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2025 Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps Christmas Cruise
COUNTRIES: FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND
RIVERS: RHINE
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF THE NETHERLANDS, GERMANY, FRANCE & SWITZERLAND WITH THERESA
Experience the holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits
to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets.
Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO designated Gothic cathedral.
Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you like it has for so many others
for centuries.
Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market, nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town, and cherish the season's glory in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true.
Embark with me on this wonderful Christmas Cruise in December of 2025! I look forward to cruising along with you and exploring this magical time in these beautiful regions of Europe!
RHINE CASTLES & SWISS ALPS CHRISTMAS CRUISE
7-NIGHT CRUISE FROM AMSTERDAM TO BASEL
with optional additional Amsterdam and/or Lake Como
Monday, December 8, 2025
Amsterdam
Board the AmaVenita rivership and we'll meet in the lounge, have some free time to explore, then enjoy our first cocktail hour, followed by our first multi-course dinner.
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Tuesday, December 9, 2025
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Cologne
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.
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Thursday, December 11, 2025
Rhine Gorge - Rudesheim
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim.
Once in Rüdesheim, 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 Rüdesheim’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 Musical Instrument Museum, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Ludwigshafen
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).
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Saturday, December 13, 2025
Strasbourg
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. Afterward, 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.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Basel
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18thcentury patrician homes.
Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany.
Alternatively, go on a full day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to visit its Christmas Markets as well as see its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century.
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Monday, December 15, 2025
Basel
Bid farewell to the ship in Basel and prepare for your flight home.