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2027 AMA Christmas Markets on the Rhine River with Larry Gelwix

8 Days 7 Nights

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 a Christmas Wonderland on the Rhine!

Experience the Magic of Christmas on a Rhine River Cruise in 2027.  I'm Larry Gelwix, and I invite you to join me and wife, Cathy as your personal hosts as we cruise with AMA River Cruise

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.

Tour ID# 9227L11

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

Sarah Wangsgard, Tour 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 Fiora River Ship
  • Visit the BEST Christmas markets in Europe
  • 600-year tradition in Europe’s Castle Country
  • Free wi-fi & Free shore excursions

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Saturday, December 11, 2027 - INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS - BASEL, SWITZERLAND

    Overnight flights from home cities to Basel. 

    Meals : In-flight

  • Day
    2

    Sunday, December 12, 2027 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND – EMBARKATION

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

  • Day
    3

    Monday, December 13, 2027 - BREISACH, GERMANY

    Step into the magic of Alsace as you wander through Colmar’s half-timbered houses and snow-dusted squares, where French charm meets German tradition. Or explore the medieval town of Freiburg, alive with the scent of mulled wine and the sparkle of its Christmas Market.

    Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your visit to Breisach:

    • Breisach Bike Tour
    • Colmar Excursion and Christmas Markets

  • Day
    4

    Tuesday, December 14, 2027 - 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.

    Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your visit to Strasbourg:

    • Strasbourg City Tour and Christmas Markets
    • Guided Bike Tour
    • Baden Baden Walking Tour and Christmas Markets

  • Day
    5

    Wednesday, December 15, 2027 - 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.

    Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your visit to Ludwigshafen:

    • Heidelberg Tour and Christmas Markets
    • Medieval Speyer and Christmas Markets
    • Philosopher's Path Hike
    • Ladenburg Bike Tour
    • Rudesheimer Wine Tasting
    • Rudesheimer Coffee

  • Day
    6

    Thursday, December 16, 2027 - 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.

    Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your visit to Rudesheim:

    • Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Christmas Markets
    • Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet and Gondola Ride
    • Rudesheim Vineyards Hike
    • Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau
    • Castles Along the Rhine Scenic Cruising
    • Exclusive Burg Lahneck Tour

  • Day
    7

    Friday, December 17, 2027 - COLOGNE & DUSSELDORF, 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.

    And don't forget to discover Düsseldorf’s lively winter streets!.

    Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your day today:

    • Cologne Walking Tour and Christmas Market
    • Dusseldorf Walking Tour and Christmas Markets
    • Guided Bike Tour

  • Day
    8

    Saturday, December 18, 2027 - 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.

    Experience the festive heart of the Netherlands, from Amsterdam’s storybook canals to Utrecht’s cozy market squares filled with carols, cocoa, and classic holiday treats.

    Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy during our stop today:

    • Walking Tour
    • Beer Tasting
    • Scenic Cruising Into Amsterdam
    • Amsterdam Canal Cruise
    • A Taste of Amsterdam

  • Day
    9

    Sunday, December 19, 2027 - 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 - $3549.00 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Standard Cat D Fixed Window  $3629.00 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Standard Cat CA French Balcony $4559.00 per person based on a double cabin  
  • Standard Cat BB French & Outside Balcony $4989.00 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Standard Cat AB French & Outside Balcony  $5259.00 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Standard Cat AA  French & Outside Balcony $5399.00 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Suite Cabin $6569.00 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 13, 2027
  • 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

Morris Murdock Escorted Tours has been fulfilling travel dreams for our clients for over 65 years. Morris Murdock Escorted Tours, was the first tour operator to offer LDS faith-based and Church History escorted tours. Since then, we have expanded our offerings to include cruises, humanitarian, shopping and other types of tours with hand-picked tour guides and tour directors that are experts in their field or celebrities with an attachment to the destination or tour's theme.

(800) 809-9910
563 W 500 S, Suite #180, Bountiful, UT 84010

groups@morrismurdock.com

See it online https://mmetours.com/trip/2027-ama-christmas-markets-on-the-rhine-river-with-larry-gelwix/