Destination:
France,
Germany,
Netherlands,
Switzerland,
Duration:
8 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period:
November 2028 - December 2028
Gallery
5+ Gallery Photos
7-night from Basel to Amsterdam
Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River holiday fantasy. Explore the canal-laden city of Amsterdam in all its seasonal glory, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Wander the stalls of France’s oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg and explore the restaurants, open-air wine gardens, and Christmas Market of Drosselgasse, the cultural heart of Rüdesheim. Sail aboard an elegantly decorated ship through cities and towns brimming with beautiful decor, glittering Christmas trees and holiday spirit. Plus, enjoy festive onboard traditions and an exquisite holiday feast with all the trimmings on every Christmas Markets departure. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a Christmas miracle.What's Included
- Arrive in Basel and settle into your cabin, docked where the city’s charm and riverside beauty will welcome you.
- Celebrate the season in Basel, visiting its medieval town hall, festive market square, and elegant 18th-century homes. Explore the city on foot or by bike through three countries, or take a full-day excursion to Lucerne to admire its historic towers and the iconic Chapel Bridge. For a cozy afternoon, sample Swiss wines, tour Wildegg Castle and its gardens, or soak in the holiday cheer at Basel’s Christmas Markets.
- Celebrate the holidays with a stroll through Strasbourg’s fairytale “La Petite France,” as you admire the cathedral’s astronomical clock, and explore the sparkling Christmas Markets. In the afternoon, visit Baden-Baden’s historic casino, hot springs, and charming Christmas Market.
- In Ludwigshafen, wander medieval Heidelberg and its towering castle, hike the scenic Philosopher’s Path, explore historic Speyer, or pedal along the Neckar to charming Ladenburg. Stroll through twinkling Christmas Markets, then cruise to Rüdesheim for a tasting of the town’s iconic vineyards or savor a warming Rüdesheimer coffee, made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.
- Delight in festive Rüdesheim with your choice of whimsical musical marvels at Siegfried’s Cabinet, a gondola ride above wintery vineyards, or active hikes and bike rides. Cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Lahnstein for a special evening visit at Lahneck Castle.
- Sail into Cologne and step into a city alive with holiday spirit as you explore its charming Old Town on a guided tour. Then follow the scent of mulled spices and roasted treats to the city’s dazzling Christmas Markets, with more than 160 stalls and vendors to choose from. Adventurous passengers can choose to pedal along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
- Celebrate the season in Amsterdam as you glide along its iconic canals, soaking in storybook scenery draped in holiday charm. Or, choose to savor Dutch seasonal treats in a grand café while wandering past gabled houses, narrow bridges, and twinkling waterways.
- Begin your journey home
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Basel
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Day 2 - Basel
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Day 3 - Strasbourg
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Day 4 - Ludwigshafen
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Day 5 - Rüdesheim
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Day 6 - Cologne
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Day 7 - Amsterdam
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Day 8 - Amsterdam
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Dates & Pricing
Select your preferred date or enquire
Why book with RACT Travel?
Travel Partner
AmaWaterways is a premier river cruise line offering luxurious journeys through Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Known for exceptional service and innovative ship designs, they provide unforgettable travel experiences