Enchanting Rhine (Taste of Christmas) river cruise fare includes:
- 7 nights luxury accommodation aboard AmaSiena from Basel to Amsterdam
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- Wellness Program 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
- Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Port charges
Pricing: The fares shown here are full brochure fares. Other fare types may be available and there may be special offers, so please contact us for the current best deal. Other cabin categories are available so please request your preferred cabin category at time of enquiry. Single supplements apply.
Special Conditions
*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on best available cruise fare at time of publication (06Mar25). Some cabins may have obstructed views. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.
Special Validity Dates
Special is valid from 6 March 2025 to 24 November 2026 or until sold out/withdrawn.
Cruise Itinerary
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
24 Dec 2026
Basel, Switzerland
Embark
25 Dec 2026
Breisach, Germany
26 Dec 2026
Strasbourg, France
27 Dec 2026
Ludwigshafen, Germany
27 Dec 2026
Rudesheim, Germany
28 Dec 2026
Rudesheim, Germany
28 Dec 2026
Rhine Gorge
29 Dec 2026
Cologne, Germany
30 Dec 2026
Amsterdam, Rivers
31 Dec 2026
Amsterdam, Rivers
Disembark
7 Night Cruise sailing from Basel to Amsterdam aboard AmaSiena.
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 Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” 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)
*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.
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 République. 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 Cathédrale de Nôtre 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 – RÜDESHEIM
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 Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 5 RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE
Your exploration of Rüdesheim 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 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. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)
Day 7 AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise. 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 café. (B,L,D)
*Depending on docking location, A 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)
Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaSiena will be a warm, inviting ship offering plenty of space for guests to unwind when she debuts in 2021. 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 will be served throughout the day, guests will 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 will be 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 AmaSiena.
Ship Profile & Stats
Maiden voyage: 2021
Length: 443 ft
Beam: 38 ft
Ship registration: Switzerland
Passenger capacity (dbl): 156
Ship Amenities
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Direct-dial Telephone
Safe
Hair Dryer
In-Room Temperature Control
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Ship Facilities
Fitness Room
Massage & Hair Salon
Main Restaurant
Gift Shop
The Chef's Table Restaurant
Main Lounge & Bar
Observation Lounge
Al Fresco Terrace
Walking Track
Sun Deck
Heated Pool
Bicycles
Their Story
Proudly celebrating more than 21 years on the river, family-owned and operated AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by three families; however, their river cruise story began well before that. Co-Founder and President Rudi Schreiner was born in Vienna, at the heart of the Danube. His love of design drew him to architecture, but his even greater love of travel drew him to places far and wide. In 1975, he travelled to South America for a journalism assignment on the Amazon. It was here he designed his first ship, using what he could find to build a raft that would take him up and down the river during the next 7 months. Soon thereafter, he started working in travel, creating unique tour experiences in Europe.
A Turning Point
Rudi started the North American operations for many of today’s major river cruise companies, developing itineraries and ships that would become the templates for what we know river cruising to be today. After years of success as a driving force in the industry, Rudi decided to start his own venture — one that would provide guests with a higher standard of luxury travel by river. That’s when he teamed up with Co-Owners and Co-Founders Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to start AmaWaterways.
In 2016, Rudi was inducted into the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Hall of Fame and was honoured with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of devotion to the river cruising industry.
A Team of Pioneers
Kristin was born in Germany and brings extensive experience in travel, river cruising and customer service to the company in her role as Executive Vice President. Jimmy Murphy was a brilliant travel entrepreneur, having built Brendan Vacations, one of the most successful tour operators in the U.S. Jimmy’s son, Gary, who also played a major part at Brendan, took on an executive sales role at AmaWaterways. Together with Rudi, a true team of pioneers emerged.
The Story Continues
From the beginning, their goal was to create a river cruise company that they themselves would enjoy. To then, that meant the highest-quality, locally sourced food and wine; elegantly appointed ships with staterooms offering maximum views to enjoy the ever-changing countryside; and a crew who goes above and beyond, treating every guest like they are part of THEIR family.
With that in mind, for two wonderful decades, they have been building one-of-a-kind ships with added comforts and conveniences ranging from our signature view-enhancing twin balconies to the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant to their award-winning AmaMagna – redefining the river cruise experience. They continue to lead the way in innovation, pioneering the first sailings on Colombia’s Magdalena River in 2025. As they look ahead to the future, they are more committed than ever to offering innovative and sustainable ways for their guests to experience the rich culture and history found along the banks of the world’s most iconic rivers.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft. Stateroom Features:
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. Stateroom Features:
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. Stateroom Features:
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft. Stateroom Features:
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft. Stateroom Features:
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
French Balcony, 170 sq. ft. Stateroom Features:
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
French Balcony, 155 sq. ft. Stateroom Features:
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
Fixed Window, 160 sq. ft. Stateroom Features:
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
Fixed Window, 160 sq. ft. Stateroom Features:
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
From
AU $6,609*
per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.