7-Night AmaWaterways Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles River Cruise
Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles – Christmas Markets
COUNTRIES: FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND
RIVERS: RHINE
Basel and the Swiss Alps open this itinerary, where hiking trails lead toward peaks that drew generations of Romantic painters and poets, before the Rhine carries you through its most dramatic scenery: the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, medieval castle towns and the legendary Lorelei rock. Between alpine trails and river cycling, few AmaWaterways itineraries offer more ways to move through the landscape.
A procession of Germany’s most beloved Christmas markets lines this holiday sailing along the Rhine. Cologne’s cathedral-side market and Rüdesheim’s charming Drosselgasse each hold their own festive character, framed by the river’s winter landscapes.
Save up to $2,500 per stateroom + Complimentary stateroom upgrade on select sailings when you book by December 31, 2026*
Ship: AmaVenita | Cruise Line: AmaWaterways | Sail Date: December 14, 2027| From/To: Basel to Amsterdam | Length: 7-Nights
French Balcony, Category C, Cello or Violin Decks From
$5,178
Per person
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, Category BB, Cello Deck From
$5,778
Per person
French and Outside Balcony Category BA, Violin Deck From
$5,978
Per person
French and Outside Balcony Category AB, Cello Deck From
$6,178
Per person
Are you traveling solo? Ask our agents for AmaWaterway’s Single Supplement pricing on select European and Mekong sailings!
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
- 7 nights luxury accommodation
- Computer for internet access & complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
- Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
- All onboard dining in a variety of venue
- 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
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drink
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
| Date | Day | Port |
|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2027 | Tues. |
BASEL
Begin your adventure in Basel, Switzerland. |
| December 15, 2027 | Wed. |
WHERE THREE COUNTRIES CONVERGE
Basel, Switzerland Medieval charm at the crossroads of nations
Explore Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city. Take in its medieval town hall, vibrant market square, and elegant 18th-century homes. Visit a local winery for a more relaxing afternoon activity.
|
| December 16, 2027 | Thurs. |
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Roam La Petite France’s cobbled lanes before cycling past Strasbourg’s scenic gardens.
Discover Strasbourg, where French and German influences meet. Walk through the fairytale streets of La Petite France and admire the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock, or explore the city by biking through its charming streets.
|
| December 17, 2027 | Fri. |
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY
Explore Germany’s storied towns, where castles rise above vineyards and centuries-old traditions linger
Visit Heidelberg’s medieval streets, iconic castle, and the Great Vat, or hike the Philosopher’s Path for panoramic views. If you’re looking for a more adventurous afternoon, visit Speyer’s UNESCO-listed cathedral and medieval Old Gate, or bike along the Neckar to Ladenburg’s charming town center. Later, ride over to Rüdesheim to experience Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or savor the town’s signature Rüdesheimer coffee.
|
| December 18, 2027 | Sat. |
RUDESHEIM, GERMANY
Enjoy the Rhine’s vineyards and soaring views, then drift through the dramatic Gorge to Lahnstein’s storied castle
Savor the flavors of Rüdesheim’s iconic vineyards during a wine tasting, take in sweeping views on a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, hike one of the city’s many vineyards, or join a guided bike tour along the Rhine. In the evening, cruise through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge to Lahnstein and enjoy an exclusive evening visit to Lahneck Castle.
|
| December 19, 2027 | Sun. |
COLOGNE, GERMANY
Admire Cologne’s storied streets and riverside energy, savoring local brews and historic splendor
Cruise to Cologne and explore the enchanting Old Town on a guided tour, visiting the historic Rathaus, the 12th-century Fischmarkt, and the Great St. Martin Church. End your day with a tasting of the city’s famous Kölsch beer, or for a more active experience, join a guided bike ride along the Rhine.
|
| December 20, 2027 | Mon. |
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Delight in Amsterdam’s canals and coffee shop culture, where history and flavor meet at every turn
Cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals or explore the city on foot, passing gabled houses, narrow bridges, and houseboats, and savor Dutch specialties at a local artisanal café.
|
| December 21, 2027 | Tues. |
Disembark in Amsterdam and begin your journey home.
|
AmaVenita
AmaVenita sails Europe’s rivers with twin-balcony staterooms, regionally inspired dining, and inviting spaces that create a warm, elegant setting between days of discovery.
Dining:
Dining reflects both regional flavors and culinary prestige, as the ship is a member of the acclaimed La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world's oldest international gastronomic society. Guests enjoy elegant meals in two venues: the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, an intimate multi-course tasting. Lighter options, including tapas or afternoon tea in the lounge and a specialty coffee station, provide casual choices throughout the day. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs are happily accommodated.
Settle into elegantly designed staterooms where comfort meets style. Wake to river views from outside twin balconies and feel at home in spaces created for rest, reflection, and quiet indulgence.
AmaSerena has 81 staterooms and suites across eight categories. All include climate control, flat-screen TVs, spacious bathrooms, and a desk and chair. Many staterooms and all suites feature twin balconies — both a French and a step-out balcony — for fresh air and sweeping river views. Suites also include larger sitting areas and bathrooms with both a bathtub and separate shower for added comfort.
*Prices are in USD, per person based on double occupancy, availability and subject to change without notice. All cruise taxes, fees and port expenses are included in the above pricing. All promotions are capacity controlled by AmaWaterways and can be eliminated at any time without notice. complementary Pre or Post promotion’s promo code is FREELAND. Triple Savings promotion includes Europe and Colombia; upgrades exclude A=, AA+, Suites. Upgrades must be like-for-like category; for example, French Balcony can only be upgraded to a different type of French Balcony (E to D; C to B; B to A); fare code TRIPLESAVINGS. Other restrictions may apply. Ships’ registry: Switzerland CHCH
