Celebrate the magic of the holiday season on AmaWaterways’ Magical Christmas Markets of Germany river cruise, a festive journey along the Rhine featuring charming medieval towns, world-famous Christmas markets, and stunning winter landscapes. Guests can enjoy traditional holiday treats, handcrafted gifts, cultural excursions, and the warm atmosphere of Germany’s most beloved Christmas celebrations while sailing in comfort and style.
Germany
Ship: AmaCerto
Arrive in historic Nuremberg and settle into your ship, your festive home for the coming week. Take the evening to relax, unwind, and get your first glimpse of the enchanting Bavarian landscapes that await.
Embarkation
Explore UNESCO-designated Bamberg, where medieval lanes, grand cathedrals, and the iconic Old Town Hall rise above the Regnitz River. Enjoy a guided walking tour or sample local specialties–from smoked beer to traditional pastries–before ending your visit at the magical Christmas Markets. Active guests can take in the scenery on a guided bike ride.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Walking tour and Christmas Market
Tastes of Bamberg
Bike Tour
Stroll through Würzburg’s Baroque Old Town and browse its Christmas Market, or explore the lavish UNESCO-listed Residenz Palace, home to Tiepolo’s renowned fresco. Alternatively, wander the cobbled fairytale streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany’s best-preserved walled town and a Christmas wonderland.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Walking tour and Christmas Market
Residenz Palace Visit
Rothenburg Excursion and Christmas Market
Wurzburg Castle Hike
Meander through Wertheim’s half-timbered old town before learning the craft of pretzel-making at a local bakery. Enjoy browsing the Christmas Markets or choose an active outing by hiking to the hilltop castle or biking through the scenic Main River Valley.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Walking tour and Christmas Market
Castle Hill hike
Bike Tour
Soar above the vineyards of Rüdesheim via gondola, sip regional wines, or explore the whimsical Mechanical Instrument Museum. Later, relax as you pass through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, famed for its dramatic cliffs and storybook castles, before an evening stroll through charming Koblenz.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Gondola Ride and Wine Tasting
Sigfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
Vineyards Hike
Bike Tour of the Rheingau
Scenic Cruising
Evening Walk
Join a guided tour of Mainz’s Old Town and visit the renowned Gutenberg Museum to see original 15th-century Bibles. Choose a historical walking tour, a scenic bike ride, or simply enjoy the city’s blend of Roman roots and festive winter atmosphere.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Walking tour and Christmas Market
Wiesbaden City Tour and Christmas Market
Bike Tour
Explore Frankfurt on a guided city tour highlighting its mix of skyscrapers, historic squares, and cultural landmarks before wandering its lively Christmas Market. Food lovers can choose a Hessian tasting tour, while active guests may bike along the Main River’s scenic paths.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
City Tour and Christmas Market
Kleinmarkthalle Visit and Tastings
Main River Bike Tour
Disembarkation
Begin your journey in Germany’s vibrant capital
Arrive in Berlin and settle into your hotel, the starting point for your enchanting land and river journey. Enjoy the evening at leisure as the city’s twinkling lights, festive décor, and rich history set the tone for the magical days ahead.
Hotel check-in
Discover Berlin’s legendary landmarks
Experience Berlin’s dynamic blend of heritage and modern sophistication on a guided walking tour featuring the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and other cultural treasures. Afterward, immerse yourself in the city’s spirited Christmas Markets, where artisanal crafts, traditional treats, and glowing lights transform Berlin into a winter wonderland.
Walking tour & Christmas Markets
Explore cultural grandeur and storied squares
Depart Berlin and journey toward Dresden, pausing in Leipzig for a guided tour of its storied squares, musical heritage, and elegant architecture. Continue to Dresden and check into your hotel, arriving in time to soak in the city’s graceful Baroque atmosphere and festive seasonal spirit.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Transfer to Dresden
Leipzig tour
Hotel check-in
Known as the Baroque jewel of Saxony, Dresden enchants with its masterfully restored landmarks–from the elegant Zwinger Palace to the soaring Frauenkirche–set gracefully along the Elbe River. Today’s guided walking tour reveals the city’s royal heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and charming streets, before you’re swept up in the festive glow of Dresden’s famed Christmas Markets.
