Christmas Market, Germany
Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River holiday fantasy.
Explore the canal laden city of Amsterdam in all its seasonal glory and rich history. Wander the stalls of France’s oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg, and explore the Christmas Market of Drosselgasse, the cultural heart of Rüdesheim. Sail aboard an elegantly decorated ship through cities and towns brimming with beautiful decor, glittering Christmas trees and holiday spirit.
Plus, enjoy festive onboard traditions and an exquisite holiday feast with all the trimmings. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a unique holiday vacation!
Tour Presented by: Trinity’s G.I.F.T. “Globetrotting In Fellowship Together”, Roxanne Buff and Marie Buff
AMAWaterways Cruise Itinerary Sailing December 8-15, 2025
Departure from USA December 07, 2025 or earlier. Pre-cruise Basel hotel available. Prices vary.
Day 1, BASEL
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 18thcentury 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 fullday excursion to Lake Lucerne or spend your afternoon there. Lake Lucerne is known for its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” Whether you choose the fullday excursion or halfday tour to Lake Lucerne, you’ll also see Lake Lucerne’s 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
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its 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 halftimbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas Market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th century town hall. (B,L,D)
Day 4, LUDWIGSHAFEN 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 18thcentury, 49,000gallon 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 LAHNSTEIN
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
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 13thcentury 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
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
Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. Itinerary subject to change.
OPTIONAL
AMAWaterways Pre-Cruise 3-Night Lake Como Land Package December 05-08, 2025
Departure from USA December 04, 2025
Day 1, LAKE COMO, ITALY
Arrive in Lake Como and check into your hotel.
Day 2, LAKE COMO
Enjoy a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean’s Twelve and Casino Royale. (B)
Day 3, LAKE COMO
Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers post card perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets.
Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio’s restaurants before returning to the boat. (B)
Day 4, BASEL
Check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, be treated to a Bellinzona orientation tour.
Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D)
Christmas Markets Cruise
Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS- All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date. Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this itinerary. Additional credentials may be required. Continue to check up to the day of departure.
TOUR LEVEL - MINIMUM to MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER
If you or you will be traveling with someone who has difficulty walking, special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
PROGRAM FEATURES
Small Group ~ Relaxed Pace- Time for Reflection and Spiritual Inspiration
AMA LOYALTY BENEFIT REWARDS AND FCB VOUCHERS WILL APPLY FOR AMA MEMBERS. Indicate your membership information on the tour registration form. Military and Veterans save $250 each.
AMAWATERWAYS SMALL SHIP CRUISE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
SPACIOUS CRUISE STATEROOMS
• 7 nights luxury accommodation in a river view stateroom
• Entertainment-On-Demand featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library
• Desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun deck with pool, Fitness room
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
• All onboard dining in a variety of venues
• Regionally inspired cuisine with local ingredients
• Welcome Cocktail and Welcome Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• Unlimited fine wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch/dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Sandwiches, snacks, refreshments served in Main Lounge
• Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour, complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
• Immersive tours in every destination lead by knowledgeable guides
• Guided hikes and Special Interest Tours
• Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
• Personal headset for easy exploration
AMAWaterways Pre-Cruise 3- NIGHT LAKE COMO LAND PACKAGE INCLUDES
3 nights hotel in Lake Como, Italy
Breakfast Daily
Lake Como City Tour
Boat Excursion to the “Pearl of Lake COmo,” Bellagio
Transfer from the hotel to Basel via motorcoach to board the AMASerena ship
December 05-08, 2025
Register Now to Guaranteed Your Preferred Cruise Stateroom ~ Space is Limited!
SPECIAL GROUP PRICES ARE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
For the Best Stateroom Availability Register Today to Guarantee Your Preferred Cruise Stateroom Category. Space is limited.
7-NIGHT LUXURY RHINE RIVER CRUISE STATEROOM PRICES
Stateroom Category E River view; $3,650 plus $240 port charges per person
Stateroom Category D River view; $3,950 plus $240 port charges per person
Stateroom Category C French balcony; $5,050 plus $240 port charges per person
Stateroom Category BB Outside Twin-Balcony; $5,650 plus $240 port charges per person
Additional staterooms categories available, contact LT for price.
3-NIGHT LAKE COMO, ITALY LAND PACAKGE PRICE
$1,590 per person based on double occupancy
AIRFARE IS ADDITIONAL
Group Flights arrangements available 11-months prior to travel dates. Economy airfare includes airline taxes, 1 checked-luggage, 1-personal item and 1-carry-on, seat assignment.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Deposit- $400 per person due with your online registration
Balance due August 30, 2025. A reminder will be sent.
Due to the strict cancellation penalties by AMAWaterways and any other travel providers for your vacation, some payments will be nonrefundable regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Final payment due date may vary from the LT Booking Agreement due the payment policy set forth by AMAWaterways and other travel providers for your vacation.
Refer to the Booking Agreement Terms and Conditions of Travel at LutherTours.com and AMAWaterways.com Terms and Conditions or contact LutherTours 1.844.777.1517 and copy will be sent to you.
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for cruise personnel, tour guides, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet, Wi-Fi charges when applicable. Airfare. Trip Insurance.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Click to view the complete agreement including cancelation and change policy. Up to 100% is nonrefundable. Also available by visiting www.LUTHERTOURS.com and www.AMAWaterways.com, or contact LutherTours and a copy will be sent to you.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND ALERT UPDATE
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Non-US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel. Prices are subject to minimum participation and currency fluctuation. Additional credentials may be required. Continue to check up to the day of departure.
TRIP INSURANCE- ARE YOUR PREPARED?
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance, learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of a travel insurance policy. Consider a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.
