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AmaStella, Christmas Markets on the Rhine ex Amsterdam to Basel

Cruise AmaStella, Christmas Markets on the Rhine ex Amsterdam to Basel
Cruise Line AmaWaterways
Ship AmaStella
Destination EU Rivers
Brief Description 7 Night Cruise sailing from Amsterdam to Basel aboard AmaStella.
Type of Cruise River
Departure Date 29 Nov 2025
Cruise Description 7 Night Cruise sailing from Amsterdam to Basel aboard AmaStella.

Day 1 ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)

Day 2 AMSTERDAM
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 3 DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY
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. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Düsseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. 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 4 RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have three choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting or go on a hike through the vineyards. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. (B,L,D)

Day 5 LUDWIGSHAFEN
You have the choice to explore two of Germany’s historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)

Day 6 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
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 Republique. 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. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where, every year, the locals count down to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Day 7 BREISACH, GERMANY
Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture, as well as famous sights such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)

Day 8 BASEL – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Sailing Dates
29 Nov 2025
28 Nov 2026
Pricing
Please enquire for pricing
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
29 Nov 2025 Amsterdam, Rivers Embark
30 Nov 2025 Amsterdam, Rivers
1 Dec 2025 Dusseldorf, Germany
2 Dec 2025 Rhine Gorge
2 Dec 2025 Rudesheim, Germany
3 Dec 2025 Ludwigshafen, Germany
4 Dec 2025 Strasbourg, France
5 Dec 2025 Breisach, Germany
6 Dec 2025 Basel, Switzerland Disembark
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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