2026 AMA Christmas Markets on the Rhine River with Larry Gelwix – WAITLIST ONLY

8 Days

DEPARTS December 2-10, 2026 - Set sail on a Rhine River adventure that captures the enchantment of the holiday season. Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards, and charming cities decked out in festive splendor. Begin in Amsterdam, where the canal-laden streets and rich history shine in seasonal glory. Wander through the enchanting stalls of France’s oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg, and soak in the holiday charm of Rüdesheim's Drosselgasse, a cultural treasure filled with restaurants, open-air wine gardens, and a magical Christmas Market. Aboard an elegantly decorated ship, cruise through towns adorned with glittering lights, festive decor, and the warmth of holiday spirit. Celebrate onboard with cherished traditions and a gourmet holiday feast on every Christmas Markets departure. Spanning the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, this journey offers breathtaking landmarks, majestic mountain vistas, and an unforgettable dose of Christmas wonder.

Set Sail to Paradise!

Experience the Magic of Christmas on a Rhine River Cruise in 2026.  I invite you to join me and wife, Cathy as your personal hosts as we cruise with AMA River Cruise

Set sail on a Rhine River adventure that captures the enchantment of the holiday season. Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards, and charming cities decked out in festive splendor. Begin in Amsterdam, where the canal-laden streets and rich history shine in seasonal glory. Wander through the enchanting stalls of France’s oldest Christmas Market in Strasbourg, and soak in the holiday charm of Rüdesheim's Drosselgasse, a cultural treasure filled with restaurants, open-air wine gardens, and a magical Christmas Market. Aboard an elegantly decorated ship, cruise through towns adorned with glittering lights, festive decor, and the warmth of holiday spirit. Celebrate onboard with cherished traditions and a gourmet holiday feast on every Christmas Markets departure. Spanning the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, this journey offers breathtaking landmarks, majestic mountain vistas, and an unforgettable dose of Christmas wonder.

Why Group Cruising Makes the Holidays Brighter - Group cruising is the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season without the stress of planning. From the moment you step aboard, everything is thoughtfully arranged—accommodations, meals, excursions, and festive activities—so you can focus on soaking in the magic. Traveling with a group adds a sense of camaraderie as you share heartwarming experiences with fellow travelers. Together, you’ll explore holiday markets, toast to new friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime. With expert guides and exclusive access to some of the region’s most beloved Christmas traditions, group cruising makes the Rhine River holiday fantasy even more extraordinary.

*Please note that while the physical activity on this tour (walking distances) is not significant, your days will be full touring walking 2-4 miles a day usually. Please be sure you notify us of any physical limitations you might have at booking.

To book this cruise contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:

Sarah WangsgardTour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6473

Highlights

  • Hosted by the Getaway Guru® Larry Gelwix for the whole cruise
  • All meals onboard the cruise
  • Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 65 years of experience!! It matters who you travel with!
  • Cruise on the beautiful AMA Lucia River Ship

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Wednesday, December 2, 2026 - INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS - BASEL, SWITZERLAND

    Overnight flights from home cities to Basel. 

    Meals : In-flight

  • Day
    2

    Thursday, December 3, 2026 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND – EMBARKATION

    Board the ship in Basel for your Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise.

  • Day
    3

    Friday, December 4, 2026 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND

    Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, you may opt to visit Lucerne with a full-day excursion. In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of Swiss wines or venture to the powerful Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall.

  • Day
    4

    Saturday, December 5, 2026 - STRASBOURG, FRANCE

    Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour you will receive free time to visit the Christmas Markets. In the afternoon, venture to alluring Baden-Baden, located at the border of Germany’s Black Forest. Learn about the area’s natural hot springs and Germany’s oldest casino, which some argue is the most beautiful casino in the world. Following your walking tour, indulge your holiday wanderlust with a stroll through Baden-Baden’s romantic Christmas Market.

  • Day
    5

    Sunday, December 6, 2026 - LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM

    Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas Markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft and even a submarine! Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.

  • Day
    6

    Monday, December 7, 2026 - RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE

    Let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle.

  • Day
    7

    Tuesday, December 8, 2026 - COLOGNE, GERMANY

    Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.

  • Day
    8

    Wednesday, December 9, 2026 - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

    There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. Please note: tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour.

  • Day
    9

    Thursday, December 10, 2026 - AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – DISEMBARKATION

    Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.

Cost Includes

  • 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom on the AMA Lucia
  • All meals on board and complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Deluxe/Air-Conditioned motor coach transportation for included tours
  • Licensed Local guides at each port
  • Experienced Tour host, Larry Gelwix
  • Room steward & twice-daily housekeeping service
  • Hotel-style bed with the optional twin-bed configuration; luxury linens & pillows
  • 40" flat-screen LCD TV & complimentary movies on Demand
  • Refrigerator, security safe, hair dryer
  • 110/220-volt outlets & USB port
  • Heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirrors
  • Glass-enclosed shower
  • Premium Freyja® toiletries, bathrobe & slippers (upon request)

Cost Excludes

  • Government taxes and fees $250.00 per person
  • Airfare from your home city
  • Any private sightseeing not included on the itinerary
  • Cruise gratuities $157.00 per person
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. phone calls, room service, internet, etc.)
  • Travel insurance

About Larry Gelwix

I am probably best known as the “Getaway Guru®” and host of the “Travel Show” radio broadcast on several radio stations. The weekly two-hour radio show highlights the best travel deals, lowest airline and cruise fares, and takes call-in questions from listeners. I also provide a travel segment that is broadcast on several TV stations. All across the country and overseas, I address groups on the dynamics of the travel industry as a motivational speaker.

