CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE RHINE

AMSTERDAM TO SWITZERLAND
DECEMBER 14-21, 2020

Join FAMTrips.travel and AmaWaterways as we cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on Europes Rhine River during one of the most magical times of the year. Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year on AmaWaterways lovey AmaStella as we sail to amazing ports from the Amsterdam, to Germany, France and Switzerland. Colognes Christmas Market with its impressive Gothic cathedral backdrop; the "Capital of Noel," Strasbourg, with its magnificent great Christmas tree; and Heidelbergs Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town; are all timeless traditions handed down through the centuries. Cherish all the glory of the holiday season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine. With so many lovely choices of tours which are all complimentary and unlimited complimentary wines flowing at lunch and dinner, AmaWaterways offers you an excellent value to cruise in prime holiday season and still make it home to celebrate Christmas. Based upon availability, you may also want to book additional staterooms at our special - Friends and Family - rates so you can bring other guests to enjoy this special holiday cruise with you during this magical season with you in Europe.
If you choose to enjoy the four night post stay leading up to the Christmas holiday, itself, you can two nights in Lucerne and two nights in Zurich with touring included in both amazing cities! It is sure to be an experience of a lifetime where you will enjoy one of the most scenic regions of Europe as you appreciate AmaWaterways amazing style of holiday hospitality!

Day 1 
ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - EMBARKATION
Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship, the AmaPrima. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner and meet the wonderful staff. Together we will enjoy a group dinner in the alternate dining room, The Chefs Table so we can meet and greet one another to begin our Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise itinerary.(D)

Day 2
AMSTERDAM
Begin your discovery of Amsterdam with a scenic canal cruise, followed by a walking tour to the Begijnhof, known for its historic Middle Ages building and concluding with a panoramic city tour that includes the Royal Palace and Westerkerk. Amsterdam is the Netherlands capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the citys 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. And of course, it is the home of WW II teenage diarist during the holocaust, Anne Frank. Later in the day, set sail for Germany. (B,L,D)

Day 4 
RHINE GORGE - RUDESHEIM
Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Once in Rudesheim, you will have three choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting. Those who wish to soar high above the vineyards can take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Or, for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you have two more options. Visit Siegfrieds Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the towns special delights, Rudesheimer coffee. You willl also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rudesheim Christmas market. (B,L,D))

Day 5 
LUDWIGSHAFEN
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 Europes longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the towns Christmas markets. Or, opt to hike the Philosophers Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of Heidelberg. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germanys 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 Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)
Day 6 
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
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 that takes you past the Parc de LOrangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande lle, 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 and then visit the townss famous Christmas market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas market where every year the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Day 7 
BREISACH, GERMANY
Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to two other gems. Visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburgs Munster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as an enchanting Christmas market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)

Day 8 
BASEL - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark your cruise in Basel. If you have chosen to add the four night post stay in Lucerne and Zurich, you Christmas touring begins now! Enjoy the lovely ambiance of these beautiful cities with the Swiss Alps as your backdrop for the holidays! During your optional post stay, there is such a wonderful variety of touring along with enough free time to take in both wonderful cities! If you love Christmas and chocolates and creative gifts, then a visit to Zurichs indoor Christmas Market is sure to feel like a special holiday treat! The festive Christmas Market held at Zurichs busy Hauptbahnhof Train Station (aka Zurichs Main Station) is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. It may be a White Christmas and winter wonderland outside but keep cozy and warm in here -- with 150 festively decorated market stalls to get in the yuletide spirit.

But of course, the big showstopper here is the 50 foot Christmas tree decorated with between 5,000-7,000 Swarovski crystals and ornaments. Of course, there are many other ways to celebrate Zurichs holiday season. One of the most popular favorites is strolling down the vibrant and exclusive Bahnhofstrasse. This is Zurichs most tantalizing shopping avenue and it is always at its most stunning when aglow for the holiday! All the while, you are in the company of your wonderful tour manager from AmaWaterways who will be enjoying this special post cruise holiday tour alongside you and your guests.



TRAVEL AGENT RATES

Category E (fixed window) $1,495. pp 
Category D (fixed window) $1595. pp
Category CB (French balcony) $1,895. pp
Category CA (French balcony) $1995.pp
Category BB (twin balcony) $2095. pp
Category BA (twin balcony) $2,195. pp
Category AB (twin balcony) $2,295. pp
Category AA(twin balcony) $2,395. pp


(These rates are approximately 50% off of retail rates!)

Port taxes are $182 pp 
NON Industry Guests in stateroom with agent add $200 
Special Friends and Family Guests in Additional Staterooms Add $400 pp to Agent Rate
(These special friends and family staterooms are based upon availability 
and are limited, so do NOT delay.)

To Book this FAMTrips.travel 
"Christmas Markets on the Rhine" FAM