Step into a real-life holiday storybook on a magical voyage down the legendary Rhine River. Sweeping you through four countries—the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland—this curated river cruise transforms the dark days of December into a brilliant tapestry of twinkling lights, festive music, and timeless winter traditions.
Unpack just once aboard a beautifully decorated boutique river ship and watch from the cozy warmth of the panoramic lounge as snow-dusted riverbanks, terraced vineyards, and cliffside medieval castles drift gently by. By day, you’ll explore Europe's most historic and breathtaking public squares, entirely transformed into festive winter villages filled with the aroma of roasted almonds, gingerbread, and warm, spiced Glühwein.
🚢 Voyage Overview
Route: Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps – Christmas Markets (Amsterdam to Basel)
Ship: AmaSerena
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days (December 12–19, 2028)
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 (Dec 12): Amsterdam, Netherlands – Embarkation & Holiday Welcome
Day 2 (Dec 13): Amsterdam, Netherlands – Discover Dutch Charm & Holiday Spirit
Day 3 (Dec 14): Cologne, Germany – Where Modern Energy Meets Medieval Wonder
Day 4 (Dec 15): Rüdesheim, Germany – Discover Castles, Legends, and Lights
Day 5 (Dec 16): Ludwigshafen, Germany – Discover the Romance of Heidelberg
Day 6 (Dec 17): Strasbourg, France – Explore Fairytale Streets & Holiday Markets
Day 7 (Dec 18): Breisach, Germany – Wander Enchanting Villages
Day 8 (Dec 19): Basel, Switzerland – Disembarkation & Farewell
Daily Curated Excursions: Enjoy a mix of included expert-guided city walks, canal cruises, and deep-dives into local holiday culinary traditions.
Flexible Options: Tailor your trip with elective excursions, such as tasting regional winter beers or visiting enchanting nearby medieval villages like Colmar, France.
🏨 Optional Pre- & Post-Cruise Land Packages
Extend your European holiday before embarking or after we dock! For all land packages, ship-to-hotel transfers, hotel stays, daily breakfast, and guided city tours are fully included (gratuities for land staff/guides are additional, and rates do not include intra-air flight segments). I will also be sending out a dedicated flyer showcasing these land package deals very soon!
Pre-Cruise Option: 2-Night Amsterdam Package (Dec 10 – Dec 12, 2028)
USD: $1,170 per person (Double) / $1,870 (Single)
CAD: C$1,614 per person (Double) / C$2,559 (Single)
Post-Cruise Option A: 2-Night Basel Package (Dec 19 – Dec 21, 2028)
USD: $1,520 per person (Double) / $1,950 (Single)
CAD: C$2,087 per person (Double) / C$2,667 (Single)
Post-Cruise Option B: 4-Night Lake Como (2N) & Milan (2N) Package (Dec 19 – Dec 23, 2028)
USD: $2,600 per person (Double) / $3,920 (Single)
CAD: C$3,580 per person (Double) / C$5,362 (Single)
Schedule Release: Airlines generally release their flight schedules 331 days prior to your return travel date.
AmaAir Contact: When you are ready to book your airfare through AmaWaterways, you can reach their flight department at:
Email: AmaAir@flights.amawaterways.com
Phone: (310) 689-5951
The current promotion for your group is a $1000.00 discount per person if reserved before 09/30/2026. Availability as of today, 07/29/2026, is as follows:
SS -Suite - French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 300 sq. ft. (4)
AA-French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. (10)
AB-French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. (10)
BA-French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft. (10)
BB-French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft. (15)
C-French Balcony, 170 sq. ft. (16)
D-Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft. (11)
E-Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft. (5)
Please review our new general terms and conditions by clicking on the below link: https://www.amawaterways.com/terms-conditions
I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment against unexpected cancellations, trip delays, or medical emergencies.
To help you find the best fit, I will provide you with custom quotes from Chubb Insurance, and Allianz so you can easily compare options. Alternatively, you are also welcome to purchase travel insurance independently if you prefer.
Please note: If you choose to decline travel insurance you will be required to sign a waiver.
Break out the tinsel, untangle the battery-operated fairy lights, and dig to the very bottom of your suitcase—it’s time to show off your holiday spirit in the tacky fashion event of the season!
How You'll Be Judged
We aren't just looking for basic store-bought wool. The judges will be scoring entries based on:
Creativity & Craftsmanship: DIY embellishments, 3D elements, lights, bells, and outside-the-box ideas.
Festive Flair: How enthusiastically your sweater captures the holiday spirit.
The "Tackiness" Factor: The bolder, louder, and busier, the better!
Prizes & Glory
Fabulous prizes await the top three most creative sweater champions, along with ultimate bragging rights for the remainder of our voyage.
Pack your sequins, warm up your holiday catwalk strut, and join us for an evening of laughs, drinks, and unforgettable festive fashion!