Christmas Markets on the Rhine- Amsterdam to Basel

The Christmas Markets on the Rhine- Amsterdam to Basel is a 7-night Europe cruise aboard AmaCerto, operated by AmaWaterways. Departing Amsterdam on December 16, 2026, the voyage visits 8 ports. Fares start from $4,499 per person.

Length: 7 nights
Departs: Dec 16, 2026
Returns: Dec 23, 2026
Ports of call: 8

from $4,499

$642 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

Book with CruiseDirect Book direct with AmaWaterways

We may earn a commission

from $4,499 pp

via CruiseDirect

Book

Book direct with AmaWaterways we may earn a commission

Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 16, 2026 Amsterdam Few can resist the grand beauty of Amsterdam’s famous canals, which thread through this place of evocative beauty and thrilling contrast. Open-minded and tolerant, Amsterdam is a place for history buffs and hedonists alike, and its diverse neighbourhoods have something for everyone - whether it’s the beachside relaxation of Bloemendaal, nocturnal thuds of Buiksloterham, or characterful charm of Jordaan. 160 serene canals serve as the arteries of this city, imbuing it with its unique essence. Cruise along concentric waterways, past cherry red and oak-wood cladded houseboats, as you learn of its Golden Age history. Culture is also deep in Amsterdam’s DNA, and the Van Gogh Museum – which pays tribute to the tortured genius of the Dutch post-impressionist artist - stands out among its leading museums and galleries. One of history’s greatest tragedies is also rendered in heart-breaking clarity at Anne Frank House. Visit the site where the precocious teenager hid from the Nazi regime for so long, and the room where she penned the most famous diary ever written. Compact and easily walkable, Amsterdam remains consistently postcard-perfect as you watch bright bicycles trundling over ornate bridges, and stumble across hidden, tulip-decorated courtyards. ‘Gezellig’ is the local word for Amsterdam’s unhurried outlook on life. No translation can quite do the concept justice, but you’ll recognise it instinctively as hours float by in a happy haze browsing De Negen Straatjes street’s independent shops, or as you sip coffee with gooey stroopwafel. Broodje haring - a raw herring sandwich - is Amsterdam’s must-try delicacy, but many visitors find tompouce, a delicious pastry topped with vivid pink icing, a little more to their taste. Amsterdam port guide Search cruises visiting Amsterdam

Amsterdam photo — Day 1 Dec 16, 2026 Amsterdam Few can resist the grand beauty of Amsterdam’s famous canals, which thread through this place of evocative beauty and thrilling contrast. Open-minded and tolerant, Amsterdam is a place for history buffs and hedonists alike, and its diverse neighbourhoods have something for everyone - whether it’s the beachside relaxation of Bloemendaal, nocturnal thuds of Buiksloterham, or characterful charm of Jordaan. 160 serene canals serve as the arteries of this city, imbuing it with its unique essence. Cruise along concentric waterways, past cherry red and oak-wood cladded houseboats, as you learn of its Golden Age history. Culture is also deep in Amsterdam’s DNA, and the Van Gogh Museum – which pays tribute to the tortured genius of the Dutch post-impressionist artist - stands out among its leading museums and galleries. One of history’s greatest tragedies is also rendered in heart-breaking clarity at Anne Frank House. Visit the site where the precocious teenager hid from the Nazi regime for so long, and the room where she penned the most famous diary ever written. Compact and easily walkable, Amsterdam remains consistently postcard-perfect as you watch bright bicycles trundling over ornate bridges, and stumble across hidden, tulip-decorated courtyards. ‘Gezellig’ is the local word for Amsterdam’s unhurried outlook on life. No translation can quite do the concept justice, but you’ll recognise it instinctively as hours float by in a happy haze browsing De Negen Straatjes street’s independent shops, or as you sip coffee with gooey stroopwafel. Broodje haring - a raw herring sandwich - is Amsterdam’s must-try delicacy, but many visitors find tompouce, a delicious pastry topped with vivid pink icing, a little more to their taste. Amsterdam port guide Search cruises visiting Amsterdam

Day 3 Dec 18, 2026 Cologne It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. Cologne port guide Search cruises visiting Cologne

Cologne photo — Day 3 Dec 18, 2026 Cologne It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. Cologne port guide Search cruises visiting Cologne

Day 4 Dec 19, 2026 Rudesheim In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. Wine cultivation was already in full swing here in Roman times – learn more about the winegrowers of antiquity and their successors at the Rheingauer Weinmuseum in the Brömserburg, an old castle. And if you want to sample the wines that are being produced today, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town. Rudesheim port guide Search cruises visiting Rudesheim

Rudesheim photo — Day 4 Dec 19, 2026 Rudesheim In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. Wine cultivation was already in full swing here in Roman times – learn more about the winegrowers of antiquity and their successors at the Rheingauer Weinmuseum in the Brömserburg, an old castle. And if you want to sample the wines that are being produced today, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town. Rudesheim port guide Search cruises visiting Rudesheim

