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AmaWaterways Christmas Markets on the RhineRhine Christmas Markets 2026

Rhine Christmas Markets 2026

Luxury Cruise Aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaCerto

Experience the holidays like never before from December 9–16, 2026, with a journey aboard AmaWaterways’ luxurious AmaCerto. Cruise along the Rhine River from Basel to Amsterdam, stopping at Europe’s most enchanting Christmas Markets.

Picture yourself exploring villages adorned with twinkling lights, savoring the warm scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts, and raising a toast with festive glühwein. Aboard the AmaCerto, indulge in elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, and exceptional service that makes every moment unforgettable.

By booking with Little Red Thread Travel, you’ll enjoy exclusive group pricing, personalized planning, and added perks to make your dream holiday stress-free.

Why Choose This Experience?
  • Visit iconic Christmas Markets in Cologne, Strasbourg, and beyond.
  • Enjoy exclusive group benefits and expert planning.

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Basel, Switzerland
Cologne, Germany
Strasbourg, France

7-Night Christmas on the Rhine (Basel to Amsterdam)

Sailing on the AmaWaterways AmaCerto

December 9, 2026 - Departing from Basel.

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. 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.

COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

RIVERS: Rhine

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1
Basel
Embarkation
Board the AmaCerto in Basel for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (B)
Day 2
Breisach
Colmar Excursion and Christmas markets
OR
Breisach bike tour
Breisach is your gateway to medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town’s wonderful Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 3
Strasbourg
Strasbourg city tour and Christmas markets
OR
Guided bike tour Baden-Baden Walking Tour and Christmas Markets
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Ludwigshafen
Heidelberg tour and Christmas Markets
OR
Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets
OR
Philosopher's Path Hike
OR
Ladenburg bike tour
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheimer wine tasting
OR
Rüdesheimer coffee
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets. Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village’s sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Rüdesheim
Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Christmas Markets
OR
Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Gondola ride
OR
Rüdesheim vineyards hike
OR
Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
Rhine Gorge
Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
Lahnstein
Exclusive Burg Lahneck Tour
Visit Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards or soar high above the town by gondola and later enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas market. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique tour of Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Düsseldorf
Cologne walking tour and Christmas Market
OR
Düsseldorf walking tour and Christmas Markets
OR
Guided bike tour
Enjoy a scenic cruise into Düsseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its 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. Then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Utrecht
Walking Tour
OR
Beer Tasting
Amsterdam
Scenic Cruising into Amsterdam Amsterdam canal cruise
OR
A Taste of Amsterdam*
Begin your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide to Amsterdam. Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the “Venice of the North” and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Amsterdam
DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.

Categories: BB & BA

Starting from $6,298

This stateroom offers 210 sq. ft. of luxury with dual balconies for stunning views. Enjoy deluxe hotel-style bedding, a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads, and modern conveniences like a flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bottled water replenished daily. With in-room temperature control and ample storage, this stateroom is designed for both comfort and relaxation.

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Categories: AB & AA

Starting from $6,698

This stateroom offers 235 sq. ft. of luxury with dual balconies for stunning views. Enjoy deluxe hotel-style bedding, a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads, and modern conveniences like a flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bottled water replenished daily. With in-room temperature control and ample storage, this stateroom is designed for both comfort and relaxation.

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Category: AA+

Starting from $7,498 *SOLDOUT*

This stateroom offers 290 sq. ft. of luxury with dual balconies for stunning views. Enjoy deluxe hotel-style bedding, a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads, and modern conveniences like a flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bottled water replenished daily. With in-room temperature control and ample storage, this stateroom is designed for both comfort and relaxation.

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Category: Suite

Starting from $8,198

This stateroom offers 300 sq. ft. of luxury with dual balconies for stunning views. Enjoy deluxe hotel-style bedding, a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads, and modern conveniences like a flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bottled water replenished daily. With in-room temperature control and ample storage, this stateroom is designed for both comfort and relaxation.

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