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Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Seven festive nights between Amsterdam and Basel with AmaWaterways, through four countries and some of Europe's best-loved Christmas markets.

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Duration

7 nights

River

Rhine

Route

Amsterdam – Basel

Countries

Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland

Season

Late Nov – Dec

The voyage

Europe at its most festive

Glide along the Rhine as Germany's Christmas markets light up the riverbanks, from the market beside Cologne's great cathedral to Rüdesheim's famous Drosselgasse, with the river's winter landscapes in between.

The journey links Amsterdam and Basel, with time in Alsace's storybook capital, Strasbourg, along the way. It sails in both directions, so you can start in either city.

Itinerary

Day by day

Shown Amsterdam to Basel. Sailings from Basel visit the same ports in reverse.

  1. Day 1Amsterdam, NetherlandsA festive beginning
  2. Day 2Amsterdam, NetherlandsDutch charm and holiday spirit
  3. Day 3Cologne, GermanyA tale of two cities
  4. Day 4Rüdesheim, GermanyThrough the fairytale Rhine Gorge
  5. Day 5Ludwigshafen, GermanyCastles and Christmas magic
  6. Day 6Strasbourg, FranceThe heart of Alsace
  7. Day 7Breisach, GermanyColours of Christmas
  8. Day 8Basel, SwitzerlandFarewell, and the journey home

Departures

2026 sailings

Twenty departures between late November and Christmas Eve, across six AmaWaterways ships. A few are themed sailings, such as Celebration of Wine and Taste of Christmas.

Fares vary by date, ship and stateroom. Ask us for current Australian dollar pricing and availability.

  • 25 Nov 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaPrima
  • 25 Nov 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaCertoCelebration of Wine
  • 26 Nov 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaLucia
  • 26 Nov 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaSiena
  • 28 Nov 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaStella
  • 28 Nov 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaViola
  • 2 Dec 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaCerto
  • 2 Dec 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaPrima
  • 3 Dec 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaSiena
  • 3 Dec 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaLucia
  • 5 Dec 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaViolaSmithsonian Journeys
  • 5 Dec 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaStella
  • 9 Dec 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaCerto
  • 10 Dec 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaLucia
  • 10 Dec 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaSiena
  • 12 Dec 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaViola
  • 16 Dec 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaCerto
  • 16 Dec 2026Basel to Amsterdam · AmaPrima
  • 17 Dec 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaSiena
  • 24 Dec 2026Amsterdam to Basel · AmaLuciaTaste of Christmas

Good to know

Before you book

  • Port charges and gratuities are included in the cruise fare
  • Choose two twin beds or one large bed when you book
  • Travelling solo? The single supplement is 50% of the twin-share fare (100% for suites). Ask us about solo offers
  • Flights and pre- or post-cruise hotel stays can be added. We'll arrange them for you

The ships

Intimate river ships

Every ship on this route carries around 160 guests, so it never feels crowded.

AmaCerto

81 staterooms · 162 guests

AmaLucia

78 staterooms · 156 guests

AmaPrima

81 staterooms · 162 guests

AmaSiena

78 staterooms · 156 guests

AmaStella

78 staterooms · 156 guests

AmaViola

78 staterooms · 156 guests

Book with Frontier

Ready for a festive escape?

Our advisors will find the right date, ship and stateroom, and can add flights and extra nights in Amsterdam or Basel, all in one booking.

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