Day 6 Dec 21, 2026 Strasbourg Strasbourg is a major city in France and is also the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region. The Rhine forms a natural border with Germany. The Maas and Aar also flow through the city. The district "La Petite France" is very popular with tourists and shows old half-timbered houses on the canal. With a typical boat with a glass roof, a so-called bateau-mouche, tourists can cruise the canal and learn interesting facts about the city. The Strasbourg cathedral is the city's landmark. Strasbourg port guide Search cruises visiting Strasbourg

Strasbourg photo — Day 6 Dec 21, 2026 Strasbourg Strasbourg is a major city in France and is also the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region. The Rhine forms a natural border with Germany. The Maas and Aar also flow through the city. The district "La Petite France" is very popular with tourists and shows old half-timbered houses on the canal. With a typical boat with a glass roof, a so-called bateau-mouche, tourists can cruise the canal and learn interesting facts about the city. The Strasbourg cathedral is the city's landmark. Strasbourg port guide Search cruises visiting Strasbourg

Day 7 Dec 22, 2026 Breisach Breisach is a town with approximately 16,500 inhabitants, situated along the Rhine in the Rhine Valley, in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about halfway between Freiburg and Colmar — 20 kilometres away from each — and about 60 kilometres north of Basel near the Kaiserstuhl. Breisach port guide Search cruises visiting Breisach

Breisach photo — Day 7 Dec 22, 2026 Breisach Breisach is a town with approximately 16,500 inhabitants, situated along the Rhine in the Rhine Valley, in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about halfway between Freiburg and Colmar — 20 kilometres away from each — and about 60 kilometres north of Basel near the Kaiserstuhl. Breisach port guide Search cruises visiting Breisach

Day 8 Dec 23, 2026 Basel Founded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today. Basel port guide Search cruises visiting Basel

Basel photo — Day 8 Dec 23, 2026 Basel Founded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today. Basel port guide Search cruises visiting Basel

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 91-day span: $4,499 · range $4,499–$4,749

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $4,499

$642 / night

Fare rows

Fixed Window

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,499

$642 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Fixed Window

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,798

$685 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $5,998

$856 / night

Fare rows

French Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,998

$856 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Twin Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,598

$942 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Twin Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,798

$971 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Twin Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,998

$999 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Twin Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,198

$1,028 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Twin Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,798

$1,114 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $8,498

$1,214 / night

Fare rows

Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,498

$1,214 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 22, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via AmaWaterways and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 9 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Twin Balcony	AA	Balcony
Twin Balcony	AA+	Balcony
Twin Balcony	AB	Balcony
Twin Balcony	BA	Balcony
Twin Balcony	BB	Balcony
French Balcony	C	Balcony
Fixed Window	D	Oceanview
Fixed Window	E	Oceanview
Suite	SS	Suite

Ship

Your ship AmaCerto 5★ **3,600** GT **162** guests Built **2012** Like a fallen leaf floating atop the water, AmaCerto floats effortlessly down Europe’s most fascinating waterways. A harvest theme is carried throughout the ship in autumn reds and golds, from the spacious and well-appointed staterooms, with their plush bedding and soft robes, to the classically elegant Main Lounge with its baby grand piano and bar. An onboard salon puts you center stage and ready for your close-up. On the Sun Deck, a heated pool features a swim-up bar with underwater bar stools, and a walking track provides the perfect venue for a romantic sunrise or sunset stroll. And from the kitchen, you’ll find fine dining to the extreme, with exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine prepared in both the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, where views of the rippling river are just the amuse-bouche to every mouthwatering bite. AmaCerto ship guide Search cruises on AmaCerto

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

View	From pp	Departs
	from $3,999 $571 / night	Nov 25, 2026Voyage AD261125AIX
	from $3,849 $549 / night	Dec 17, 2026Voyage AO261217AIX
	from $4,099 $585 / night	Nov 25, 2027Voyage AP271125AIX
	from $4,199 $599 / night	Nov 27, 2027Voyage AQ271127AIX
	from $4,449 $635 / night	Nov 28, 2027Voyage AI271128AIX

See all 12 sailing dates in search

Compare similar cruises

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps from Amsterdam

AmaVenita · Europe · 7 nights

from $4,199

$599 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 23, 2026

Enchanting Rhine - Basel to Amsterdam

AmaSiena · Europe · 7 nights

from $3,949

$564 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 25, 2026

Rhine Cruise to Switzerland - Cologne to Basel

MS Emily Brontë · Europe · 7 nights

from $4,499

$642 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 25, 2026

Rhine Cruise to Switzerland - Cologne to Basel

MS Emily Brontë · Europe · 7 nights

from $3,649

$521 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 26, 2026

Romantic Rhine (southbound)

Avalon Vista · Europe · 7 nights

Call for price

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 23, 2026

Romantic Rhine (northbound)

Avalon Vista · Europe · 7 nights

from $6,229

$889 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 27, 2026

Browse all cruises in search →

from $4,499 pp

via CruiseDirect

Book

Book direct with AmaWaterways we may earn a commission

Itinerary

Pricing

Current prices

Inside

Oceanview

Balcony

Suite

Price history

Ship

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Compare similar cruises