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8 Day Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel 2026
Christmas on the Rhine
Starting from $2,799River Cruise Description
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages. Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This 8-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try AgainDeparture Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
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Nov 24, 2026 | Viking Rolf | $2,999 | Call Us! |
Nov 25, 2026 | Viking Sigrun | $3,599 | Call Us! |
Nov 26, 2026 | Viking Gersemi | $3,499 | Call Us! |
Nov 29, 2026 | Viking Baldur | $3,599 | Call Us! |
Dec 1, 2026 | Viking Sigyn | $3,599 | Call Us! |
Dec 2, 2026 | Viking Einar | $3,599 | Call Us! |
Dec 3, 2026 | Viking Hervor | $3,599 | Call Us! |
Dec 8, 2026 | Viking Rolf | $3,599 | Call Us! |
Dec 9, 2026 | Viking Sigrun | $3,599 | Call Us! |
Dec 10, 2026 | Viking Gersemi | $3,499 | Call Us! |
Dec 13, 2026 | Viking Baldur | $3,599 | Call Us! |
Dec 15, 2026 | Viking Sigyn | $2,999 | Call Us! |
Dec 16, 2026 | Viking Einar | $3,599 | Call Us! |
Dec 17, 2026 | Viking Hervor | $2,799 | Call Us! |
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. A city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums and abundant bicycles, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. The legacy of the Dutch Golden Age lives on in gilded manses and in the lush paintings of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters that adorn the Rijksmuseum, The Netherlands’ grand repository of art and cultural history. Discovering Amsterdam is a pleasure best pursued on foot; visitors line the tranquil canals and linger over Dutch pancakes, or take a stroopwafel to go.;Day 2 Scenic Sailing: Waal & Merwede
Sail the bucolic waters of the Rhine, deep into the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt Delta, as classic Dutch landscapes unfurl all around. Flat farmland, charming windmills and svelte poplar trees line the shores, and vast tracts of land stretch in all directions, growing all manner of bounty, from tomatoes to tulips. Gaze upon Friesian cows and tidy villages with their neatly laid farmhouses and marvel at how much of this land was reclaimed from the sea, with the aid of traditional windmills and the construction of dikes.;Day 3 Cologne, Germany
Themed winter markets feature across Cologne during the holiday season, inviting visitors to browse colorful market stalls for handmade gifts, beautiful artwork and colorful crafts. The towering Gothic Cologne Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop to the city’s festivities and array of offerings from its red wooden stalls. Beneath the pointed roofs of Cologne harbor’s tented market, unique crafted goods are displayed amid the twinkling lights of boats bobbing in the marina.;Day 4 Koblenz, Germany
Koblenz is a traditional German country town with a wine heritage that spans centuries; a key ingredient for the warming glühwein that is served from taverns and market stalls during the holiday season. The scent of cinnamon, cloves and spices waft from steaming mugs as the sounds of festivities fill the air from one of the many musical performances, creating a toe-tapping atmosphere. Centered around the Schängel fountain, the Koblenz Christmas market offers all the flavors of the yuletide season from its famous Christmas bakery.;Day 5 Mannheim, Germany
Mannheim’s Christmas market is a holiday season shopping extravaganza, centered around the city’s iconic water tower. One of Germany’s oldest and largest markets, more than 160 booths host vendors from around the world, offering handicrafts and handmade items. Beautiful glassware, and carved wooden toys and games, sit alongside Christmas lanterns, colorful baubles and ornaments, all of which are presented in quaint wooden houses. Luxurious cashmere scarves, sheepskin mittens and felt hats are the ideal purchase to take home as gifts for friends and family.;Day 6 Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city’s cathedral square taking center stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colorful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d’epices (gingerbread).;Day 8 Basel, Switzerland
A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland’s best-kept secret. During the holiday season, the medieval Old Town is transformed into a magical yuletide affair. Cobblestone streets are lined with wooden chalet-style huts selling all manner of festive treats and gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a warming cup of aromatic glühwein in a decorated boot-shaped mug. Hand-carved tree decorations, cheerfully painted ceramics and delicious food are sold from stalls throughout the city. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.;Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you?