Published itinerary
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Amsterdam ↔ Basel · 7 nights / 8 days · Late Nov – Dec · 2026–2028
The sailing
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
A seven-night Amsterdam–Basel route with stops in Cologne, Rüdesheim, the Ludwigshafen area, Strasbourg, and Breisach. Dining includes The Chef's Table and a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour. Ask which ship, cabin type, and excursions operate on your departure.
Route reference checked 2026-10-12. Ships, excursions, and direction can vary by departure.
Best for couples and food lovers who want the rhine and alsace with a choice of touring styles.
Trip highlights
- Amsterdam canals illuminated
- Cologne Cathedral market
- Middle Rhine gorge
- Rüdesheim Rüdesheimer Kaffee
- Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik
What's included
- Selected guided excursions
- Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch/dinner
- Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- Chef's Table dining
- Wi-Fi
Quick facts
- Route
- Amsterdam ↔ Basel
- Length
- 7 nights · 8 days
- Departures
- Late Nov – Dec · 2026–2028 — ask us for current dates & availability
- Cruise line
- AmaWaterways
- Ship
- AmaWaterways ship varies by departure
- River
- Rhine
The ports of call
Market cities along the route
These guides cover selected ports, excursion cities, and endpoints—not a guaranteed market visit in every city. Check opening dates, transfers, excursion choices, and time ashore for your departure.
Netherlands
Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Christmas markets and the Winter Festival along the illuminated canals are the western anchor of most Rhine sailings.
Typical season: Early Dec – early Jan
ExploreGermany
Cologne
Several themed Christmas markets fill Cologne's center, anchored by the Cathedral Market and Heinzel's Winter Fairytale in the Old Town.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreGermany
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations lines the Drosselgasse with stalls from 25+ countries, in a Rhine-gorge wine town famous for Riesling.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreFrance
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed 'Capital of Christmas,' hosts France's oldest market (since 1570) across its UNESCO old town.
Typical season: Late November to Christmas Eve; check the travel-year calendar
ExploreGermany/France
Breisach & Colmar
Breisach is the river port for Colmar, whose Petite Venise canals host five Christmas markets in a half-timbered Alsatian old town.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 30
ExploreSwitzerland
Basel
Basel, the eastern anchor of Rhine sailings, hosts two of Switzerland's grandest Christmas markets in its medieval old town.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreMore from this line
Other AmaWaterways sailings
Magical Christmas Markets of Germany
Nuremberg ↔ Frankfurt · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · debuts 2027
Request pricing
quote on request
Christmas Markets on the Danube
Budapest ↔ Vilshofen · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · 2026–2028
Request pricing
quote on request
Magna on the Danube — Christmas Markets
Budapest ↔ Vilshofen · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · 2026–2028
Request pricing
quote on request
More on the Rhine
Other Rhine sailings
Same river, different line or different dates — see how the operators compare.
Magical Christmas Markets of Germany
Nuremberg ↔ Frankfurt · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · debuts 2027
Request pricing
quote on request
Christmas on the Rhine
Amsterdam → Basel · 7n · Late Nov–Dec · select 2026–2028 departures
Request pricing
quote on request
Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine
Amsterdam ↔ Basel · 7n · Nov 24–Dec 15 · live 2026 options checked Oct 11
$4,430
2026 example · pp
Christmas Markets Along the Rhine
Basel ↔ Düsseldorf · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · 2026 & 2027
Request pricing
quote on request
Ready to plan this voyage?
Tell us your dates and group — we'll confirm live pricing, check whether a cabin hold is available, and walk you through the inclusions. No added VPC planning fee.