Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps Christmas Cruise

7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel
Hosted by Joy Gawf-Crutchfield & Leigh Ann Lane, November 24 - December 1, 2025

Itinerary: 

Day 1, AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Embark your ship in Amsterdam for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps river cruise.

Day 2, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Activities - Canal cruise, Scenic cruising

Day 3, COLOGNE, GERMANY. Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. Then, visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century 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)
Activities - Cologne walking tour and Christmas Markets OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour OR Cologne bike tour

Day 4, RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY. Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. In the afternoon, join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas Markets. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal and with free time visiting 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, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Activities - Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising Wine tasting and Christmas Market OR Gondola ride with Christmas Market OR Vineyards hike OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Rüdesheimer coffee

Day 5, LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. 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 18th-century, 49,000-gallon 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! (B,L,D)
Activities - “Romantic Heidelberg” tour and Christmas Markets OR Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path hike OR Ladenburg bike tour

Day 6, STRASBOURG, FRANCE. 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. (B,L,D)
Activities - “The Gem of Alsace” tour with Christmas Markets OR Strasbourg bike tour

Day 7, BASEL, SWITZERLAND. 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 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to visit its Christmas Markets as well as see 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.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B,L,D)
Activities - “City of Art” tour with Christmas Market OR Full-day Lucerne excursion with Christmas Markets* OR “Three Countries” bike tour Half-day Lucerne excursion with Christmas Markets

Day 8, BASEL – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

(B,L,D) – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch and D

All payments are made directly to wholesale suppliers and any cancellations or changes are subject to their fee schedule and policies. Please be aware that deposits are non-refundable. If insurance has been purchased you may be entitled to a credit up to the full amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, but it is at the sole discretion of the insurance company. The Joy of Travel, LLC does not have any control over insurance claims or payments.