Christmas Markets
Rhine River Cruise 13 day cruise/tour - November 29, 2027Information
World’s BEST Christmas Markets Cruise
13 Day PACKAGE includes an 8-Day 7-Night Romantic Rhine Cruise that visits 4 Countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands – combined with a Christmas Markets Land Tour that includes additional sightseeing and Christmas Markets in Switzerland and Germany.
There are so many fantastic Christmas Markets to experience. Germany alone has close to 3,000 Christmas markets – In Europe the number could reach over 10,000 Christmas Markets. There are many “Top 10 best in the world” lists – they are not all the same – but after reviewing close to 20 articles that list the top 10 or so BEST Christmas Markets, we found that out of the tens of thousands of Christmas Markets in the world, only about 30 Christmas Markets, overall, ever find their way onto someone’s BEST Christmas Markets list. You will be experiencing 7 Christmas Markets that made it into someone’s top 10 list, some of them appear as #1 on multiple Christmas Markets lists. Some of those that we will visit in 2027 are very unique – One is in a gorge, deep in the Black Forest, another is in a huge train station, and others are in fairytale destinations in ancient medieval villages.
Here is the list of Christmas Markets we will visit in 2027 that have made it into someone’s top 10 list:
- Ravenna Gorge: Considered the most beautiful market in Germany. A unique Christmas Market in a stunning setting.
- Zurich Christkindlimarkt: The largest indoor Christmas Market in Europe located in a train station.
- Basel Christmas Markets: Recently voted the BEST Christmas Market in Europe.
- Colmar: Often dubbed a “fairytale destination,” its historic center is transformed into six distinct Christmas markets nestled among beautifully illuminated, half-timbered houses and romantic canals.
- Strasbourg “The Capital of Christmas”: For over 400 years they have been holding a Christmas Market. On some lists it is listed as the #1 Christmas Market.
- Cologne Christmas Market: On some lists it is listed as the #1 Christmas Market.
- Amsterdam Christmas Market
Between the luxurious AmaWaterways cruise ports of call and the Fun For Less Tours added Land Tour, you really are going to experience a tour to many of the wonderful places and sites that this part of the world offers, along with the BEST Christmas Markets in the world. If there is one feeling that describes how you feel while visiting the Christmas Markets, it is happiness and joy, it really is an uplifting experience. Yes, the shopping is fun, the sights are stunning, and the food is fantastic – but above all, it is the enjoyment and happiness that permeates throughout the whole trip.
Pricing
Package Price Includes:
Important Note regarding AmaWaterways Charter Pricing: By chartering over 50% of the boat, we receive special Discount Charter Pricing. We do not discount the ship pricing – but we are able to apply our ship Charter Savings of $800 PER PERSON off of our total Package Price that INCLUDES the Ship and Land Tour. When you combine an AmaWaterways ship with a Fun For Less Tours Land Tour, you are able to save $800 PER PERSON because of our Charter Pricing.
Our Total Package includes both the AmaWaterways Luxury Cruise and our Fun For Less Tours Land Tour – Here is what is INCULDED in our Total Package:
- AmaWaterways Luxury 8-Day 7-Night Cruise between Basel and Amsterdam.
- $3,949 Cat D Cabin with two large porthole windows. The Actual price you pay for Cat D Cabin after our $800 discount.
- $290 in ship taxes and port charges
- All Shore Excursions
- All Christmas Markets off the ship are included
- All ship port taxes and fees.
- Special Guest Educator: TBA
- Fun For Less Tours Staff
- Three quality meals on board the ship every day.
- Free internet and free movies.
- Unlimited bottled water.
- All bicycles and helmets on board are free to use.
- Option to upgrade cabin to French Balcony, Double Balcony, or Suite.
- Use of quality headset receivers.
- Our Special Christmas Markets Land Package includes Zurich, Lucern, and Ravenna Gorge Christmas Markets.
- 2 Nights 4-Star Deluxe Hotel Zurich.
- 2 Nights 4-Star Deluxe Hotel Basel.
- Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.
- All Christmas Markets.
- All tours, buses, guides, and entrance fees in Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
- Guest Educator: TBA
- Fun For Less Tours Staff
- All Transfers, if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our Fun For Less group flights.
- Use of quality headset receivers.
AmaWaterways Package Price: $3,949
AmaWaterways Taxes & Port Fees: $290
Special Land Package: $1,656
Total Package Price $5,895*
Package Price: $5,895 *
**Per person cash discount price, based on double occupancy.
Does not include airfare or tips.
