Christmas Markets on the Rhine
DECEMBER 2 - 9, 2026
If you would like to travel WITH US as part of this group, please email us at [email protected]. We have negotiated some great rates for your stateroom! Due to the size of river cruise ships, staterooms are extremely limited so book yours before they are gone!!
DECEMBER 2 - 9, 2026
If you would like to travel WITH US as part of this group, please email us at [email protected]. We have negotiated some great rates for your stateroom! Due to the size of river cruise ships, staterooms are extremely limited so book yours before they are gone!!
JOIN PABST TRAVEL ON THIS
7 NIGHT ITINERARY - VISITING GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, FRANCE, & SWITZERLAND
DECEMBER 2, 2026 TO DECEMBER 9, 2026
7 NIGHT ITINERARY - VISITING GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, FRANCE, & SWITZERLAND
DECEMBER 2, 2026 TO DECEMBER 9, 2026
DAY 1 - Amsterdam
EMBARKATION
*Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise
DAY 2 - Amsterdam
Canal Cruise
Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam
*There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.
DAY 3 - Dusseldorf
Cologne walking tour and Christmas Markets
OR Dusseldorf walking tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets
OR Dusseldorf bike tour
*Enjoy a scenic cruise into Dusseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of it's enchanting town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fishmarket, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Dusseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Dusseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.
DAY 4 - Rhine Gorge / Rudesheim
Castles along the Rhine Scenic cruising
Wine tasting and Christmas Markets
OR Gondola ride and Christmas Market
OR Vineyards hike
OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau and Christmas Markets
Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
OR Rudesheimer coffee
*Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Once in Rudesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. OR go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rudesheim's gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee.
DAY 5 - Ludwigshafen
Heidelberg tour and Christmas Markets
OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets
OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path Hike and Christmas Markets
OR Ladenburg Bike Tour
* You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town's Christmas Markets. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher's Path followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marketplatz, or explore one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the "Old Mint" (Alten Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).
DAY 6 - Strasbourg
Strasbourg City Tour and Christmas Markets
OR Strasbourg bike tour
Gengenbach Christmas Markets Tour
* Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmarik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande lle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely "La Petite France" district, where you will see the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town's famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach's Christmas Markets and the town's famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar.
DAY 7 - Breisach
Colmar Excursion and Christmas Markets
OR Freiburg Excursion and Christmas Market
OR Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour
* Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town's wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have "the most beautiful spire on earth." Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach's countryside.
DAY 8 - Basel
DISEMBARKATION
* Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.
WANT TO EXTEND YOUR STAY? ASK ME HOW TO ADD A PRE/POST PACKAGE TO YOUR CRUISE!!!
EMBARKATION
*Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise
DAY 2 - Amsterdam
Canal Cruise
Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam
*There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.
DAY 3 - Dusseldorf
Cologne walking tour and Christmas Markets
OR Dusseldorf walking tour with Altbier tasting and Christmas Markets
OR Dusseldorf bike tour
*Enjoy a scenic cruise into Dusseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of it's enchanting town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fishmarket, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. Or explore historic Dusseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Then, be treated to a tasting of Altbier, a clean and crisp beer developed in Dusseldorf that is crafted using traditional brewing techniques. Conclude the tour with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.
DAY 4 - Rhine Gorge / Rudesheim
Castles along the Rhine Scenic cruising
Wine tasting and Christmas Markets
OR Gondola ride and Christmas Market
OR Vineyards hike
OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau and Christmas Markets
Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
OR Rudesheimer coffee
*Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Once in Rudesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas Market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. OR go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rudesheim's gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas Market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas Market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee.
DAY 5 - Ludwigshafen
Heidelberg tour and Christmas Markets
OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets
OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path Hike and Christmas Markets
OR Ladenburg Bike Tour
* You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town's Christmas Markets. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher's Path followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marketplatz, or explore one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the "Old Mint" (Alten Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).
DAY 6 - Strasbourg
Strasbourg City Tour and Christmas Markets
OR Strasbourg bike tour
Gengenbach Christmas Markets Tour
* Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmarik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande lle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely "La Petite France" district, where you will see the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town's famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach's Christmas Markets and the town's famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar.
DAY 7 - Breisach
Colmar Excursion and Christmas Markets
OR Freiburg Excursion and Christmas Market
OR Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour
* Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town's wonderful Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have "the most beautiful spire on earth." Then enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach's countryside.
DAY 8 - Basel
DISEMBARKATION
* Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.
WANT TO EXTEND YOUR STAY? ASK ME HOW TO ADD A PRE/POST PACKAGE TO YOUR CRUISE!!!
Regular Pricing starts at $4199pp (based on double occupancy)
CURRENT SALE PRICING IS $3449pp / dbl occ
pricing and availability is subject to change until payment is received
CURRENT SALE PRICING IS $3449pp / dbl occ
pricing and availability is subject to change until payment is received
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Wellness activities 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 packages
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun Deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track (pool may not be open in December due to weather)
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef's table specialty restaurant
- Welcome cocktail, welcome dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaine des Rotisseurs 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 drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- 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
Flights are not included in cruise price but can be booked together with your cruise.
Travel Protection is not included in your cruise price and is optional to purchase.
Deposit of $400 is non refundable.
Single Supplement is 200%
Travel Protection is not included in your cruise price and is optional to purchase.
Deposit of $400 is non refundable.
Single Supplement is 200%
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