7 nights
Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets
8 days
Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets is a 8-day guided tour with Adventures by Disney through Europe. 2 departures are open from Dec 17, 2026 to Dec 19, 2027. The lowest current price is $9,099 per person (twin share), for the Dec 17, 2026 departure. Included: Disney-trained Adventure Guides and knowledgeable local experts, Outstanding accommodations as specified in the itinerary, Meals as specified in the itinerary, Daily activities and entertainment as specified in the itinerary and 13 more.
‘Tis the season to set sail for festive destinations in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands on an Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets voyage. Get in the holiday spirit as you shop world-renowned Christmas Markets, discover the beauty of Strasbourg from aboard the famed Petit Train, visit a unique theme park, glide along the canals of Amsterdam and much more on this very merry river cruise adventure. Please note: This itinerary, including but not limited to activities, hotels, meals and transportation, is subject to change.
- Length
- 8 days
- Route
- Switzerland to the Netherlands
- Meals
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
- Price basis
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy; column "ADULT (12 AND OVER) FROM"
- Trip type
- River Cruise
- Meals
- 19 Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners
- Accommodations
- 2026 Departure: AmaLucia; 2027 Departure: AmaStella
- Flight Information
- Arrive: Basel Airport (BSL); Return: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Locations
- Switzerland, France, Germany, the Netherlands
- Ships
- AmaLucia, AmaStella
Watch this price
Highlights
- Christmas MarketsRing in the holiday season with stops to shop for local crafts, gifts and treats at festive markets.
- Heidelberg Castle TourLearn about the history of this renowned storybook castle that dates back to 1614.
- Amsterdam Canal CruiseSee this picturesque city and its remarkable attractions as you glide down one of its 165 canals.
- Rhine Gorge Castle CruiseSail through the Rhine Gorge and along its lovely shoreline, populated with 30 iconic castles.
Itinerary
- SwitzerlandDay 1
- GermanyDay 2
- FranceDay 3
- GermanyDays 4–6
- the NetherlandsDays 7–8
Day 1Basel, SwitzerlandBasel · Switzerland
Transfer from Basel Airport (BSL) to the Ship: Be escorted from Basel Airport to your new home for the next 8 days, a luxurious AmaWaterways ship. Check in to Your Stateroom: Your Adventure Guides help with the check-in as you familiarize yourself with your well-appointed stateroom. Look around the ship and discover its many fantastic amenities including the heated pool, fitness center, massage and hair salon, giant chessboard, library, sun deck and lounge. Welcome Reception in Basel: Enjoy a taste of Switzerland at a special welcome event that features delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine on board the ship! Captain's Welcome Cocktail & Dinner On Board the Ship: Meet the captain and your fellow Adventurers as you enjoy your first scrumptious dinner on board. After dinner, bundle up and head out to the Sun Deck to take in the twinkling holiday lights of Basel.
- Transfer from Basel Airport (BSL) to the Ship
- Check in to Your Stateroom
- Welcome Reception in Basel
- Captain's Welcome Cocktail & Dinner On Board the Ship
Day 2Breisach, GermanyBreisach · Germany
Breakfast On Board the Ship: Start your day with a hearty breakfast alongside your fellow Adventurers. Full-Day Activity – Choose One of These Options: Beauty & the Beast Inspired Dinner On Board the Ship: Be our Guests for an enchanted evening on board the ship with a special dinner inspired by the fan favorite Disney film. Dine in a beautifully themed setting while savoring a menu that features local French flavors alongside whimsical nods to the film, like the iconic “grey stuff”—it’s delicious!
