2026 : Enchanting Rhine (Taste of Christmas) : 7- Night Cruise : Basel to Amsterdam : ms AmaCerto

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
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
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)
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 - RUDESHEIM
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 : RUDESHEIM - RHINE GORGE
Your exploration of Rudesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, 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 a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : DUSSELDORF
As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Dusseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day's excursion. Explore historic Dusseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, or cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. Alternatively, kick up your feet with a German beer tasting, sampling the best local brews Dusseldorf has to offer. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings'the Magi' are believed to rest. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : UTRECHT - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
In the morning, explore charming Utrecht on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. Then, enjoy a scenic cruise to Amsterdam before setting out on the city's famous canals. Embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam cafe. (B,L,D)
*Depending on docking location, Taste of Amsterdam 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 (217) 342-3965 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18957004
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2025
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaCerto
Click for more information on this ship.
Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
Day 1 | Basel | ||
Day 2 | Breisach | ||
Day 3 | Strasbourg | ||
Day 4 | Ludwigshafen | ||
Day 5 | Rhine Gorge | ||
Day 6 | Dusseldorf | ||
Day 7 | Amsterdam | ||
Day 8 | Amsterdam |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Notes:
ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges (included in cruise price)$250 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
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).