Christmas Markets on the Rhine

7 Nights • AmaWaterways

From £3,713pp | Departs from Basel

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Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Offer Highlights

  • AmaWaterways
  • Basel
  • Included
  • River Cruise
  • AmaViola
  • luxury
  • Christmas, Christmas Markets, Festive
  • Europe, Western Europe, Rhine
  • Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands
  • 8 days / 7 nights

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From Germany’s glittery cities to the iconic canals of Amsterdam, 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. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

Basel

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

Breisach

Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.

Strasbourg

STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Step into Strasbourg’s cobblestone streets, where timbered houses and glowing market stalls fill the air with the timeless magic of the season.

Ludwigshafen and Rüdesheim am Rhein

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY. Discover the heart of Germany’s holiday traditions with visits to Heidelberg’s hilltop castle and vibrant Christmas Market or Speyer’s magnificent cathedral and historic town square. Each offers a glimpse into centuries of culture and the timeless beauty of the season.

Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit.

Rüdesheim am Rhein and Lahnstein

Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit.

Monheim am Rhein, Düsseldorf and Düsseldorf

MONHEIM – DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY. Discover Düsseldorf’s lively winter streets or journey to Cologne, where the Gothic cathedral towers over one of Europe’s most iconic and beloved Christmas markets.

Utrecht and Amsterdam

UTRECHT – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Experience the festive heart of the Netherlands, from Amsterdam’s storybook canals to Utrecht’s cozy market squares filled with carols, cocoa, and classic holiday treats.

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

AmaViola

AmaViola

AmaViola offers an intimate way to experience the Danube, Rhine, Main, and Moselle, combining AmaWaterways’ signature warmth with elegant design. Most staterooms feature twin balconies for fresh air and river views directly from your room, while multiple indoor and outdoor dining venues highlight both local and international cuisine. A heated pool on the Sun Deck, complimentary bicycles, and inviting lounges with live music and entertainment blend comfort, culture, and connection into every journey.

Unique Features

Exquisite Dining On Board

Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local ingredients and presented with elegance, turning each meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place.

Suite
Suite
Suite

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

350 sq ft Max 2 guests
Toiletries Provided Room Service Available Queen or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Shower Bath +7 more
Category AA
Category AA
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

235 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV +6 more
Category AB
Category AB
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

235 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Shower Room Service Available TV Free Wi-Fi +6 more
Category BA
Category BA
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

210 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV Free Wi-Fi +5 more
Category BB
Category BB
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

210 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV Free Wi-Fi +5 more
Category CA
Category CA
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

170 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV +6 more
Category CB
Category CB
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

155 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV +5 more
Category D
Category D
Outside

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

160 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV Free Wi-Fi +5 more
Category E
Category E
Outside

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

160 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV Free Wi-Fi +5 more

AmaViola has three main dining venues: the Main Restaurant, where menus highlight both regional specialties and international favorites; The Chef’s Table, an intimate multi-course tasting experience; and the Al Fresco Terrace with panoramic views. Each venue features cuisine honored by La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Guests can also enjoy tapas in the lounge, afternoon tea, and a 24-hour coffee station. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs are happily accommodated.

Journeys Restaurant
Journeys Restaurant
Complimentary

Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local...

The Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table
Complimentary

Enjoy an intimate, multi-course dinner where culinary artistry shines at The Chef’s Table, available on select sailings....

Get a glimpse of what awaits you aboard your AmaWaterways cruise ship, where every moment on board is designed to make your journey feel effortless and memorable.

Main Lounge & Bar
Main Lounge & Bar
Bar Lounge

With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with yo...

The Gift Shop
The Gift Shop
Shop

The Gift Shop sells special occasion gifts and souvenirs, news papers and magazines and some conveni...

Onboard Entertainment
Onboard Entertainment
Local Entertainment Musicians

Onboard Performances and Musical EveningsThroughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into...

Library
Library
Library

The Library can be found on the Violin Deck.

Lobby
Lobby
Reception

Guests will first enter the lobby when they embark on their river cruise.

AmaViola has a fitness room, massage and salon services, a heated pool on the Sun Deck, a walking track, and complimentary bicycles for guided or independent exploration ashore.

Fitness Room
Fitness Room
Gym

Stay energized with fitness classes, a session in the gym, or an afternoon pickleball game on board,...

Sun Deck Pool
Sun Deck Pool
Pool Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Find calm in beautifully designed areas made for rest and reflection, whether it’s a quiet lounge, t...

Massage Services
Massage Services
Spa Wellness

Rejuvenate body and spirit with soothing spa and massage treatments, offering the perfect balance of...

Hair Salon
Hair Salon
Salon

Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can...