Below are the prices for upgrading to balcony and suite cabins. With our combination of an AmaWaterways river cruise with our Fun For Less Tours Land Package, you are saving $800 Per Person off of whatever cabin category you chose. Pictures of the different balcony cabins and an example of the layout of an AmaWaterways river cruise ship can be found below. The prices below are the prices per person to upgrade from a D Cabin to Balcony Cabins.
Cat D Large Porthole Window 170 sq. ft. Cabins Included in Price
Upgrade to Cat CA 170 sq. ft. Cabin w/ French Balcony – Sliding Glass Doors $1,349
Upgrade to Cat BB 210 sq. ft. Double Balcony – Both French and Outside $1,949
Upgrade to Cat BA 210 sq. ft. Double Balcony – Both French and Outside $2,149
Upgrade to Cat AB 235 sq. ft. Double Balcony – Both French and Outside $2,349
Upgrade to Cat AA 235 sq. ft. Double Balcony – Both French and Outside $2,549
Itinerary
The following day-by-day itinerary is subject to change at any time.
Day 1: November 29: Fly to Zurich
Today we fly from the United States to Zurich, Switzerland.
Day 2: November 30: Zurich
Upon arrival, if time permits, we will visit a Christmas Market before transferring to the hotel.
Day 3: December 1: Zurich – Lucern – Zurich
Today we will enjoy full-day excursion to Lucerne, with its charming old town and spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. Old Town, famous for cobblestone streets and fresco-adorned medieval buildings is transformed into magical alpine village of wooden chalets. The air is tinged with the smell of traditional Swiss treats, and local vendors sell handcrafted gifts. Once we have experienced this lovely city nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne, we will return to Zurich to overnight.
Day 4: December 2: Zurich
Today will be a tour of Zurich and the surrounding area. In addition to other Christmas Markets in the area – today we will visit another unique Christmas Market located in a train station. It is the largest indoor Christmas Market in Europe. This afternoon we will transfer to Basel.
Day 5: December 3: Basel – Ravenna Gorge – Basel
Today is another highlight day. In the morning we will tour Basel’s Christmas Market. Then we will travel deep into the German Black Forest to what many lists consider the most beautiful Christmas Market in Europe. The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is in a picturesque setting in a deep gorge. It is only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December and from what we read, should not be missed. We will then return to Basel to overnight.
Day 6: December 4: Basel – Riquewihr – Ship
Today is a highlight day as we visit the quaint medieval village of Riquewihr. The first records we have of the village is 1094 and then in 1291 there was a wall added, making this small village a medieval walled city. It looks like nothing has changed in close to 800 years. They also have a wonderful Christmas Market. In the afternoon we will arrive at the ship in Basel.
Day 7: December 5: Colmar
Today we will visit Colmar, which is often dubbed a “fairytale destination.” Its historic center is transformed into six distinct Christmas markets nestled among beautifully illuminated, half-timbered houses and romantic canals.
Day 8: December 6: Strasbourg
Strasbourg is considered to be one of the most beautiful ancient cities in France. This morning we will do a tour and then have time for their famous Christmas Markets. They claim to be the home of the oldest Christmas Markets in Europe, dating back well over 400 years. Strasbourg Christmas Markets have been rated #1 on some lists.
Day 9: December 7: Heidelberg
Today we will visit Heidelberg Castle and tour Heidelberg’s old town before visiting their Christmas Markets.
Day 10: December 8: Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge
Today is another quaint village with its wonderful old town and Christmas Markets. In the afternoon, the ship sails through the Rhine Gorge – both sides of the river are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 40 castles and fortresses that line both sides of the river for about 25 miles on the Rhine River.
Day 11: December 9: Cologne
Today we will visit Cologne and its massive Cathedral. Cologne is home of another famous Christmas Market – rated #1 on some top 10 lists.
Day 12: December 10: Amsterdam
Today we will do some touring of Amsterdam, with a boat ride on the canals of Amsterdam. Late in the afternoon, you will have time to visit their famous Christmas Markets.
Day 13: December 11: Fly Home
This morning we will disembark the ship in Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for our flight back to the U.S. Taking with us many wonderful feel-good memories of our cruise and tour, along with our many treasures we found when shopping the best Christmas Markets in the world. (Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.)
