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Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (Christmas Cruise) 2025

Name: Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (Christmas Cruise) 2025
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 6238 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Switzerland

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

254744

Operator:

AmaWaterways
Length:

8 days
Group size:

162 pax
Age:

12 to 99
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

11.08-18.08.25 scheduled
18.08-25.08.25 scheduled
25.08-01.09.25 scheduled
01.09-08.09.25 scheduled
08.09-15.09.25 scheduled
15.09-22.09.25 scheduled
22.09-29.09.25 scheduled
29.09-06.10.25 scheduled
06.10-13.10.25 scheduled
13.10-20.10.25 scheduled
20.10-27.10.25 scheduled
27.10-03.11.25 scheduled
03.11-10.11.25 scheduled
10.11-17.11.25 scheduled
29.12-05.01.26 scheduled

Itinerary

On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Tour program

Day 1

Embarkation – Basel, Switzerland

Embark your ship in Basel for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D)

Day 2

Basel

Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Both tours offer free time to visit Basel’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lake Lucerne or spend your afternoon there. Whether you choose the full-day excursion or half-day tour to Lake Lucerne, you’ll also see the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century, plus enjoy free time to explore the Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

*Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Day 3

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town Gengenbach stroll through the town’s narrow streets full of half-timbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas Market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th century town hall. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Ludwigshafen, Germany – Rüdesheim

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas Markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft and even a submarine! Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge

Let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Cologne, Germany

Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. Please note: tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour. (B,L,D)

**May be replaced with alternate tour based on docking location

Day 8

Amsterdam – Disembarkation

Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.

Tour Details

accommodation

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)

Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations

Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area

Bottled water replenished daily

flights

Flights are not included.

guide

Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

meals

All onboard dining in a variety of venues

Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients

The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant

Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala 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 Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks

Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

optional

Other activities and services are not included.

others

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.

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

Immersive tours in every destination

Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options

Bike tours and hikes

Special Interest Tours

Knowledgeable guides

Personal headset for easy exploration

Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Other activities and services are not included.

transport

AmaSerena or AmaVenita or similar

Good to know

Currency

CHF

Swiss Franc

Switzerland

Plugs and adapters

Plug type J

Customer reviews

Operator

4.5

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.