December
Rhine River Cruise
The Magical Christmas Markets of the Rhine
Enjoy a special group rate!
ITINERARY
Cruise Starts: Basel, Switzerland – December 3, 2018
Cruise Ends: Amsterdam, The Netherlands – December 10, 2018
Duration: 7-night cruise on the ship AmaKristina, with AmaWaterways
DETAILED CRUISE ITINERARY*
Day 1, EMBARK THE SHIP IN BASEL
Board your luxurious river cruise ship, the AmaKristina. Meet your fellow passengers tonight at the welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2, BREISACH, GERMANY
Summary: Riquewihr town tour & Christmas market; or Freiburg excursion with Christmas market; or Breisach bike tour
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 Freiburg’s Münster, 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 3, STRASBOURG, FRANCE & GENGENBACH, GERMANY
Summary: Strasbourg city tour & Christmas market; Gengenbach Christmas market
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. 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 4, MANNHEIM, GERMANY
Summary: Heidelberg city tour; or, Speyer city tour
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. Alternatively, you can 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)
Day 5, RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY
Summary: Castle day on the Rhine; Wine tasting; or gondola ride; or Rheingau bike tour; Christmas market; music museum or Rüdesheim coffee tasting/demo
Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting of the Rheingau Rieslings. 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. During the afternoon, you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. Later in the day, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)
Day 6, COLOGNE, GERMANY
Summary: Cologne city tour, cathedral & Christmas market; or Kolsch beer tasting; or Cologne bike tour
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 and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)
Day 7, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Summary: Canal cruise & Amsterdam city tour; scenic cruising
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. (B,L,D)
Day 8, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark your ship (B).
*INCLUDED MEALS NOTED AS (BREAKFAST = B; L= LUNCH; D= DINNER) INCLUDED DAILY EXCURSIONS ARE NOTED FOR EACH DAY!
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- *7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation on the AmaKristina
- *Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- *Fine dining, including unlimited complimentary hand-selected wines, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
- *Multiple dining venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant featuring our unique tasting menu
- *NEW FOR 2018 – Sip & Sail daily cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks
- *Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- *Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
- *Guided shore excursions in every port, including Special Interest Tours, hiking and biking tours; excursions of different speeds for all abilities
- *Onboard live entertainment, theme dinners, cooking demonstration and more
- *Complimentary bicycles, helmets and Nordic walking sticks
Full list of inclusions (click on the “What’s Included” link)
Not included: bar drinks outside of the cocktail hour, port charges, and gratuities.
If you have ever been on an ocean cruise, it is refreshing to see what is included on a river cruise!
WHO MIGHT LIKE THIS CRUISE?
This cruise would be great for any adult who wants to explore at his/her leisure. This is not a cruise geared exclusively toward couples; it could make a great single or girl’s trip, or mother/daughter trip, or friend’s cruising together vacation. It is an adult-focused cruise with few or no activities or amenities for children. It could easily appeal to first-time Europe travelers who want a guided tour in a very comfortable travel mode. It also appeals to more independent travelers who just might want to unpack once and let someone else take care of the details.
WHY IS A RIVER CRUISE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER VACATIONS?
#1 – Relax – Unpack Once and Enjoy the Scenery
Visit different cities and countries while your hotel travels with you. A river cruise offers the amenities of a first-class hotel from which you’ll never feel uprooted. Discover local delights on shore then return to your large, stylish stateroom. Watch the scenery slip by as you leisurely sail to your next destination.
#2 – Dock Right in the Heart of Historic Cities
Enjoy the excitement of waking up in a new town, docked just steps from markets, museums and landmarks. At most ports, walk off the ship and into the heart of some of Europe’s oldest cities. Take a guided excursion (included) or instantly blend in with daily life.
#3 – Intimate Environment, Inclusive Value
With river vessels accommodating 160 passengers, you will never wait in a long line to board or disembark. Smaller tours and intimate meal settings with open seating create a warm, personal atmosphere accentuated by five-star service. Your inclusive vacation provides incredible, value from the champagne breakfast and free-flowing hand-selected European wines with lunch and dinner, to a fleet of bicycles, free Internet access, included sightseeing excursions, and live cultural entertainment onboard. On a river cruise, your vacation’s price tag doesn’t keep adding up.
#4 – A River Cruise In December is a Wonderful Time to Vacation
Why? While the Christmas markets are bustling, there are fewer tourists than in the summer. Everything is less crowded. And, airfare tends to be lower in price than in summer.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
At the Main Restaurant, enjoy multi-course dinners featuring a variety of dishes as well as specially selected regional wines. During the day, a selection of menu items as well as a buffet are available for breakfast and lunch. Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments are served daily in the Main Lounge. Unlimited soft drinks, wine and beer are included and served at lunch and dinner. Also complimentary are unlimited sparkling wines at breakfast.
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant is an alternative to the Main Restaurant. Accommodating 30 guests, The Chef’s Table provides an intimate dining experience where a multi-course tasting menu featuring 15 items is paired with regional wines. There are no charges for guests wishing to enjoy The Chef’s Table. Renowned for its excellent cuisine, AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line to ever be inducted into Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations.
WHICH SHIP? – THE AMAKRISTINA
New ship in 2017! The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 300 sq. ft. The ship features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon. The Panoramic Lounge, has a piano and dance floor as well as a bar. Guests can also enjoy the Observation Lounge. A specialty tea and coffee station is available 24/7. In addition, a beauty salon massage services are available. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the ship and first-run Hollywood movies. The decor onboard mirrors that of a modern luxury hotel. Feeling active? There are a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.
HOW DRESSY IS A RIVER CRUISE? HOW SCRIPTED?
River cruises are casual. There are only 158 passengers on the AmaKristina, and no “formal night.” Dinner attire is described as “smart casual.” All tours/excursions are included. You can take a tour…or not. People are not tethered together or joined at the hip. You make your own script, so to speak. With Christmas markets, their beauty is best at night. This AmaWaterways cruise offers plenty of time at night to enjoy the markets, with shuttles to and from the ship. Not all river cruise lines offer this, and for me, this is a deal breaker if there is no evening time in ports, since evening is when it is really amazingly beautiful with all the Christmas lights.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A CHRISTMAS MARKET?
HOW COLD WILL IT BE?
It is cold but not bone chilling. Think: water resistant shoes or boots, jeans, a sweater, a jacket, gloves, hat and a scarf.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Our group will received $250 off the cruise fare per person – this is a nice incentive! With the reduction, prices start at $2649 per person for the least expensive cabin. Each cabin will also receive a $25 on board credit. Airfare and any add-on after the cruise are extra. Deposit is $400 per person. Also, if you want a specific cabin type, just know it could sell out if you wait. A sample cabin is shown below. Each cabin category is priced according to size, and location on the river boat. Contact your Outlander Travel agent for a price quote.
I’M INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE, WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Contact your Outlander Travel agent for a price quote.