7 Night Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise from Amsterdam

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise. (D)

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Dusseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day's excursion. Explore historic Dusseldorf and its Christmas markets on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, or cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings-the Magi-are believed to rest. Plus, visit one of Europe's largest and most renowned Christmas markets just in front of the cathedral. (B,L,D)

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Once in Rudesheim, you will have four choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting followed by a Christmas market visit to enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. Or go on a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, you can take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rudesheim's gondola followed by a visit to the Christmas market. You may also opt to join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River before visiting the Christmas market. Later in the day, you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheim coffee. (B,L,D)

You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town's Christmas markets. Or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosophers' Path followed by free time to enjoy the Christmas markets. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or explore one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also have time to visit its Christmas market in front of the "Old Mint" (Alte Munze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic Imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom). (B,L,D)

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmarik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Ile, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely "La Petite France" district, where you will see the Strasbourg Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town's famous Christmas market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach's Christmas markets and the town's famous illuminated town hall Advent calendar. (B,L,D)

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Journey into medieval Colmar, located in the enchanting Alsace region of France. Delight in the half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone streets as you take in the whimsical blend of French and German culture and the town's wonderful Christmas markets. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have "the most beautiful spire on earth". Then, enjoy free time at the Freiburg Christmas markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach's countryside. (B,L,D)

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)