- Breakfast On Board the Ship
- Full-Day Activity – Choose One of These Options:
- Beauty & the Beast Inspired Dinner On Board the Ship
Day 3Strasbourg, FranceStrasbourg · France
Breakfast On Board the Ship: Begin your day of exciting activities with a good breakfast. Batorama Canal Boat Tour: Take a Strasbourg city tour on the Batorama Canal Boat and pass by this city’s main attractions—including towers, covered bridges and the Vauban Dam—as well as through this city’s various districts such as the renowned Petite France. Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame: Visit Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame for an at-your-leisure visit of this beautiful cathedral, built in 1439 in the grand Gothic style, with Renaissance-era stained-glass windows and a famous astronomical clock created in 1843. Lunch On Board the Ship: Savor lunch on board the ship highlighting Strasbourg’s unique cuisine influenced by both the French and German cultures. Refuel to be ready for the afternoon activities! Afternoon Activity – Choose One of These Options: Dinner On Board the Ship: Return to the ship for a delectable evening meal and to celebrate the holidays with your fellow Adventurers. Activities may include decorating cookies, a festive gift exchange and a Disney trivia challenge hosted by the Adventure Guides.
- Breakfast On Board the Ship
- Batorama Canal Boat Tour
- Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame
- Lunch On Board the Ship
- Afternoon Activity – Choose One of These Options:
- Dinner On Board the Ship
Day 4Mannheim, GermanyMannheim · Germany
Breakfast On Board the Ship: Say hello to your fellow Adventurers as you get ready for the day ahead with a tasty breakfast. Tour Heidelberg and the Famous Heidelberg Castle: Visit Heidelberg Castle with a costumed guide who will share the fascinating history of this fortress and home to royalty which was built in 1614 and considered an important Renaissance structure. Then, enjoy adventuring through the streets of Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest and most renowned university town. You’ll also get to spend time exploring its Baroque architecture, quaint shops and beautiful waterfront area on your own. Christmas Market Visit with Ice Skating: Visit Heidelberg’s renowned Christmas market where you can shop for stunning Christmas crafts and souvenirs. You can also slip on a pair of skates and take a spin on the open-air ice rink. Lunch On Board the Ship: For those who didn't choose to participate in the full-day activity, enjoy lunch on board the ship. Dinner On Board the Ship: Return to the ship from a fun-filled day to savor a delicious dinner and festive holiday where you’ll enjoy a night of celebration to remember with your family and fellow Adventurers.
- Breakfast On Board the Ship
- Tour Heidelberg and the Famous Heidelberg Castle
- Christmas Market Visit with Ice Skating
- Lunch On Board the Ship
- Dinner On Board the Ship
Day 5Rüdesheim, GermanyRüdesheim · Germany
Breakfast On Board the Ship: Wake up to a delightful breakfast with fellow Adventurers. Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum (OPTIONAL): For those interested, following breakfast you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, which contains one of the largest collections of beautiful mechanical music boxes, giant pianos and other automated instruments—dating back from the 18th to the 20th century. Choose a Morning Activity: Lunch On Board the Ship: Take a break between your morning and afternoon activities with a refreshing lunch on board. Choose an Afternoon Activity: Iconic Castle Cruise Through the Rhine Gorge: Behold 30 castles in all their magnificence! Sail through the Rhine Gorge, with the ship's Cruise Manager commenting on the castles' fascinating history and offering insights about the area. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful Upper Middle Rhine Valley along the shoreline is splendid to behold. Also, participate in a Rüdesheimer coffee demonstration and tasting on the Sun Deck. Dinner On Board the Ship: Be our Guest for another excellent dinner prepared by the ship’s culinary team. Please note: Some activities have limited capacity and are on a first come, first served basis.
- Breakfast On Board the Ship
- Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum (OPTIONAL)
- Choose a Morning Activity:
- Lunch On Board the Ship
- Choose an Afternoon Activity:
- Iconic Castle Cruise Through the Rhine Gorge
- Dinner On Board the Ship
Day 6Cologne, GermanyCologne · Germany
Breakfast On Board the Ship: Enjoy an early morning breakfast on board with fellow Adventurers. Half-Day Activities—Choose One of These Morning Options: Lunch On Board the Ship and Depart for Amsterdam: Tapas are available beginning at noon for your enjoyment between excursions. A late lunch is served around 2:30 PM as the ship departs. Say goodbye to Cologne and head towards Amsterdam, continuing your picturesque voyage down the Rhine River. Afternoon Frühschoppen: Take a break and enjoy a beer with sausages and pretzels as your Adventure Guides tell you about what lies ahead when you disembark in Amsterdam. Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party & Dinner On Board the Ship: Join the captain on board the ship for one last cocktail party and scrumptious dinner. Say farewell to him and your fellow Adventurers and share the experiences you encountered on this magical adventure. PLEASE NOTE: Some activities have limited capacity and are on a first come, first served basis.
