Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland, and check into your hotel.

*Book arrival flights into Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH)*

A scheduled shuttle from the Zurich Airport is available and can be booked with AMA Waterways

Join a walking tour of Zurich and experience the city's magic dressed in her best holiday outfit. You'll visit Zurich's Christmas markets, including the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe, which is located at Zurich's Main Train Station. An absolute highlight is a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals.

Meals: B

You can begin your transfer to Lake Lucerne. As part of your included excursions, you will ascend to picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the "Queen of the Mountains," on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below from the top of the mountain. Then, enjoy a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. While cruising, enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery marked by steep Alpine peaks, sloped forests, and fertile meadows and valleys beyond. From there, check into your hotel.

Meals: B

 

Enjoy a walking tour of Lake Lucerne. Small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains, and frescoed buildings typify the city. Afterward, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem while wandering through its Christmas market, located at the Franziskanerplatz, and enjoy a mug of holiday cheer, gluhwein.

Meals: B

Transfer to Basel by motorcoach and then go on a highlights tour of the city before boarding your ship for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. 

*For those who choose not to do the pre-cruise land package to Zurich, book flights to arrive in Basel (BSL)*

A scheduled shuttle from the Basel Airport to the Riverboat is available and can be booked with AMA Waterways

Meals: B

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 incredible Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you may 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," before enjoying free time at the Freiburg Christmas Markets. Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach's countryside.

Meals: B, L, D

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 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 Ile, 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 before visiting the town's renowned 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.

Meals: B, L, D

You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road, followed by a visit to the Christmas markets. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher's Path or bike along the shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval past of Speyer and its charming Christmas markets. Later in the day, sail to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where you can taste the village's sweet wine or its special delight, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with whipped cream and brandy.

Meals: B, L, D

Visit Siegfried's whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, take a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River, hike through the vineyards, or soar high above the village by gondola and later enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rudesheim Christmas market. Later in the day, sit in the Main Lounge, out on your balcony, or bundle up on the Sun Deck to enjoy a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, during which you will see many historic castles. Upon reaching Lahnstein, take a unique tour of Lahneck Castle.

Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a scenic cruise into Dusseldorf. In the afternoon, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne on a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall (the Fismarkt), 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. After that, you'll 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. If not, you may choose to cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.

Meals: B, L, D

Cruise the iconic canals of Amsterdam, considered the "Venice of the North," and admire the historic architecture along the way. Alternatively, taste local specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafes. Please note that an alternative tour will depend on the docking location.

Meals: B, L, D

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. 

*Book return flights from the Amsterdam Airport (AMS)*

Meals: B