Published itinerary
Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine
Amsterdam ↔ Basel · 7 nights / 8 days · Nov 24–Dec 15 · live 2026 options checked Oct 11
The sailing
Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine
This seven-night Rhine route connects Amsterdam and Basel through Cologne, the Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim, Mainz or Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and the Black Forest gateway. Most of the remaining space found in October was in Avalon's Panorama Suites, with a smaller number of Deluxe and Royal categories on specific dates.
Route reference checked 2026-10-11. Ships, excursions, and direction can vary by departure.
2026 example fare checked October 11; per person, double occupancy. Confirm departure, cabin, fees, and current total.
Best for travelers who want the classic rhine market route and a modern suite with the bed facing the scenery.
Trip highlights
- Panorama Suites with Open-Air Balconies
- Cologne Cathedral markets
- Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim
- Strasbourg Christmas markets
- Both directions offered
What's included
- Avalon Choice sightseeing
- Wine & beer with lunch/dinner
- Soft drinks throughout the day
- Starlink Wi-Fi
- Bikes and e-bikes
Quick facts
- Route
- Amsterdam ↔ Basel
- Length
- 7 nights · 8 days
- Departures
- Nov 24–Dec 15 · live 2026 options checked Oct 11 — ask us for current dates & availability
- Cruise line
- Avalon Waterways
- Ship
- Avalon View or Avalon Envision
- 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
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 Avalon Waterways sailings
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
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quote on request
Christmas on the Rhine
Amsterdam → Basel · 7n · Late Nov–Dec · select 2026–2028 departures
Request pricing
quote on request
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Amsterdam ↔ Basel · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · 2026–2028
Request pricing
quote on request
Christmas Markets Along the Rhine
Basel ↔ Düsseldorf · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · 2026 & 2027
Request pricing
quote on request
Ready to plan this voyage?
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