Christmas Markets on the Rhine
December 6 - 13, 2025
Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland
Visit some of the most traditional Christmas Markets in the world to immerse yourself in the romance of the season and learn about Europe’s enduring holiday customs at its most joyous time of year. While at the Cologne Christmas Market in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic church, warm up with a mug of hot glühwein. Allow Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Noel,” to enchant you as it has done for so many others over the years. Strasbourg features the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France. Wander around Heidelberg’s imposing Christmas Market, which is tucked away in the Old Town’s picturesque squares. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the largest Advent calendar in the world, which is located in Gengenbach. Every evening at 6:00 PM, the neo-classical town hall’s beautifully lit windows open, revealing an image by a well-known artist, like Andy Warhol, behind each one. As you travel along the Rhine, savor the entire splendor of the season in great European fashion.
Meet the Ama Viola
From the bedroom to the Main Lounge, vibrant floral and geometric designs quickly make it clear that the AmaViola is not your typical river cruise ship. Most staterooms have dual balconies, maximizing your enjoyment as vineyards and steeples pass by. From dawn till dusk, delectable food fit for La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an exclusive and well-known gastronomic society, is served. The elegance and style of The Chef’s Table speciality restaurant, as well as the concerted effort to serve each daring, gorgeous, and delectable course of the regionally themed tasting menu, have a symphonic quality. The hair salon’s butterfly wallpaper emphasizes how you’ll come out looking brand-new, and the relaxing sun deck pool with swim-up bar revitalizes your mood. Along with a walking track, fitness center, and fleet of onboard bikes to keep you happy and healthy while on your vacation, AmaViola inspires you to be the greatest version of yourself. A ship with 78 staterooms, spanning 443 feet long by 38 feet broad, with a crew of 51 people was built in the Netherlands. With a capacity of only 156 guests, this cruise is more personal.
Ama Waterways
Visit France, Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland from the Rhine River
You can take advantage of a variety of tours that are included on our river cruises. You will frequently have a selection of excursions to choose from, including regular tours, bike tours, hikes, and Special Interest Tours. To give you the freedom to pick how you wish to explore, we always include a wide range of activities. Whatever you choose, your days will be filled with learning and awe.
Twin Balconies
Our luxurious twin-balcony cabins include a French balcony and an outdoor balcony, allowing you to take in the expansive views and lots of fresh air.
Inviting Public Spaces
There will be less people on board, giving you more room to relax and spend time with your loved ones. We never have packed lounges or eateries in our public areas.
Sun-Deck Pool
Enjoy the sunshine or cool down in our pool with a swim-up bar as we go by historic castles, quaint towns, and other magnificent sights.
Fitness Room
Looking for a method to stay active while on vacation? While traveling from one place to another, hit the treadmill or lift some weights.
Award-Winning Dining
Enjoy great cuisine in a variety of restaurants, including The Chef’s Table and the Main Restaurant. In the Main Lounge, you may also place an order for delectable tapas between meals.
Sightsee by Bike
You have the option of taking one of our narrated bike tours through Europe, or you can explore on your own, thanks to the fleet of free bicycles on board.
Massage Services and Hair Salon
After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.
Enriching Entertainment
There is a varied entertainment program on board, featuring anything from local quartets to modern piano favorites to traditional Bavarian music.
BB Cello Deck: French Balcony & Outdoor Balcony, 210 sq.ft.
7 - Night River Cruise
DAY ONE
Amsterdam
DAY TWO
Amsterdam
DAY THREE
Cologne
OR Kolsch beer tasting
OR Cologne Bike Tour
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce.
DAY FOUR
Rhine Gorge
DAY FIVE
Ludwigshafen
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 Marktplatz, 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 Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).
DAY SIX
Strasbourg
OR Strasbourg bike tour
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik 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 Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre 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 SEVEN
Breisach
OR Freiburg Excursion and Christmas Markets
OR Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate, followed by a visit to its charming Christmas Markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, 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 EIGHT
Basel
Seven Unique Christmas Markets
What are you waiting for?
