Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Cruising through France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland
Experience Europe’s most enchanting holiday traditions as you visit its timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with glühwein at Cologne’s market, set against the backdrop of its stunning Gothic cathedral. Explore Strasbourg, France’s oldest and largest market, known as the "Capital of Noël." Wander through Heidelberg’s charming Old Town Christmas Market, and be amazed by the world’s largest Advent calendar in Gengenbach. Celebrate the magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
About this UnTour Cruise
Itinerary Highlights
Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel
Christmas Markets - Most Christmas Markets open during the last week of November and remain open until approximately Dec. 22. Check with each country’s tourist office for more information.
Air Options
Special airfares may be available. Please inquire for details.
What's included
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- 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
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Knowledgeable guides
- Airport transfers (with purchase of Air only)
Itinerary
Day 1: AMSTERDAM, 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 Instrument Cabinet, 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. Journey into 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. 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, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Excursions
Immersive tours are included in every destination.
Pre-Cruise Options
2 Nights Amsterdam
Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2: Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
Day 3: Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)
Post-Cruise Options
2 Nights Lake Lucerne & 2 Nights Zurich
From: $2,760 per person
Day 1: Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 2: Discover Lake Lucerne’s unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. (B)
Day 3: Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (B)
Day 4: Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Plus, take some time to explore Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Markets located in the town’s main railway station and its underground mall as well as other Christmas Markets in this beautiful city. (B)
Day 5: After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Ship
AmaSiena
Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaSiena brought with her a sense of joy when she was christened in 2021. Vivid shades of red create an air of confidence throughout the Main Restaurant while bold floral patterns are sprinkled throughout the ship, from her spacious twin-balcony staterooms to her Main Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering exceptional views of the castles along the Rhine River and the iconic windmills and pastures of Holland and Belgium. Her airy Sun Deck offers a walking track, pool with swim-up bar and ever-changing views of the scenery – even as you participate in a complimentary fitness class. And her Chef’s Table specialty restaurant offers a subtle elegance that allows each dish of its exquisite regionally inspired tasting menu to shine.
Ship Features
- 156 passengers
- Multiple outdoor decks offering unimpeded panoramic views
- Sun deck with heated pool
- Comfortable common spaces and scenics decks
- Award-winning dining featuring locally inspired cuisine and regional wines
- Multiple dining venues, including the Chef’s Table with tasting menu
- Fitness room, plus a walking/running track on the sun deck
- A comfortable main lounge and bar with entertainment
- Bicycles for guest use and optional cycle tours
- Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
- Massage service and hair salon
- Reading lounge, gift shop and more
- 24-hour premium coffee station
Stateroom Amenities
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Bathrobes and premium toiletries
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
- Entertainment system providing TV and on-demand movies and music
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- In-room temperature control
- Suites feature extra seating and bathtubs
Cabin Types:
Upper Deck (Violin)
- Suite-French Balcony & Outside Balcony; 300 sq. ft.
- Category AA+-French Balcony & Outside Balcony; 290 sq. ft.
- Category AA-French Balcony & Outside Balcony; 235 sq. ft.
- Category BA-French Balcony & Outside Balcony; 210 sq. ft.
- Category C-French Balcony; 170 sq. ft.
Middle Deck (Cello)
- Category AB-French Balcony & Outside Balcony; 235 sq. ft.
- Category BB-French Balcony & Outside Balcony; 210 sq. ft.
- Category C-French Balcony; 170 sq. ft.
Lower Deck (Piano)
- Category D and E - fixed Panoramic Window; 160 sq. ft.
Disclaimer
Our staff have inspected this cruise and the above description and photographs reflect what they saw at that time. It is possible that the supplier has made changes to the cruise without our knowledge. While we do our best to keep up with any changes or improvements made to our cruises, we cannot guarantee that everything in the above description will be accurate.
Nov 19, 2025 to Nov 26, 2025
Nov 20, 2025 to Nov 27, 2025
Nov 22, 2025 to Nov 29, 2025
Nov 26, 2025 to Dec 3, 2025
Nov 27, 2025 to Dec 4, 2025
Nov 29, 2025 to Dec 6, 2025
Dec 3, 2025 to Dec 10, 2025
Dec 6, 2025 to Dec 13, 2025
Dec 11, 2025 to Dec 18, 2025
Dec 13, 2025 to Dec 20, 2025
Dec 17, 2025 to Dec 24, 2025
Dec 20, 2025 to Dec 27, 2025
- River-view stateroom
- All onboard meals
- Shore excursions
- Port taxes & fees
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Transportation to/from the port/ship
- Tips and gratuities
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings