It may only be September, but travelers can already get into the holiday spirit with the Taste of Christmas river cruises in Europe. Meanwhile, AmaWaterways is offering early-season Christmas market sailings on the Rhine and Danube rivers in 2024 and 2025. Guests can keep ahead of their holiday shopping while enjoying beautifully scenic river cruises in Europe.

Book a Taste of Christmas river cruise with AmaWaterways

The cities of Europe offer exciting shopping during an early season Christmas market on the Rhine and Danube Rivers in 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, the river cruises are beautifully scenic as they head through some of the most iconic European cities, making it a win-win situation all around. Any traveler who wants to get into the holiday spirit early will love the Taste of Christmas river cruises while getting the holiday shopping done early.

The 2024 Taste of Christmas departures start in mid-November at a time when Europe’s iconic holiday markets start to open. While on the river cruise, travelers can shop for beautiful handcrafted toys and other gifts unique to each European country.

Moreover, passengers on the cruise can enjoy some mulled wine while strolling the relatively quiet market. Guests can beat the crowds while not only purchasing holiday gifts for family and friends but also treating themselves to a beautiful souvenir to take home.

Admittedly, some of the smaller Christmas markets may not yet be open, but those in larger cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Vienna start opening in mid-November.

‘Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Europe’s Christmas markets’

Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president at AmaWaterways said in a statement:

We are excited to invite our guests to experience the enchanting atmosphere of Europe’s Christmas markets in the most intimate way. From the twinkling lights of Vienna to the charming stalls of Nuremberg, we aim to create unforgettable memories that celebrate the joy of the holiday season.

For those wishing to plan their river cruise for the upcoming holidays, AmaWaterways offers a seven-night “Blue Danube Discovery Taste of Christmas” river cruise, departing from Budapest on November 16.

Meanwhile, “Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps Taste of Christmas” has staterooms available on three departures. Two will sail from Amsterdam and Basel on November 18, while a wine-centric cruise sails out of Amsterdam on November 25. Moreover, AmaWaterways is also launching Taste of Christmas cruises on the lower Danube and the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

Included below is an example of an itinerary of a river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, including the tours to choose from.

Day 1: Amsterdam

Day 2: Amsterdam embarkation

Amsterdam Canal Cruise tour and scenic cruising out of Amsterdam

Day 3: Düsseldorf

Enjoy a Cologne walking tour, a Düsseldorf walking tour with Altbier tasting or a Düsseldorf bike tour

Day 4: Rhine Gorge

View castles along the Rhine. Rüdesheim wine tasting, a Gondola ride, a Vineyards hike, a guided bike tour of the Rheingau, Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or Rüdesheimer Coffee

Day 5: Ludwigshafen

“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion, “Secrets of Speyer” tour, Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike or a Ladenburg bike tour

Day 6: Strasbourg

“The Gem of Alsace” tour or Strasbourg bike tour

Day 7: Breisach

Riquewihr walking tour, Freiburg excursion, Black Forest hike or Breisach wine country bike tour

Day 8: Basel – disembarkation.

Anyone keen on booking a Taste of Christmas River Cruise during peak season should start planning ahead for 2025, because departures do book quickly.

Read more about the AmaWaterways river cruises on their official website.