19th century works as well as a remarkable Asian collection. Opens a dialog with important information about the Rijksmuseum. See important details

OPTION B:

Visit The Rembrandt House Museum

Pay a visit to the home and workshop of the Netheralnd’s greatest artist and see where he lived, worked and found the inspiration for some of his masterpieces.

OPTION C:

Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Explore the Van Gogh Museum with over 1,000 paintings, drawings and letters of Vincent van Gogh. This museum contains the largest collection of Van Gogh painting in the world. Learn about Van Gogh’s personal history, how conservators restored his paintings and more. Get an intimate view of some of his greatest masterpieces, including “Sunflowers” and “The Bedroom,” as well as many works of his contemporaries.

Lunch On Board the Ship

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with your fellow Adventurers before you set off on your afternoon excursions.

Afternoon Excursion—Choose One of These Options:

OPTION A:

Countryside Visit to Volendam

Tour the classic fishing village of Volendam, located near IJsselmeer Lake just outside of Amsterdam. With its beautiful harbor, home to old fishing boats and residents who still wear traditional clothing such as pointed bonnets, it represents life in The Netherlands.

OPTION B:

See the Sights in Zaanse Schans

  • Take in the community of Zaanse Schans, located amidst a meadow landscape and appearing as if it's straight out of a child's storybook, with iconic wooden windmills and other structures that have been moved and reassembled here piece by piece to bring the history of this area to life. Feel welcomed by this community as you stroll past wooden houses, shops and museums.
  • Try your hand at clog-decorating and see a cheese-making demonstration.

Dinner On Board the Ship

As you cruise towards Amsterdam, savor a delectable dinner on board. 

 


PLEASE NOTE: Some activities have limited capacity and are on a first come, first served basis.

Day 7, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, Show Less
A mother and daughter hug in a square outside a brick building with a sign reading 'I Amsterdam'A mother and daughter hug in a square outside a brick building with a sign reading 'I Amsterdam'

DAY 8

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Activities Highlights:

Disembark the Ship, Transfer to the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

None

Breakfast Included

Breakfast On Board the Ship

Enjoy one last breakfast on the ship as you close your incredible adventure.

Transfer to the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Get assistance with your luggage and be escorted to your next stop to the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).

Day 8, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, Show Less
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Important Details

Please note: Toboggan Ride: Children younger than 8 years old must ride with a passenger who is over 8 years old. Maximum weight restriction per toboggan is 374 lbs. (170 kg). There is a maximum of 2 Guests per toboggan. For safety reasons, expectant mothers, Guests with heart or respiratory conditions and those with back or neck injuries cannot participate.

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Important Details

Please note: Ziplining: Minimum age is 12 years old. Minimum weight requirement of 88 lbs. (40 kg) and a maximum weight restriction of 253 lbs. (115 kg). Guests must be mobile and active and will be required to hike to the starting zipline. All 6 ziplines must be completed. For safety reasons, expectant mothers, Guests with heart or respiratory conditions and those with back or neck injuries cannot participate.

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Important Details

Please note: Canoes can accommodate 1 or 2 Guests. The person in the front of the canoe will paddle and the person in the back will paddle and also steer.

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Important Details

Please note: The leisure bike ride on your own is not suited for a child who is 10 years old or younger. We strongly recommend that Guests be in shape, know how to ride a bike, have ridden a bike recently, and know that the bike ride will take place on a solid surface, gravel and cobblestones, through towns, along the river, near traffic, crossing streets, etc.

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Important Details

Please note: Indoor Winter Park OR Outdoor Climbing Park: Guests that choose the Outdoor Climbing Park are required to use a safety harness and must have the upper mobility strength to clip in and out of the various obstacles. Minimum age is 6 years old. Minimum height is 3’6”. Maximum height restriction is 6’2”. Maximum weight restriction is 264 lbs. (120 kg.).

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Important Details

Please note: Minimum age is 6 years old.

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Call us at (800) 543-0865 or contact your Travel Agent

Call us at (800) 543-0865 or contact your Travel Agent

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