Fitness Classes
Fitness Classes
Exercise Class

Start the day with intention through gentle stretching, yoga, or quiet moments on deck, surrounded b...

Sun Deck
Sun Deck

  • Sun Deck
  • The Deck Club
  • Wheelhouse
  • Pool
  • Walking Track

Violin Deck
Violin Deck
  • The Chef's Table
  • Elevator
  • Reception
  • Boutique
  • Lounge
  • Suite
  • Category AA
  • Category BA
  • Category CA
  • Category CB
Cello Deck
Cello Deck
  • Journey's Restaurant 
  • Elevator
  • Category AB
  • Category BB
  • Category CA
Piano Deck
Piano Deck
  • Fitness Centre
  • Massage & Hair Salon
  • Category D
  • Category E

Choose your cabin

AmaViola Basel → Amsterdam 10 Dec 2028 – 17 Dec 2028 Available
From £3,713 pp
Flights included. Prices include flights and transfers — everything's covered, so you can book online.
Window

Cabin with a river-view window

2 options

from £3,713 pp
Balcony

French or outside balcony with river views

6 options

from £4,601 pp
Suite

Spacious suite with premium extras

1 option

from £6,823 pp

49 dates available

Date Ship Window Balcony Suite
25 Nov 2026 AmaPrima £5,740 View
26 Nov 2026 AmaSiena £4,509 £6,740 View
28 Nov 2026 AmaViola £5,817 View
02 Dec 2026 AmaPrima £4,587 £5,740 £7,663 View
02 Dec 2026 AmaCerto £4,587 £5,740 £7,663 View
03 Dec 2026 AmaLucia £4,587 £5,740 View
03 Dec 2026 AmaSiena £4,587 £5,432 View
09 Dec 2026 AmaCerto £4,587 £5,740 View
12 Dec 2026 AmaViola £4,280 £5,125 £7,356 View
16 Dec 2026 AmaCerto £5,202 View
17 Dec 2026 AmaSiena £3,741 £4,586 View
24 Nov 2027 AmaPrima £5,371 £7,371 View
25 Nov 2027 AmaLucia £5,658 View
27 Nov 2027 AmaSofia £5,648 View
28 Nov 2027 AmaStella £5,910 View
28 Nov 2027 AmaViola £5,448 View
01 Dec 2027 AmaPrima £4,418 £5,648 £7,648 View
02 Dec 2027 AmaLucia £4,218 £5,448 £7,448 View
04 Dec 2027 AmaSofia £6,063 £8,063 View
05 Dec 2027 AmaStella £7,494 View
08 Dec 2027 AmaPrima £5,648 £7,648 View
11 Dec 2027 AmaFiora £6,263 View
11 Dec 2027 AmaSofia £4,218 £5,910 View
12 Dec 2027 AmaStella £4,811 £7,119 View
15 Dec 2027 AmaPrima £3,360 £5,205 £6,590 View
16 Dec 2027 AmaSiena £4,919 £6,919 View
16 Dec 2027 AmaLucia £4,436 £6,744 View
18 Dec 2027 AmaSofia £4,282 £6,590 View
18 Dec 2027 AmaFiora £3,398 £4,282 £6,590 View
23 Nov 2028 AmaSiena £3,639 £4,527 £6,749 View
23 Nov 2028 AmaLucia £3,639 £4,527 £6,749 View
25 Nov 2028 AmaSofia £3,639 £4,527 £6,749 View
26 Nov 2028 AmaStella £3,639 £4,527 £6,749 View
26 Nov 2028 AmaViola £3,639 £4,527 £6,749 View
30 Nov 2028 AmaLucia £3,713 £4,601 View
30 Nov 2028 AmaSiena £3,750 £4,601 £6,823 View
02 Dec 2028 AmaFiora £3,713 £4,601 View
03 Dec 2028 AmaStella £3,713 £4,601 View
07 Dec 2028 AmaSiena £3,713 £4,601 £6,823 View
09 Dec 2028 AmaSofia £3,713 £4,601 £6,823 View
09 Dec 2028 AmaFiora £3,750 £4,601 £6,823 View
10 Dec 2028 AmaViola £3,713 £4,601 £6,823 Viewing
10 Dec 2028 AmaStella £3,713 £4,601 £6,823 View
14 Dec 2028 AmaSiena £3,564 £4,453 £6,675 View
14 Dec 2028 AmaLucia £3,564 £4,453 £6,675 View
16 Dec 2028 AmaSofia £3,564 £4,453 £6,675 View
16 Dec 2028 AmaFiora £3,564 £4,453 £6,675 View
17 Dec 2028 AmaViola £3,268 £4,156 £6,379 View
17 Dec 2028 AmaStella £3,268 £4,156 £6,379 View
From £3,713 per person

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