- Breakfast On Board the Ship
- Half-Day Activities—Choose One of These Morning Options:
- Lunch On Board the Ship and Depart for Amsterdam
- Afternoon Frühschoppen
- Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party & Dinner On Board the Ship
Day 7Amsterdam, the NetherlandsAmsterdam · the Netherlands
Holiday Gift Exchange with Your Adventure Guides: Wake up to a magical Christmas morning in the beautiful Netherlands. Enjoy a leisurely start to the day with your family, filled with cozy moments and holiday cheer. Share in the joy of a special holiday gift exchange with your Adventure Guides, creating warm memories to treasure as you celebrate together in this festive city. On Your Own Time in Amsterdam: Enjoy the freedom to explore the festive Christmas markets at Museumplein in Amsterdam at your own pace. Wander through sparkling stalls filled with seasonal treats and unique gifts, soaking in the holiday atmosphere. You can choose to savor lunch right in the market, dine in one of the city’s many charming restaurants or return to the ship for a relaxing meal on board. Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Enjoy a magical evening canal cruise through Amsterdam this holiday season, where the city’s historic waterways are transformed by the dazzling installations of the Amsterdam Light Festival. As you glide past illuminated artworks and festive cityscapes, take in the enchanting blend of art, light and winter charm. Dinner On Board the Ship: Enjoy the final evening of your adventure with a delectable dinner on board the ship.
- Holiday Gift Exchange with Your Adventure Guides
- On Your Own Time in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise
- Dinner On Board the Ship
Day 8Amsterdam, the NetherlandsAmsterdam · the Netherlands
Breakfast On Board the Ship: Enjoy one last breakfast on the ship at the close of your incredible adventure. Transfer to the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): Get assistance with your luggage and be escorted to your next stop to the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
- Breakfast On Board the Ship
- Transfer to the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Hotels
What’s included
Included
- Disney-trained Adventure Guides and knowledgeable local experts
- Outstanding accommodations as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Daily activities and entertainment as specified in the itinerary
- Admission fees to attractions and performances as specified in the itinerary
- Porterage service
- Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- All transportation as specified in the itinerary
- Transfers upon arrival and departure (excluding pre- or post-nights not booked through Adventures by Disney )
- Wi-Fi on the ship
- All gratuities
- Taxes, including airport departure taxes (where applicable)
- Airfare to and from destination including excess baggage fees and other airport/airline fees
- Travel protection insurance
- Passport and visa fees
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks not in the dining room
Dates and prices
Per person, twin share
Good to know
- Please note: There are inherent risks with travel. In addition, there are unique risks associated with the following activities on this itinerary: Suspension, Boating, Water. View a list of risks for these and other activities that may pertain to a modified itinerary or optional excursion.
- Note on Accommodations (subject to availability):
- Prices are Per Person based on Double Occupancy.
- Parties of 1 or 2:
- Guests are accommodated in 1 stateroom with 1 queen bed or 2 twin beds. Parties of 3:
- Guests are accommodated in 1 stateroom with 1 queen bed or 2 twin beds, plus 1 fold-out chair bed. Parties of 4:
- Guests booked as a Quad, are accommodated in 1 suite with 1 queen bed or 2 twin beds plus 1 queen-sized sofa bed. Guests booked as 2 Doubles, are accommodated in 2 staterooms each with 1 queen bed or 2 twin beds. NOTE: Connecting rooms may be requested but are not guaranteed.
