Welcome to Our Christmas Markets Journey
Arrive in Amsterdam and officially begin this special holiday journey with us. Rose and I will be there to welcome everyone aboard our AmaWaterways ship as we settle in and get to know one another. The first day is intentionally relaxed — a chance to unpack once, enjoy a warm welcome drink, and ease into the festive spirit of Amsterdam in December. With lights twinkling along the canals and the city glowing in winter charm, it’s the perfect setting to start making memories together. This evening we’ll gather for our first dinner onboard, sharing stories, laughter, and excitement for the incredible Christmas markets and castles that await us in the days ahead.
Exploring Amsterdam Together
Today is all about truly experiencing Amsterdam, and Rose and I will be right there with you as we begin exploring this iconic city. After breakfast onboard, you’ll have the option to join a scenic canal cruise or a guided walking tour, both wonderful ways to get a feel for Amsterdam’s history, culture, and everyday life. Winter adds a special charm here — quiet canals, festive decorations, and cozy cafés tucked along historic streets. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to wander at your own pace, maybe stopping for hot chocolate, Dutch treats, or a little souvenir shopping. This evening, we’ll come back together onboard to relax, share highlights from the day, and enjoy another delicious dinner as we prepare to continue our Christmas Markets journey along the Rhine.
Cologne & Its Iconic Christmas Markets
Today we arrive in Cologne, home to some of the most famous and festive Christmas markets in Europe. After breakfast, Rose and I will join you for a guided walk through the Old Town, where history, tradition, and holiday spirit come together in a truly magical way. The highlight, of course, is the Christmas market set beneath the towering Cologne Cathedral — twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, and the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts filling the air. You’ll have plenty of free time to wander, shop, and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace. This is one of those days where the joy of the season really comes alive, and it’s even better shared together as a group. This evening, we return to the ship, warm and relaxed, as we continue sailing deeper into the heart of the Rhine.
Rhine Gorge Scenic Cruising & Rüdesheim
Today is one of those days you’ll remember long after the journey ends. This morning, we’ll enjoy scenic cruising through the legendary Rhine Gorge, where medieval castles line the riverbanks and storybook villages appear around every bend. Rose and I love this stretch of the Rhine — it’s a perfect time to relax, sip a warm drink, and take in the views together from the ship’s lounge or sun deck. By afternoon, we arrive in the charming town of Rüdesheim, known for its festive spirit and welcoming Christmas market. You’ll have time to stroll the cobblestone streets, browse local crafts, and enjoy seasonal treats before returning onboard. As evening settles in, we’ll gather again to share stories from the day and look ahead to the next chapter of our Christmas Markets adventure.
Heidelberg or Speyer: Storybook Towns at Christmas
Today gives us wonderful choices, and Rose and I will be happy to help you decide which experience fits you best. From Ludwigshafen, you can travel to Heidelberg, home to its romantic old town and famous hilltop castle, beautifully dressed for the Christmas season. Or you may choose Speyer, where the impressive cathedral and charming streets create a cozy and welcoming holiday atmosphere. Both towns offer delightful Christmas markets filled with local crafts, festive decorations, and seasonal treats. It’s a day to wander at a relaxed pace, enjoy history wrapped in holiday charm, and savor the simple joys of Christmas in Germany. This evening, we return onboard to warm up, share highlights from our day, and enjoy dinner together as our journey continues south along the Rhine.
Strasbourg & Baden-Baden: Old World Christmas Magic
Today feels like stepping straight into a Christmas storybook. After breakfast, Rose and I will join you as we explore Strasbourg, often called the Capital of Christmas. Its half-timbered houses, festive decorations, and historic squares create one of the most enchanting Christmas market settings in Europe. We’ll stroll through the Old Town and the charming Petite France area, with plenty of time to browse market stalls, sample seasonal treats, and simply soak in the atmosphere. Later, we’ll continue on to Baden-Baden, an elegant spa town known for its refined Christmas market set against a backdrop of lights and classical architecture. By the time we return to the ship, spirits are high, cameras are full, and hearts are warmed by a day that truly captures the magic of the season.
Basel & the Swiss Alps
Today we arrive in Basel, our final port and a beautiful place to savor the last full day of our Christmas Markets journey together. Rose and I will be with you as you choose how to enjoy the day — whether that’s exploring Basel’s charming Old Town and festive Christmas markets or joining an optional full-day excursion to Lucerne, nestled at the edge of the Swiss Alps. Lucerne’s storybook streets, lake views, and iconic wooden bridges feel especially magical in winter. No matter which option you choose, today is about slowing down, taking it all in, and appreciating just how special this journey has been. This evening, we’ll come together onboard for our final dinner — sharing laughs, favorite memories, and the joy of having experienced something truly meaningful as a group.
Farewell in Switzerland
This morning, we say goodbye to our AmaWaterways ship and to an unforgettable Christmas Markets journey together. After breakfast, it’s time to disembark in Basel, carrying home not just souvenirs, but memories of castles, twinkling markets, shared meals, and moments that made this season extra special. Rose and I are so grateful to have hosted this journey with you — experiences like this are always better when shared. Whether you’re heading home or continuing on with a Swiss extension, we hope this trip leaves you inspired, refreshed, and already dreaming about where we might travel together next.
Every feature in an Amawaterways stateroom was thoughtfully conceived with the comfort of their guests in mind. The staterooms start at 160 square feet, and suites can be as large as 350 square feet, giving you more space to sit back and relax in between meals and explorations. Artfully crafted to a first-class standard, each room is equipped with innovative designs, plush bedding, multi-jet shower-heads, and many other special touches that make you feel like you’re getting the royal treatment. Most of the staterooms have a balcony — or two — so you can enjoy stunning views of the magnificent sights along the river’s edge.
Suite
Spacious river-view suites featuring twin balconies, a comfortable sitting area, upscale bathrooms, plush bedding, and premium amenities for a boutique luxury experience.
Balcony
Balconies offer relaxing riverfront views with comfortable seating, perfect for enjoying fresh air, scenic cruising, and quiet moments along Europe’s waterways.
French Balcony
A French balcony features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to bring in fresh air and panoramic river views, creating a spacious, open feel without extending outside the ship.
Ocean View
Ocean-view staterooms feature a picture window that fills the room with natural light and offers beautiful river scenery throughout your cruise.
I’m a retired Mission Pastor with a lifelong passion for people, a wanderlust heart, and a gift for planning. For many years, I had the privilege of leading mission trips around the world - organizing everything from global outreach projects to hands-on local service events.
As my journey has evolved, I’ve discovered a new joy: helping others experience the beauty of travel through cruising. While cruising is my specialty, I also help travelers with other kinds of adventures - whether that’s exploring vibrant cities, relaxing at all-inclusive resorts, or creating custom journeys that fit your unique style.
940-391-5927
doug@travelwithdoug.com