My professional travel career includes CEO of an airline, member of car rental, airline, and cruise line national advisory boards, co-owner and Executive Vice President of Morris Travel, and published travel writer of books and travel-related articles.

I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Masters Degree in Organizational Communications. My wife Cathy and I have five children and reside in Salt Lake City.

Pricing Information

Optional Pricing:

  • Standard Cat E Fixed Window - $3299.00 per person based on a double cabin - SOLD OUT 
  • Standard Cat D Fixed Window  $3499.00 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Standard Cat C French Balcony $4259.00 per person based on a double cabin  
  • Standard Cat BB French & Outside Balcony $4729.00 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Standard Cat BA French & Outside Balcony  $4899.00 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Standard Cat AB  French & Outside Balcony $5029.00 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Suite Cabin $6395.00 per person based on a double cabin 

Payment Terms:

  • $750 per person deposit at the time of booking, Non Refundable
  • Final Payment due on Aug 25, 2026
  • Read our Terms & Conditions

Charter Cancellation Policy:

  • All payments are non-refundable!!
  • If the cancellation comes prior to final payment, if you resell your cabin to a friend and a name change is allowed, we will refund the deposit amount once paid in full
  • Or, once the charter is fully booked, if we can resell your cabin for you a refund will be allowed of your deposit

FAQs

Q. Are Flights Included in the Price?

Most tour and cruise packages are sold as “Land Only”. This allows you the freedom to purchase tickets on your preferred airline and from your home city. We may offer group flights depending on the tour.

Q. Can Frequent Flyer Miles be Used to Join a Tour?

Yes! Once the frequent flyer reservations have been confirmed and ticketed by the airline, please provide a copy of the itinerary to us to ensure that proper transfer arrangements are made. We regret that we cannot assist with making frequent flyer reservations.

Q. Is a Cash Discount Available?

Yes! If you want to save some money, this is the ideal option. All reservations paid for by check or cash will receive a discount. The amount varies by tour and will be listed on the web-site.

Q. Are Other Discounts Available?

Yes! If you are a Deseret Book Platinum Club member an additional discount may be available. There may be Expo discounts or other promotional discounts offered from time to time. However, only one discount per person will apply with the exception of the cash discount. Please call for details.

Q. Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made. Certain restrictions apply.

Q. Is Tipping Included in the Price?

Some tours do include gratuities for the local guides and bus drivers and others do not. Please refer to the “What is Included” section for your specific trip to find out.

Q. What if I Have a Medical Condition or Physical Disability?

Please note that many of these tours require that participants be in good physical and mental health. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. Anyone with disabilities should have a travel companion who is willing and capable of assisting. Please let us know if you fall into this category.

Please view our full Mobility Policy here.

Q. Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?

In order for the enjoyment of all tour participants, we generally request that children be a minimum of 8 years old to participate on the tour. Parents should be advised that they may be the only youth on the tour. Some tours may be designed with family travel in mind and will be advertised as such. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Q. What Documentation Will be Needed?

All U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months beyond the return date if the trip is international. In some cases a visa may also be required. For tours wholly within the United States a valid Drivers License is acceptable documentation.

Please remember that your first and last name on your ticket must match your passport or drivers license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call our office for assistance.

Q. When is Final Payment Due?

The final payment for an international tour is due 90 days prior to departure and for domestic tours it is due 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is required for new reservations received within the final payment period.

Q. What Happens if I Need to Cancel My Tour?

Per person cancellation fees are based on the date we receive notice from you.

For tours in the United States:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $125 will be refunded (50% of tour deposit)
  • Cancellations from 90 to 61 days prior to departure: no refund of deposit
  • Full payment due: 60 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to departure: no refund.
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

For all other tours including international tours and cruises:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $250 refund (50% of tour deposit)
  • Full payment due: 90 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure: no refund
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

Will I receive a refund?

The refund amount, if any, will be paid according to the cancellation schedule listed above. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Q. What Should I Pack?

Since each tour is different, please refer to the individual tour recommendations on the web-site. Generally speaking, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes, slacks and shirts that can be easily layered should there be a change in temperature. Be sure pack an extra change of clothing, camera and prescription medicines in your carry on bag.

Q. How Much Luggage Can I Take?

Carry-on: Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag, total dimensions (22"+ 14"+ 9") of which must not exceed 45 inches and which cannot weigh more than 22 lbs., and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case; all carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Checked: Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees. Most carriers charge a fee for any checked bags, with a discount if this is done ahead of time online.

Overweight: Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

Q. What Items Can I Carry-On?

Due to recent security issues on flights coming into the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can carry on, please visit: www.tsa.gov.

**Please see our complete Terms and Conditions for more information