Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles - Christmas river cruise fare includes:
- 7 nights luxury accommodation aboard AmaSerena 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 22 November 2026 or until sold out/withdrawn.
Cruise Itinerary
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
22 Dec 2026
Basel, Switzerland
Embark
23 Dec 2026
Basel, Switzerland
24 Dec 2026
Strasbourg, France
25 Dec 2026
Ludwigshafen, Germany
25 Dec 2026
Rudesheim, Germany
26 Dec 2026
Rudesheim, Germany
26 Dec 2026
Rhine Gorge
27 Dec 2026
Cologne, Germany
28 Dec 2026
Amsterdam, Rivers
29 Dec 2026
Amsterdam, Rivers
Disembark
7 Night Cruise sailing from Basel to Amsterdam aboard AmaSerena.
Day 1 EMBARKATION – BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Embark your ship in Basel for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D)
Day 2 BASEL
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Both tours offer free time to visit Basel’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lake Lucerne or spend your afternoon there. Lake Lucerne is known for its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” Whether you choose the full-day excursion or half-day tour to Lake Lucerne, you’ll also see Lake Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century, plus enjoy free time to explore the Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)
Day 3 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg 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 before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town Gengenbach stroll through the town’s narrow streets full of half-timbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas Market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th century town hall. (B,L,D)
Day 4 LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four 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. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas Markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft and even a submarine! Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 5 RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE
Let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 6 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 7 AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. Please note: tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour. (B,L,D)
Day 8 AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
The AmaSerena is a sister ship to the AmaPrima and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with unlimited fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and entertainment on demand; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.
Ship Profile & Stats
Maiden voyage: 2015
Length: 443 ft
Beam: 38 ft
Ship registration: Switzerland
Passenger capacity (dbl): 164
Crew nationality: European
Officer nationality: European
Dining nationality: European
Ship Amenities
Hair Dryer
Safe
Telephone
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Bathrobes
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Ship Facilities
Main Lounge with bar, piano and dance floor
Massage & Hair Salon
Al Fresco Dining Terrace
Library
Observation Lounge
Heated Swimming Pool with Swim-up Bar
Fitness Centre
Spa
Bicycles
Main Dining Room
The Chef's Table Restaurant
Sundecks with lounge chairs and retractable roof
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel
24-hour specialty coffee and tea station
Gift Shop
Walking Track
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.
Located on Violin Deck.French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 300 sq. ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Extra spacious Suites are 300 sq. ft. with exclusive “Twin Balcony” and mini-bar
Enhanced sitting area in Suites featuring a sofa and two chairs
Suites have expansive bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower
Located on Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 290 sq. ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Located on Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Located on Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Located on Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Located on Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Located on Violin and Cello Decks. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Located on Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Located on Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft. In room safe, hair dryer, full-length mirror, ample closet space and direct dial telephone
All staterooms have AmaWaterways’ exclusive Entertainment On Demand system, including complimentary Internet access, first run Hollywood movies and music library
Flat-screen Televisions with local and satellite channels
Hotel-style white on white, plush bedding and terry bathrobes
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Individually controlled air-conditioning
From
AU $6,609*
per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.