Walking tour & Christmas Markets
Welcome aboard your holiday journey
Depart Dresden this morning and travel into the heart of Bavaria, pausing in the storybook town of Meissen for a brief tour of its historic center and celebrated craftsmanship. Continue on to Nuremberg, where your river cruise begins and the city’s legendary Christmas spirit welcomes you aboard.
Transfer to Nuremberg
Meissen tour
Embarkation
Includes:
Seamless travel from ship to city with Cruise Manager support (handling transfers, luggage, and logistics)
Stay in centrally located luxury hotels near major landmarks
Expertly curated experiences
Daily breakfast at the hotel
Excludes:
Any experiences or services not specifically listed in the itinerary
Optional activities or upgrades beyond the included experiences
Glass elevator connecting decks
Main lounge with bar, piano, and dance floor
Additional lounge/social spaces
Fireside library (quiet reading area)
Gift shop
Multiple outdoor decks with panoramic views
Sun deck with lounge chairs and retractable roof
Heated swimming pool with swim-up bar
Whirlpool / hot tub
Sun deck relaxation areas
Fitness center (gym equipment)
Walking/jogging track on sun deck
Spa services (massage rooms)
Hair & beauty salon
Complimentary bicycles onboard
Wellness activities / fitness programs
Live entertainment (music, cultural performances)
Lounge-based social events and performances
24-hour coffee & tea station
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
235 sq. ft.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
210 sq. ft.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
170 sq. ft.
French Balcony
235 sq. ft.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
210 sq. ft.
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
160 sq. ft.
Fixed Windows
Hotel-style bed (queen or twin configuration)
Wardrobe/closet
In-room safe
Full-length mirror
Individual climate control (AC/heating)
Flat-screen TV with movies and music
Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower
Multi-jet shower system
Toilet and sink
Hair dryer
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, lotion)
Bathrobes
Slippers
Complimentary bottled water (replenished daily)
Glassware
Coffee/tea maker station
Spacious double occupancy can be in one or two beds
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner & 24h snacks
Wine and beer included with lunch and dinner. Sip&Sail Happy hour including 1 beer and spirits before dinner every night. Coffee & tea and soft drinks available 24/7.
ALL Shore excursions led by expert local guides
Services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout the journey.
50% of per person cost except Suites where the cost would be 100%
Final payment will be adjusted to include the price of travel insurance.
AmaWaterways will do its best to accommodate most dietary requests when notified in advance. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other preferences can typically be arranged; however, kosher meals cannot be provided due to onboard preparation limitations.
Yes. All meals on board are included, along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour before dinner on European cruises. Coffee, tea, and bottled water are available around the clock. Premium beverages and imported wines are available for purchase.
With over 20 years of river cruise experience, AmaWaterways closely monitors river conditions and has contingency plans in place should water levels affect navigation. Adjustments may include alternate docking locations, modified excursions, or ship swaps, ensuring your journey continues smoothly.
Yes. Every itinerary includes free time to explore at your own pace, whether that means visiting a local café, shopping in a market, or strolling through town. Your Cruise Manager and local guides are always happy to offer recommendations.
Dress aboard AmaWaterways ships is comfortable and casually elegant. On all ships, something a little dressier is recommended for the Welcome and Farewell dinners. Guests sailing in warmer destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, and Colombia should pack breathable fabrics, sun protection, and modest attire for temple visits.
In primarily Muslim countries like Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, guests should dress respectfully, with women covering shoulders and arms and men wearing collared shirts and lightweight pants.
Each itinerary features a variety of guided excursions designed to showcase local culture, history, and cuisine. Choose from gentle walking tours, active hikes or bike rides, and immersive experiences such as wine or beer tastings, cooking classes, and visits to local artisans.
Your AmaWaterways river cruise includes spacious accommodations, all meals on board, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, shore excursions led by expert local guides, Wi-Fi, and the services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your journey. On select sailings, some shore excursions are an additional cost.