Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Smithsonian Journeys

The Rhine's legendary Christmas markets meet the depth of Smithsonian Journeys programming. Expert scholars add historical and cultural context to the season, from the origins of German Christmas traditions to the medieval architecture that frames every festive market.

Duration7 nights

RiversRhine

CountriesFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Duration7 nights

RiversRhine

CountriesFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Highlights of your Smithsonian Journey

Learn from the experts

Talks written for your specific route and delivered before you step into the location they’re about, putting it all into perspective before you arrive.

Exclusive experiences

Each sailing includes tours designed for Smithsonian Journeys guests, and not available on the other itineraries.

Small-group access

With limited group sizes, you’ll be able to hear the expert, ask the question, and be part of the conversation.

What's included with your cruise

An opened luggage on top of a bed in a stateroom

More room to breathe

Choose from suites, solo staterooms, and connecting rooms. Most include our signature twin balconies.
Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
Bathrobe, slippers and full bathroom amenities
Refillable water bottle to take with you
Onboard WiFi

A flavor for every moment

All onboard meals
The Chef's Table, specialty restaurant
Wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
Specialty coffee and tea
Sip & Sail cocktail hour daily
All-day snacks in the Lark Lounge
Welcome cocktail reception

Adventures on your terms

Choose from up to six expert-led experiences each day
Gentle, regular and active options are available for most activities
Wellness Host with daily fitness, stretch and meditation classes on most sailing

Designed for the way you travel

A Cruise Manager who knows everything about your route and will lead your journey the whole way
Regional music and performances
Experiences for solo travelers
Onshore experiences, onboard amenities, and port charges included

Itinerary

Select Cruise Year

Select Direction

Select Optional Land Packages

View Cruise Days

Explore the daily onshore experience options available throughout your cruise.

Dates, Prices and Offers

Important: Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price): $250 per person in 2026. $280 per person in 2027. $290 per person in 2028.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please ask your travel advisor or call for pricing details.

Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

Option A: Two twin beds

Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person in USD, cruise-only, include port fees, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.

Ships

AmaFiora

Set to debut in 2027, AmaFiora will bring the beauty of the Rhine to life with elegant, twin-balcony staterooms, cuisine rooted in local flavors, and nightly entertainment in the lively Main Lounge.

Staterooms: 76

Passengers: 152

AmaLucia

AmaLucia sails Europe’s great rivers, where the luxury of space, thoughtful touches, and moments of discovery on and off the ship create a voyage that feels both comfortable and inspiring

Staterooms: 78

Passengers: 156

AmaViola

On AmaViola, life along the Danube, Rhine, Main, and Moselle flows seamlessly on board, from river-view staterooms and regionally inspired cuisine to an atmosphere as memorable as Vienna’s boulevards or the Rhine Gorge

Staterooms: 78

Passengers: 156

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Christmas Markets)

“It was also really nice that the tours had built-in free time so that we could do some things just for our kids. Europe is so family-friendly; we always felt the kids were welcome – especially at the Christmas Markets, which are designed for families.”

Jennifer V.

Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Christmas Markets)

“At the Christmas Markets, my older boys, Diego and Mateo, were obsessed with trying the sausages, “pasta in a cone” and all the desserts. We collected glühwein mugs from every city and bought some keepsakes for the kids, including a cherished amulet for Sofia.”

Jennifer V.

Captivating Rhine

“I’ve sailed the Rhine River three times now and been to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Cabinet every time. It was a totally different experience the third time when I experienced the museum through my new friends’ eyes.”

Kathy D.