Project Description

CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE RHINE NOVEMBER 28, 2023

7-NIGHT CRUISE
PERSONALLY ESCORTED BY ANN MARIE GAUDET
CRUISE FROM : AMSTERDAM TO BASEL

Experience the deep-rooted 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 the way 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 while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

COUNTRIES VISITED: FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND
RIVER: THE RHINE

From $6085 per person

Enjoy Special Lower Fares*
Contact Ann-Marie today to discover your savings and reserve your spot!
Explore options below under: “MORE PRICING”, or

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Christmas markets cruise map

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)

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. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

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). (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home or your post-cruise land program. (B)

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home or (OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE PROGRAM) Before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)

Discover Lucerne’s unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. (B)

Check out of your hotel and, before transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Once in Zurich, check into your hotel. (B)

Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. (B)

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Stateroom Pricing*
Pricing below does not reflect any current available discounts. Please inquire.
Port fees & taxes are $277 pp additional.
See also below for optional land program pricing not included in cruise fares.

CABINCRUISE ONLY PER PERSON
Category CSOLD OUT
Category BBSOLD OUT
Category AB$6085
Category AA$7149
Category AA+$7999
Category SS$8999

*Pricing is in CAD, per person, based on double occupancy and does not include any current (at time of booking) promotional discounts or past guest savings & benefits offered by the supplier. See terms and conditions below for more details.

Christmas markets cruise deck plan

Optional Land Packages

2 Nights Amsterdam (Pre-Cruise) CAD: C$989 pp* (C$1570 solo occupancy)  · Nov 26 to Nov 28, 2023

2 Nights Lucerne & 2 Nights Zurich (Post-cruise) CAD: C$2216 pp * ( C$3377 solo occupancy) · Dec 05 to Dec 09, 2023

Ann-Marie will be continuing her Christmas Markets cruise with the above 2 Nights Lucerne/ 2 Nights Zurich option. Consider joining her!

Above rates do not include Intra-Air flight segments. Please inquire.

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Local Flavors tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

AmaCerto  OVERVIEW
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.

Christams markets cruise AmaCerto
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I hope you will join me aboard AmaWaterway’s AmaCerto for a magical Christmas Market Experience. 

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Terms & Conditions: * Cruise fares listed are in CAD dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and are exclusive of any current supplier discounts available at time of booking.. Taxes and fees are $277 per person in addition to quoted fares. Past guest discounts and benefits may apply. International air fare, travel insurance and items of a personal nature are not included. Air fare and travel insurance may be purchased separately. A non-refundable deposit of CA$500 per person is required to reserve your cruise. Dates, prices and itineraries are subject to change. Additional conditions apply. For more information, please contact your travel professional at this agency. This agency reserves the right to correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this publication at any time without notice.