Our Journeys
12 Days of Christmas Markets on The Rhine
November 24 to December 5, 2025
Journey Highlights
Embark on an enchanting holiday adventure that weaves through some of Europe’s most festive and picturesque locales. From exploring Amsterdam’s canals to the charm of Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, this journey promises a delightful blend of cultural exploration and yuletide cheer.
Our expert team at Journeys by Van Dyke has crafted a magical 12-day itinerary where you’ll explore eight enchanting Christmas markets and experience the season’s magic in some of the continent’s most captivating cities
Browse the highlights on the cards below by swiping or pressing the arrows.
German Yultide Magic
German Yultide Magic
Wander through Heidelberg’s enchanting old town, marvel at its grand castle, and experience the warmth of the Christmas Market in this historic university city. Delight in Düsseldorf and Cologne’s historic architecture and vibrant Christmas markets. Explore Cologne’s Old Town and the Great St. Martin Church, and soak up the festive spirit at one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets.
Strasbourg’s Holiday Market
Strasbourg’s Holiday Market
Explore the oldest Christmas market in France, where the air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread. Wander through charming wooden stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, and experience the magic of Strasbourg’s historic districts, all while admiring the stunning Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame amidst a truly enchanting festive atmosphere.
Colmar’s Festive Charm
Colmar’s Festive Charm
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Colmar, where twinkling lights and festive decorations bring the town’s half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets to life. Explore the Christmas Market, nestled in the heart of this picturesque medieval town, and uncover unique treasures in a truly storybook setting.
Sweets of Switzerland
Sweets of Switzerland
Experience Lucerne, with its scenic lake, stunning mountain views, and charming Christmas Market. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s historic landmarks, including the iconic Chapel Bridge. Explore Basel’s festive spirit, where the Rhine River glows with holiday lights, and the city’s historic charm comes alive during the season.
Journey Itinerary
Detailed ItineraryDEPART FOR AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Start your Journey with us by enjoying a private car pick up service from your home. Upon arrival at the airport, guests departing from the Toronto airport will be assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flight to Amsterdam. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details, allowing you to relax and embrace your Journey.
| Overnight: | Flight |
| Meals: | — |
WELCOME TO AMSTERDAM!
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and settle in. Get to know the other travelers on this trip over lunch before heading out on an afternoon walking tour of this charming city. Return to the hotel for dinner all together before tucking in for an exciting day tomorrow.
| Overnight: | Hotel Movenpick, Amsterdamn (or similar) |
| Meals: | Dinner |
EXPLORING AMSTERDAM
Start your day with a visit to Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and artisanal crafts. After lunch, you will board the AmaPrima, your floating home for the next leg of your journey. Enjoy dinner onboard, and take advantage of all the ship has to offer; free flowing local red and white wine and beer with dinner, the nightly piano music, complimentary in-cabin movies and more.
| Overnight: | MS AmaPrima |
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
AMSTERDAM CANAL & RHINE RIVER CRUISE
Experience the magic of Amsterdam from the water with a scenic canal cruise, gliding past intricate bridges and historic buildings. With 165 canals to explore, this is a perfect way to experience Amsterdam’s heart and soul. Later in the day, the AmaPrima will set sail, beginning your voyage through Europe’s scenic waterways.
| Overnight: | MS AmaPrima |
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
DÜSSELDORF & COLOGNE, GERMANY
Arriving in Düsseldorf, prepare for an afternoon excursion to the dreamy city of Cologne. On a guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town, marvel at the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, and the historic Fischmarkt, dating back to the 12th century. See the Great St. Martin Church, known for its distinctive Gothic architecture. Afterwards, head over to one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets, where you can enjoy seasonal treats, unique crafts, and experience the vibrant holiday spirit.
| Overnight: | MS AmaPrima |
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
RHINE RIVER GORGE & RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY
Cruise through the enchanting Rhine River Gorge, where castle turrets and scenic vineyards adorn the landscape. Arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where wine connoisseurs will delight in a tasting at a local cellar.
Visit the Christmas Market and enjoy holiday traditions from around the world. Finishing the tour by exploring Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, where whimsical musical automata bring holiday magic to life.
| Overnight: | MS AmaPrima |
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Signature Inclusions on This Journey
THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCEIn addition to our essentials, your Journey includes our following Signature Inclusions:
24/7 Professional Journey Manager
- Will travel with you from Canada and handle every detail
In addition to knowledgeable local guides
Memorable Private Excursions
- Private excursions crafted by our team
- All sightseeing & entrance fees included
Private Car Pick-up Service
- Within a 200-kilometre radius, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort with a private chauffeured car to the airport
Generous Tips & Gratuities
- For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf
Our essentials included with your Journey:
- 7 nights on the MS Amadeus Riva II
- 3 nights in outstanding hotels
- All meals included (10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners)
- Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner on board
- Coffee, tea, ice-water, and iced-tea are included all day on board.
- Round-trip airfare from Toronto with Air Canada & Lufthansa
- All taxes as well as port & service charges
- “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
- Other gateways & travel classes available
- Complimentary in-cabin movies
Unlimited Internet onboard – strictly subject to availability - Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
- Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
- Branded overnight carry-on or backpack
Discover the MS AmaPrima
Fares & Staterooms
AmaPrima Deck Plan
Category E – Piano Deck
Fixed Windows, 160 sqft
- In-room temperature control
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV
- Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
- Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- Desk and chair
Category D – Piano Deck
Fixed Windows, 160 sqft
- In-room temperature control
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV
- Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
- Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- Desk and chair
Category C – Violin & Cello Deck
French Balcony, 170 sqft
- In-room temperature control
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV
- Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
- Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- Desk and chair
Category BB – Cello Deck
French & Outside Balcony, 210 sqft
- In-room temperature control
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV
- Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
- Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- Desk and chair
Category AB – Cello Deck
French & Outside Balcony, 235 sqft
- In-room temperature control
- Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
- Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
- Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
- Flat-screen TV
- Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
- Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
- Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
- Desk and chair
Prices are per guest in CAD, all taxes included.
