2025 : Enchanting Rhine (Taste of Christmas) : 7-night Cruise : Basel to Amsterdam : ms AmaPrima

Overview

Cruise From: Basel to Amsterdam

Coming to life with seasonal lights and holiday festivities, the legendary Rhine captivates those who glide along its waters at the start of the holiday season. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste seasonal flavors such as the Christmas Market staple, gluhwein, and to touch history up close with guided walking tours and active excursions. Timeless traditions remain intact-from the brewing of Germany's legendary beers, to the making of Rudesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. From the majestic Swiss Alps to Amsterdam's colorful canals, board your beautifully decorated ship and journey into the heart of the destinations you visit, experiencing the holiday spirit that comes alive in select markets along the Rhine during this Taste of Christmas Markets cruise.

Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city.

COUNTRIES:France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

RIVERS:Rhine

Enchanting Rhine (Taste of Christmas)

At A Glance

On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Included Features

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

    AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

    AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef's Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaine des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

    A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

    Detailed Itinerary

    Day 1 : EMBARKATION - BASEL, SWITZERLAND
    Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (D)

    Day 2 : BREISACH, GERMANY
    Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor's Colmar birthplace. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

    *Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

    Day 3 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
    Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage 'La Petite France'district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B,L,D)

    Day 4 : LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY - REDESHEIM
    Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-and the medieval Altportel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rudesheim where you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

    Day 5 : REDESHEIM - RHINE GORGE
    Your exploration of Rudesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, 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 to Lahnstein where you'll enjoy an exclusive festive celebration. (B,L,D)

    Day 6 : COLOGNE
    Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the 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. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kolsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

    Day 7 : AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
    Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jordaan tour. (B,L,D)

    *Depending on docking location, Jordaan Tour may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

    Day 8 : AMSTERDAM - DISEMBARKATION
    Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

  • Call (800) 733-5524 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18956808

    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Offer
    Offer valid through 3/31/2025
    Duration
    8 Days
    Cruise Ship
    ms AmaPrima

    Click for more information on this ship.

    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Basel  
    Day 2Breisach  
    Day 3Strasbourg  
    Day 4Ludwigshafen  
    Day 5Rhine Gorge  
    Day 6Cologne  
    Day 7Amsterdam  
    Day 8Amsterdam  
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call (800) 733-5524 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    11/19/2025$3,839.00* (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer

    NOTES:

    Important Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

    Port Charges (included in cruise price) $240 per person.

    Single Supplement for Cruise 50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.

    Single Supplement for Land A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

    Bedding Please 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, include port fees and are based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offers are 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. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

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