2025 CHRISTMAS MARKETS
ON THE RHINE
A Festive Journey Through Europe's Heart
Experience Europe’s rich holiday traditions during its most festive season. Explore iconic locations like Amsterdam’s canals, Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne, and Zurich, immersing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of timeless Christmas Markets. Sip on warm glühwein at Cologne’s market, set against the backdrop of a UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Discover the charm of Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Noël,” hosting France’s oldest and largest Christmas Market. Stroll through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market in the historic Old Town, and be amazed by Gengenbach’s world’s largest Advent calendar at the neo-classical town hall. Cruise along the Rhine, embracing the grandeur of the holiday season in true European style.
7-Night Cruise with 2-nights Amsterdam Pre-Cruise and 2-nights Lake Lucerne, 2-nights Zurich Post-Cruise
Trip starts: December 11, 2025
Starting at $5,538 per person double occupancy
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. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER
✔️ At least 3 group planning sessions and at least 1 on 1 planning session with expert advice.
✔️ A personalized itinerary with all your trip information, important tips, and a packing list.
What makes AmaWaterWays different from other river cruise companies?
All excursions are included (no need to pay extra) with numerous options.
Sip and Sail social hour -- one hour before dinner to meet and mingle with others on the ship with complimentary drinks.
Fewer staterooms and more public space onboard for everyone to enjoy.
Final payment date 3 months before sailing, instead of 12 months prior, like other river cruise companies.
TRIP ITINERARY
- OPTIONAL PRE-CRUISE: 2-nights in Amsterdam
2 nights hotel in Amsterdam at the Barbizon Palace or Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (or similar), including walking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfast. Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
- Day 1 - 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)
- Day 2 - 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 3 - Düsseldorf, Germany
Take a scenic cruise to Düsseldorf, followed by a guided tour of Cologne's Old Town in the afternoon. Explore historic sites like Cologne Rathaus and the Fishmarkt. Visit one of Europe's largest Christmas Markets or opt for a walking tour of Düsseldorf with a local guide. Enjoy a tasting of Altbier, a traditional Düsseldorf beer, and conclude the day at the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, embark on an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)
- Day 4 - Rhine Gorge- Rüdesheim
Cruise through the Rhine River Gorge, passing castles, to Rüdesheim. Choose from morning options: wine tasting and a Christmas Market visit, a vineyard hike, a serene gondola ride with the market, or a guided bike tour along the Rhine. Later, explore Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or savor Rüdesheimer coffee. Conclude your day by immersing yourself in the town's festive atmosphere and delightful culinary offerings. (B,L,D)
- Day 5 - Ludwigshafen
Explore two of Germany’s historic cities with festive Christmas Markets. Choose Heidelberg for its captivating castle, historic university, and Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, Hauptstrasse. Wander the Christmas Markets or hike the Philosopher’s Path along the Neckar River. Alternatively, bike to Ladenburg’s medieval town or visit Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and its Christmas Market at Maximilianstrasse. Enjoy the view of the Imperial cathedral. (B,L,D)
- Day 6 - Strasbourg, France
Experience the charm of Strasbourg during Advent, home to the oldest Christmas Market in France, dating back to 1570. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour past notable landmarks, followed by a stroll through the historic town center and "La Petite France" district. Visit the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and explore the Christmas Market. Optionally, explore Strasbourg's districts by bicycle. In the evening, consider visiting Gengenbach's Christmas Markets and the illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)
- Day 7 - Breisach, Germany
Explore medieval Colmar in the Alsace region of France with its charming half-timbered houses and Christmas Markets. Alternatively, visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, known for its Gothic cathedral, and enjoy free time at the Christmas Markets. For a more active option, cycle through Breisach's countryside. (B, L, D)
- Day 8 - Basel Switzerland - Disembarkation
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake 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)
- OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE: 2-nights in Lucerne & 2-nights in Zurich
2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar), including walking tour, Lion Monument, Christmas Market and daily breakfast. Transfer from hotel in Lucerne to Zurich with scenic Lake Lucerne cruise en route. 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Zurich Marriott Hotel (or similar) including city tour, Christmas Market and daily breakfast.
ACCOMMODATION
Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaLucia is the newest in our European fleet. This warm, inviting ship offers the luxury of space in which guests can peacefully unwind. From comfortable staterooms with twin balconies that keep guests well-connected via Entertainment-On-Demand, free high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi, to the sunny Main Lounge, where delicious tapas are served throughout the day, guests have everything they need to enjoy their time spent on board. If an active mood strikes, the sun-deck walking track, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room and complimentary fleet of bikes are available. Or you can take an invigorating class led by the professionally trained onboard Wellness Host. And, of course, the exquisite cuisine served in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant will satisfy your every craving aboard AmaLucia.
• AMALUCIA CRUISE SHIP •
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, massage services and hair salon
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AmaLucia Deck Plan
The room offers in-room temperature control, luxurious hotel-style bedding, and spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Additional amenities include a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, and direct-dial telephone. Entertainment features consist of a flat-screen TV and an Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary access to TV, movies, and a music library. Guests also enjoy complimentary internet and Wi-Fi, along with daily replenished bottled water. The room is equipped with a desk and chair for added convenience.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Deposit: $400 per person due at booking
Final payment due: August 29, 2025
• Flights to and from the U.S.
• Trip protection
• Pre-extension in Amsterdam
• Post-cruise in Switzerland
2 Nights Amsterdam package – $830 pp double occupancy
2 Nights Lucerne and 2 Nights Zurich package – $1760 pp double occupancy
*Pricing, availability, and special offers can change at any time before the cruise is booked and confirmed.*
BOOKING PROCESS
Once you know what group trip you want to do, sign up for a time to meet me to go over the trip and answer any questions you have.
After the consultation, save your spot on our group trip by letting me know you are ready to put your stateroom on hold. I’ll send you a client profile form so I have the info I need to put your stateroom on hold.
Next, using the quote from the supplier, I will make a video just for you going over the costs, inclusions, extras, and show you where your stateroom is on the ship map.
After you take time to review your proposal, we will make necessary adjustments based on your personal preferences. Want to change your stateroom? No problem at all. We will take care of that. We want to make sure you are happy.
Pop the bubbly! You pay the deposit and know you are officially coming on our group trip! I will be there for you step by step from now until you return. All that’s left for you to do is get the countdown started!
Benefits of Group Trips
Special group offer
At least one 1 on 1 planning session with expert advice to discuss your trip, excursion choices, and flights
Opportunity to extend your trip with expert advice
A personalized itinerary with all your trip information
Important tips for your trip and destination
A packing list specifically for your trip
At least 3 group planning sessions to get ready for your trip
Additional Value
You and your trip are important to us. We always want to provide a high level of service so we include the following for all trips: