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  1. Home
  2. River Cruises
  3. Europe
  4. Rhine
  5. Swiss Alps Rhine Castles
Strasbourg France waterways during winter

Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles - Taste of Christmas

From snow-capped Alpine peaks to candlelit Christmas markets along the Rhine, this festive sailing holds the holiday in its most iconic European form. Zurich, Lucerne and the Rhine's medieval castle towns make a picture-perfect setting for seasonal celebrations.

Duration7 nights
RiversRhine
CountriesFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
Duration7 nights
RiversRhine
CountriesFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Highlights of your Taste of Christmas Experience

Holiday magic, wherever you sail
Holiday magic, wherever you sail
Each Taste of Christmas sailing is built around how that region celebrates, from the food on the table to the lights on the water.
Regional holiday menus
Regional holiday menus
Your Executive Chef builds the menu around the season and the region, so what's on your plate matches where you are.
two women at a christmas market booth
On-shore evenings that sparkle
Evening port stays are built into these sailings so you see each town after dark, when squares are lit and the season is at its best.

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
chefs preparing a fresh meal
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
back lit bicycle ride
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
Riding bikes through Antwerp
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

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

AmaSerena
Whether enjoying cocktails in the Main Lounge or a quiet moment in the library, AmaSerena balances social connection and personal retreat with elegant dining and scenic views
Staterooms: 81
Passengers: 162
AmaVenita cruising the Rhine River through the countryside at sunset in Germany
AmaVenita
AmaVenita sails Europe’s rivers with twin-balcony staterooms, regionally inspired dining, and inviting spaces that create a warm, elegant setting between days of discovery
Staterooms: 81
Passengers: 162

Frequently Asked Questions

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

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.”

JV
Jennifer V.
Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles

“There’s so much history as African Americans that we do not know, that hasn’t been shared or talked about…. It’s been very moving to hear the different stories, the experiences, the culture…”

ET
Elaine T.
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.”

JV
Jennifer V.

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Oprah Daily
US News & World Report
Cruiseline.com Member Choice Awards
Wave Award
ASTA
ASTA
Travel Leaders Network
TTG Media
Travel and Leisure Worlds Best
Condé Nast
Trevello
Global Traveler Collection
USA Today
USA Today
USA Today
Family River Cruise Review: Why a Mother of Four Chose AmaWaterways' Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Dish with cod with saffron rice with white wine on the side

Featured Stories

Family River Cruise Review: Why a Mother of Four Chose AmaWaterways' Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Family River Cruise Review: Why a Mother of Four Chose AmaWaterways' Christmas Markets on the Rhine

New to river cruising, mother of four Jennifer V. shares her unique perspective on why our Christmas Markets on the Rhine river cruise was perfect for her brood.

Guest Stories

Featured Stories

Dish with cod with saffron rice with white wine on the side

Enchanting Switzerland: Lake Lucerne and Zurich

Switzerland's reputation abroad often comes down to two things: chocolate and watches. Our 4-night Lucerne and Zurich land package, available on select Rhine River itineraries, invites you to step beyond the country's well-known exports (although there's always time for chocolate on our watch), spending real time in two cities that showcase Switzerland's history, natural beauty and culture. Add it to the start or end of your journey for a closer look at both.

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