Christmas in July Series: Amadeus Rhine Cruise with Amsterdam
- Kathleen McNamara
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Dreaming of Christmas in July? Or just looking for your next vacation? In this series we will be taking a look at some festive vacations with accompanying itineraries to give you some Christmas vacation inspo! Below is a sample itinerary where we pair a Christmas Amadeus River Cruise on the Amadeus Cara with pre-cruise time in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is famous for their beautiful light displays during the holiday season, providing a brightness to the winter season.
Amsterdam is beautiful in the wintertime.
Start your travels in beautiful Amsterdam where you can take in the annual Light Festival. Consider flying out on December 18 or 19 so you can spend two nights or so in Amsterdam, enjoying the festivities there. Amsterdam does not have Christmas Markets, but they have festive lights everywhere which make the city sparkle.
For a hotel in Amsterdam, I like the Kimpton DeWitt. This stylish hotel has a moderate price point and a handy location close to sites. Or, consider a boutique hotel like the Estherea. Fill your days with art museums, like the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum. You could also buy tickets to Anne Frank House. Make sure to try a fresh stroopwaffel!
Then, on December 21 take the train to Cologne. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs about $100 per person. You would have time at the Christmas Markets there either on December 21 afternoon / evening or just on December 22. I recommend the 21st so you have extra time there. The market near the Cathedral is large and iconic but there are several in the city.
Here are two options:
Itinerary A:
December 19: Depart from Airport
December 20: Arrive in Amsterdam
Check into your hotel. Visit a museum and have a nice dinner. See the holiday lights.
December 21: Visit sites like the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or take a Cheese tour
December 22: Take the train to Cologne.
Arrive Cologne: Take a taxi or I can book a transfer from the train station to your ship. Board the ship and enjoy the festive atmosphere and welcome cocktail hour in the lounge that evening.
Itinerary B: (includes more time in Cologne markets!)
December 18: Depart from Airport
December 19: Arrive in Amsterdam
Check into your hotel. Visit a museum and have a nice dinner. See the holiday lights.
December 20: Visit sites like the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or take a Cheese tour
December 21: Take the train to Cologne.
Arrive in Cologne: Take a taxi or book a transfer from the train station to a Cologne hotel. Explore the Christmas markets there.
December 22: Visit more markets in the morning. You can either leave your bags with the hotel and go explore and shop OR drop them at the ship and head back out to explore. In the afternoon, Board the ship and enjoy the festive atmosphere and welcome cocktail hour in the lounge that evening.
The Christmas Markets in Cologne
According to the official schedule these markets will be open through December 23. Cologne is spectacular! For even more Christmas magic, there are additional markets: Heinzels Winter Fairytale and Market of Angels.
After exploring the Christmas markets in Cologne, board the Amadeus Cara for your Christmas on the Rhine river cruise with Amadeus.
Once boarding, enjoy a relaxing night as you explore the elegant ship then delight in a welcome cocktail and dinner onboard.
Here is an overview from Amadeus:
Celebrate Christmas in a new way – on board our festively decorated AMADEUS cruise ship. Experience a special Christmas atmosphere — be enchanted by the local Christmas markets with their smells of gingerbread and Gluhwein, where traditional handicrafts meet sweet memories of childhood.
On Christmas day, the restaurant will prepare a special gourmet dinner, after which you will have the option of attending a traditional midnight mass.
Koblenz, Speyer, and Strasbourg
The next day, travel to the gorgeous town, Koblenz. Enjoy a scenic walking tour of this stunning town which is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sights.
On day three the ship will arrive in charming Speyer, a former imperial town. In Speyer, visit a cozy, traditional christmas market. Back onboard the ship, you will have an opportunity to decorate the ship’s Christmas tree.
On day four the ship will arrive in Strasbourg (see my personal photos above), take an extended tour of the city or just enjoy looking at the picturesque houses and scenery.
Mainz
The next day, you will arrive in Mainz, home to breathtaking monuments and the Gutenberg museum, dedicated to the history of printing and writing. Take a sightseeing tour of the city then, back onboard the ship, enjoy a festive gala dinner. Finally you will travel back to Cologne. Visit the Cologne Cathedral and the Roman Dionysus mosaic.
If you’re looking for a festive winter-time vacation, the Amadeus Christmas Cruise on the Rhine is a great choice. Visit impressive monuments, charming Christmas markets, and enjoy beautiful landscapes.
More info:
A video of the city: https://youtu.be/UHc21cGpY4k?si=DoY5Gk61nDXudEoD
More market info: https://www.cologne-tourism.com/experiences-lifestyle/christmas
Official cruise itinerary: https://www.amadeus-rivercruises.com/river-cruises/detail/2026/christmas-cruise-on-the-rhine-7-days.html
Kathleen McNamara is an avid traveler and a guest writer / marketing intern for Trips by Mary.
Her trip to Italy remains her favorite to date though she is looking forward to Greece in 2026 after her graduation from UNC Charlotte.
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