European Christmas Markets
Enjoy this magical time of year as Europe’s countries hold steadfastly to Old World holiday tradition and transform into fairy-tale Christmas settings. The sights and sensations of the holiday season are everywhere: locals and guests savor the tastes of chocolate covered Lebkuchen (gingerbread), sizzling grilled sausages, and spiced hot “Gluehwein” (mulled wine).  Delight in the festively decorated markets and shopping for ornaments, crafts, candles, nutcrackers, winter hats, roasted nuts, and other traditional items.

To Zurich
Home Pick-up and overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.

To Lucerne
Arrive in Zurich, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to Lucerne for your overnight stay. Enjoy Lucerne’s colorful Christmas Market and wonderful Old Town.

Lucerne / Strasbourg
On your Lucerne Walking Tour, see the city’s medieval cobblestone streets, monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges, colorful frescoed buildings, and the iconic 14th c. Chapel Bridge.Transfer to Strasbourg, France via motorcoach and your ship, the elegant Amadeus Aurea. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight onboard.

Strasbourg
Your morning is at leisure or join the Alsace optional to visit fairy-tale Obernai & its quaint Christmas Market.This afternoon on your Strasbourg City Tour, see Orangerie, the town’s oldest park, European Parliament, and Place de la Republique. Take a walking tour of the lovely “La Petite France” neighborhood and see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Then stroll Strasbourg’s Christmas Market, one of Europe’s oldest.

Speyer / Mannheim
Arrive in one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for its cathedral, numerous churches, and the 13th c. Altpörtel (“Old Gate”). Explore the city on your Speyer Walking Tour. Later cruise to Mannheim where a comfortable coach will take you to Heidelberg to enjoy a Heidelberg Castle & Walking Tour plus the Christmas Market in Old Town. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town.  From the red sandstone castle enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a walk through the enchanting old town to the Karl-Theodor Bridge and the town hall.

Mainz / Rüdesheim
Enjoy a Mainz Walking Tour through the city to the cathedral and wonderful Christmas Market. Mainz is the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, a major hub for German wine (specifically Riesling) and features the historic 1,000-year-old Romanesque St. Martin’s Cathedral. Later arrive in Rüdesheim and explore on your own the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. You may join an optional Rüdesheim Tour via Tram Car including a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.

Rhine River Gorge / Koblenz
Cruise the Rhine River Gorge, a UNESCO Heritage Site and the most stunningly beautiful stretch of river with hillsides dotted with fairy-tale castles, historic towns, and vineyards. Later arrive in Germany’s oldest city, Koblenz, a charming town at the confluence of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a Koblenz Walking Tour and the Christmas Market. See the famous Advent Calendar at the baroque Town Hall. Enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner onboard this evening.

Cologne
Morning arrival in Cologne, Germany’s 4th largest city, located on both sides of the Rhine.  Enjoy a Cologne Walking Tour featuring the old part of the city and a visit to the fabled 13th c. Gothic cathedral. Explore dock side taverns, cafes, shops, and the famous Christmas Market in front of the cathedral. Your afternoon is at leisure in Cologne.

Return Home
Transfer to the Frankfurt Airport and fly home to the USA.

Note - Excursions require moderate walking with some stair climbing possible.    

The Ship - MS Amadeus Aurea
Step into the new era of river cruising on the custom designed 158 passenger Amadeus Aurea, launched in 2026.  The ship offers all the amenities of a floating 5-star hotel and features the most modern furnishings that blend masterfully with the architecture of the ship and a luxurious design that is the hallmark of the Amadeus fleet. The extensive Restaurant and the Panorama Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes, and the glass-shielded River Terrace & the Sun Deck allow you to enjoy the open air. The attentive English-speaking onboard service staff will see to your comfort with typical European hospitality.  The cabin design plans are forward-thinking, bright & modern, all part of a premium focus with 67 large Staterooms & 12 Suites.  The ship features an indoor pool, fitness center, massage spa and shop.  The beauty of river cruising is that the most interesting destinations come to you.  This  charter features English-only onboard commentary with inclusive shore excursions balanced with choice to simply relax onboard, get a spa treatment or add sightseeing with optional excursions.

All Meals Included Onboard
Three meals daily are served graciously in the exquisite restaurant and feature local & international specialties. All dinners are four courses. Lunch and Dinner are served with included Hand Selected Wines, Beer, & soft drinks. While dining, youhave splendid views of the passing scenic landscapes through the large picture windows. Enjoy afternoon and/or late evening snacks in the lounge based on the daily schedule.

Comfortable & Modern Staterooms
After boarding, unpack once. All staterooms are large and offer excellent river views.  The Mozart Deck features 12 Suites with Walk Out Balconies.  The other 16 Staterooms on the Mozart Deck & 35 Staterooms on the Strauss Deck feature a floor-to-ceiling window.  The 16 Staterooms on the Haydn Deck have a fixed window.  All staterooms are fully equipped with comfortable & modern furnishings including flat screen TV & large private bathrooms with shower.

Click here for a deck plan