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AmaViola, Captivating Rhine (Taste of Christmas) ex Amsterdam to Basel

Cruise AmaViola, Captivating Rhine (Taste of Christmas) ex Amsterdam to Basel
Cruise Line AmaWaterways
Ship AmaViola
Destination EU Rivers
Brief Description 7 Night Cruise sailing from Amsterdam to Basel aboard AmaViola.
Type of Cruise River
Departure Date 22 Nov 2025
Cruise Description 7 Night Cruise sailing from Amsterdam to Basel aboard AmaViola.

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 four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (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. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher’s Path followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or 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. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach’s Christmas Markets and the town’s famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Day 7 BREISACH, GERMANY
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. 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 and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate, followed by a visit to its charming Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach’s 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
22 Nov 2025
20 Dec 2025
21 Nov 2026
Pricing
Please enquire for pricing
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
22 Nov 2025 Amsterdam, Rivers Embark
23 Nov 2025 Amsterdam, Rivers
24 Nov 2025 Dusseldorf, Germany
25 Nov 2025 Rhine Gorge
25 Nov 2025 Rudesheim, Germany
26 Nov 2025 Ludwigshafen, Germany
27 Nov 2025 Strasbourg, France
28 Nov 2025 Breisach, Germany
29 Nov 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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