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Christmas Markets on the
Rhine - Smithsonian Journeys
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine – Smithsonian Journeys
The Rhine in December is a proper Christmas cruise route, and AmaWaterways’ Christmas Markets on the Rhine – Smithsonian Journeys River Cruise adds an expert layer to it. Seven nights from Amsterdam to Basel along one of the most renowned rivers in Europe with Smithsonian Journeys Experts on board for every sailing, as well as exclusive access to Cologne’s Roman ruins and the Belgian House, a Smithsonian exclusive tour of the UNESCO Neuf-Brisach Citadel in Alsace, a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, and more.
This is a cruise-only itinerary, priced in US dollars. Flights, transfers and accommodation are not included. Port charges are included in the fare.
4.74
from
109 reviews
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Cruise Line: AmaWaterways -
Ships: AmaLucia + 1 more -
Duration: 6 Nights
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Departure: December
Christmas Markets on the Rhine – Smithsonian Journeys Prices
Christmas Markets on the Rhine – Smithsonian Journeys Gallery
Christmas Markets on the Rhine – Smithsonian Journeys Itinerary
Amsterdam to Basel in seven nights, with Christmas markets, castle-topped hilltowns and the UNESCO Rhine Gorge lighting up the week.
Day 1
Amsterdam, Netherlands
You board in Amsterdam as the city’s canals shimmer with lights for the season.
Day 2
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A full second day in Amsterdam, with a canal cruise, a walking tour and a beer tasting all available. The Slot Zuylen visit takes you to a castle first built around 1250, shaped by a significant renovation in the mid-17th century and by further changes across the centuries since, giving it a layered mix of architectural styles across its rooms and gardens.
Day 3
Cologne, Germany
Cologne and Dusseldorf both feature today. In Cologne, choose a walking tour with Christmas markets or the Smithsonian exclusive tour of the city’s Roman ruins and the Belgian House. In Dusseldorf, a walking tour with Christmas markets and a bike tour are available.
Day 4
Rudesheim, Germany
Enjoy scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge, with its castle ruins and steep winter vineyards, before arriving in Rudesheim. Choose from a wine tasting with Christmas market time, a gondola ride with Christmas market time, a vineyard hike, a guided bike tour of the Rheingau with Christmas markets, a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or the Rudesheimer Coffee excursion.
Day 5
Ludwigshafen, Germany
The Heidelberg tour includes a wine tasting and Christmas market time in the castle-topped old town, or the Philosopher’s Path hike gives you panoramic views with Christmas market time. The Smithsonian exclusive Speyer excursion covers medieval streets and the Technik Museum alongside the markets. A Ladenburg bike tour is the active option.
Day 6
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s city tour covers the city’s cobblestone streets and Christmas markets, while a Baden-Baden walking tour with Christmas markets and a Strasbourg bike tour are also available. The Smithsonian exclusive European Parliament visit is on offer (subject to availability and change).
Day 7
Breisach, Germany
The Colmar excursion offers a choice between the Bartholdi Museum and the Christmas markets, or you could pay a visit to Freiburg, which offers its own festive Christmas market, too. The Smithsonian exclusive excursion visits the UNESCO-listed Neuf-Brisach Citadel, while a Breisach wine country bike tour is the active option.
Day 8
Basel, Switzerland
Disembark in Basel.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE RHINE – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS HIGHLIGHTS
Rhine River Cruise Deals
Celebrate the Rhine at Christmas, with Smithsonian experts and access to incredible locations at every stop. Browse our latest AmaWaterways sailings and find the departure that works for you.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine – Smithsonian Journeys Review
Christmas Markets on the Rhine – Smithsonian Journeys FAQs
Who are the Smithsonian Journeys Experts on this itinerary?
The December 2026 departures feature experts including Alexia Smith, Adam Tanner – an associate at Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science and a former Reuters foreign correspondent whose work explores colonialism, globalisation and Europe’s impact worldwide – and Barbara Whitehead.
What is the Belgian House in Cologne, and why does the Smithsonian exclusive tour include it?
The Belgian House, or Belgisches Haus, in Cologne houses a collection of Roman artefacts discovered during excavations in the city. Cologne was founded as a Roman colony in the 1st century AD and has significant archaeological remains. The Smithsonian exclusive tour on day three covers the Roman ruins alongside the Belgian House, offering a more in-depth look at the city’s ancient history than the standard walking tour.
Is the European Parliament visit on day six guaranteed?
No. The European Parliament tour is subject to availability, and the itinerary is subject to change; guests should refer to their final travel documents for the most up-to-date information.
What is the Bartholdi Museum in Colmar, and who was Bartholdi?
Auguste Bartholdi was a French sculptor born in Colmar in 1834, best known as the creator of the Statue of Liberty. The Bartholdi Museum in Colmar is dedicated to his life and work and is housed in his former family home.
What is the Neuf-Brisach Citadel, and why does it have UNESCO status?
Neuf-Brisach is a fortified town in Alsace built between 1698 and 1703 by Vauban, the military engineer of Louis XIV, after France was forced to cede the nearby town of Breisach to the Holy Roman Empire. It’s considered one of Vauban’s finest achievements, designed as an octagonal star fortress with a double ring of defences and a grid-plan town at its centre. It became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Fortifications of Vauban in 2008, a designation covering twelve of his military constructions across France.
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