- Preparing for Your Adventure: Required Travel Documentation
- For information on Required Travel Documentation, see the Adventures by Disney General FAQs.
- What to Pack
- Please limit your baggage to one piece of luggage per person plus one carry-on. With frequent security changes, we recommend that you check with your air carrier as well as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for current restrictions.
- The following is a list of clothing and other items you may want to bring:
- What to Pack Clothing Miscellaneous Long-sleeved shirts and sweaters Valid photo ID Fleece jacket and/or a ski vest Medication Jeans and long pants Camera Winter coat Sunglasses Neck gaiter and a scarf Sunscreen Swimsuit Umbrella Sturdy-soled walking shoes or boots Extra batteries or charger for camera Winter gloves or mittens Sunglasses Hand and toe warmers Weather
- The climate along the Rhine River is temperate and unpredictable. Please check the local weather at weather.com for the most up to date weather information for your vacation dates and destinations prior to traveling.
- The Adventures by Disney Protection Plan
- For information about the Adventures by Disney Protection Plan, visit the Adventures by Disney General FAQ page.
- En Route / During Your Adventure: Arrival/Departure Information
- Day Airport Code Arrival/Departure Time Arrival 1 BSL No later than 2:00 PM Departure 8 AMS Anytime (although Guests must check out of their staterooms by 9:00 AM) Currency
- The unit of currency in France, Germany and the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). The unit of currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). ATM machines are available in most places along your adventure so you may obtain cash in the local currency. Most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards or debit cards.
- Gratuities
- Adventures by Disney has taken care of gratuities for all included meals and activities, such as tips for porters, housekeepers, drivers, activity providers, local experts and all crew. Gratuities for your Adventure Guides are also included.
- Transportation
- If you choose to visit other sites on your own, you will be responsible for your own transportation arrangements.
- During this adventure, transportation between destinations is provided by ship. Transportation to and from excursions is on private motor coaches.
- Please note that upon arrival and departure, transfers are only included from the specified arrival/departure airports and hotels.
- Extensions
- There are several options to extend your Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets itinerary.
- You may stay in Basel before or Amsterdam after the itinerary. Extended stays are available at special rates if booked though Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. in conjunction with a cruise package and cannot be combined with any other offer.
- Please contact a Vacationista at (800) 543-0865 for further information.
- Itinerary Activities
- While this adventure is not considered physically strenuous, most days will include 2 or more hours of city walking, sometimes on uneven cobblestone streets. While nearly all of the trip's featured activities are gentle if examined separately, the full range of activities requires a moderate amount of stamina in order to get the most of your vacation.
- Frequently Asked Questions: For General FAQs, please visit the Adventures by Disney FAQ Page.
Questions about Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets
How much does Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets cost?
The lowest current price is $9,099 per person (Dec 17, 2026 departure). Prices are per person, twin share, and depend on the departure date; the page lists every date with its price.
When is Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets cheapest?
December 2026 has the lowest current price, from $9,099 per person, among 2 months with priced departures.
When does Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets depart?
2 departures are open in December 2026 and December 2027. Departures marked "On request" are confirmed by an advisor.
What is included?
Disney-trained Adventure Guides and knowledgeable local experts, Outstanding accommodations as specified in the itinerary, Meals as specified in the itinerary, Daily activities and entertainment as specified in the itinerary, Admission fees to attractions and performances as specified in the itinerary, Porterage service, Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast, All transportation as specified in the itinerary, Transfers upon arrival and departure (excluding pre- or post-nights not booked through Adventures by Disney ) and 7 more.
Where does Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets go?
The 8-day itinerary visits Basel, Switzerland, Breisach, Germany, Strasbourg, France, Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam and 1 more.
Where do you stay?
Hotels on this tour: AmaStella.
How do I book Rhine River Cruise: Christmas Markets?
Send a request and an advisor confirms the current fare and availability and books it for you. You do not pay on the website. Prices are read from the supplier and shown only while they are less than 14 days old, so a price on this page is never older than that. The final price is confirmed when you book.