Join us for a festive winter escape through Germany’s most magical Christmas markets. Journey through the heart of Germany on a festive river cruise that blends Old World charm, UNESCO treasures, and the magic of Europe’s most beloved Christmas Markets. From the medieval beauty of Bamberg and Würzburg to the storybook vineyards of Rüdesheim, each day offers a new window into the region’s rich culture, architecture, and seasonal traditions. With options for culinary tastings and immersive historical tours, this enchanting holiday itinerary delivers the perfect mix of wonder, warmth, and wintertime joy.
Aboard the elegant AmaCerto with AmaWaterways, this curated winter journey unfolds through glowing riverside towns, timeless holiday traditions, and cozy seasonal flavors. Germany is renowned for its Christmas Markets and you can visit some of the country’s best on this bears & gay river cruise aboard AmaCerto. Celebrate Christmas in unforgettable style with one of our most popular AmaWaterways festive river cruises.
Glide along Europe’s iconic waterways and immerse yourself in timeless Christmas traditions - from enchanting markets and twinkling historic squares to the irresistible scents of gingerbread and mulled wine. Sip, stroll and sing along to carols beneath glowing lights as you discover how the Germans celebrate Yuletide on a truly magical Christmas markets cruise.
AmaCerto is Pure Elegance
A standout feature of the AmaCerto is the grand glass elevator, serving as a stunning centerpiece that enhances the overall elegance of the vessel. With suites providing up to 300 square feet of privacy, you'll enjoy ample space to unwind.
When you're not exploring breathtaking destinations, AmaCerto serves as your floating resort. Relax in the heated pool, complete with a swim-up bar, or soak up the sun on the sun deck while enjoying a good book or stargazing under the night sky.
Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the exquisite dining experiences crafted by Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the oldest and largest food and wine society in the world. Stay active with a workout in the onboard fitness center or borrow a bicycle to explore the charming ports at your leisure.
AmaCerto blends a lively atmosphere with a sense of intimacy, carrying fewer guests so spaces always feel welcoming rather than crowded. Many staterooms feature the rare luxury of twin balconies, giving you fresh air and river views in two different ways. On the Sun Deck, a heated pool with a swim-up bar invites guests to linger, while a walking track offers space for a sunrise or sunset stroll. Inside, elegant lounges, a salon, and attentive service ensure every detail of your journey feels both personal and relaxed.
AmaCerto has two restaurants: the Main Restaurant for elegant dining and The Chef’s Table for a multi-course tasting experience with views into the open kitchen. Regional flavors are featured throughout, and all dining venues feel warm and inviting. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs are happily accommodated.
AmaCerto includes a fitness room and massage services, along with a heated pool and walking track on the Sun Deck. Guests can also take advantage of the ship’s fleet of complimentary bicycles — join a guided tour through charming towns, or set off on your own to explore at your own pace.
Cruise Inclusions
• 7-night cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
• Fine dining on board in multiple venues
• Unlimited hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch/dinner
• Small group guided shore excursions with a variety of choices, including exclusive Special Interest, hiking and biking tours
• Professionally trained Wellness Host leading engaging wellness activities
• Live local entertainment
• Unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi access
Onboard Features
• Panoramic Lounge with bar, piano and dance floor
• Walking track, Sun Deck whirlpool and fitness room
• Hair salon and massage services (additional costs apply)
• Entertainment-On-Demand with high-speed Internet, movies, music and English-language TV
Day 1 - Nuremberg, Germany Begin your Christmas Markets journey
Arrive in historic Nuremberg and settle into your ship, your festive home for the coming week. Take the evening to relax, unwind, and get your first glimpse of the enchanting Bavarian landscapes that await.
• River cruise embarkation
Day 2 - Bamberg, Germany Discover Bamberg’s seven hills and cozy Christmas Markets
Explore UNESCO-designated Bamberg, where medieval lanes, grand cathedrals, and the iconic Old Town Hall rise above the Regnitz River. Enjoy a guided walking tour or sample local specialties–from smoked beer to traditional pastries–before ending your visit at the magical Christmas Markets. Active guests can take in the scenery on a guided bike ride.
• Walking tour & Christmas Market, OR
• Tastes of Bamberg, OR
• Bike tour
Day 3 - Würzburg, Germany Experience palatial architecture and festive markets
Stroll through Würzburg’s Baroque Old Town and browse its Christmas Market, or explore the lavish UNESCO-listed Residenz Palace, home to Tiepolo’s renowned fresco. Alternatively, wander the cobbled fairytale streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany’s best-preserved walled town and a Christmas wonderland.
• Walking tour & Christmas Market, OR
• Residenz Palace visit, OR
• Rothenburg excursion & Christmas Market, OR
• Würzburg Castle hike
Day 4 - Wertheim, Germany Discover Wertheim’s medieval charm and castle views
Meander through Wertheim’s half-timbered old town before learning the craft of pretzel-making at a local bakery. Enjoy browsing the Christmas Markets or choose an active outing by hiking to the hilltop castle or biking through the scenic Main River Valley.
• Walking tour & Christmas Market, OR
• Castle Hill hike, OR
• Bike tour
Day 5 - Rüdesheim / Rhine Gorge / Koblenz Taste local vintages and cruise the legendary Rhine Gorge
Soar above the vineyards of Rüdesheim via gondola, sip regional wines, or explore the whimsical Mechanical Instrument Museum. Later, relax as you pass through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, famed for its dramatic cliffs and storybook castles, before an evening stroll through charming Koblenz.
• Gondola ride & wine tasting, OR
• Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, OR
• Vineyards hike, OR
• Bike tour of the Rheingau
• Rhine Gorge scenic cruising
• Koblenz evening walk
Day 6 - Mainz, Germany Walk in the footsteps of history and artistry
Join a guided tour of Mainz’s Old Town and visit the renowned Gutenberg Museum to see original 15th-century Bibles. Choose a historical walking tour, a scenic bike ride, or simply enjoy the city’s blend of Roman roots and festive winter atmosphere.
• Walking tour & Christmas Market, OR
• Wiesbaden city tour & Christmas Market, OR
• Bike tour
Day 7 - Frankfurt, Germany Experience Germany’s modern-meets-medieval metropolis
Explore Frankfurt on a guided city tour highlighting its mix of skyscrapers, historic squares, and cultural landmarks before wandering its lively Christmas Market. Food lovers can choose a Hessian tasting tour, while active guests may bike along the Main River’s scenic paths.
• City tour & Christmas Market, OR
• Kleinmarkthalle visit and tastings, OR
• Main River bike tour
Day 8 - Frankfurt, Germany Bid farewell to the festive Rhine, disembark in Frankfurt and prepare for your journey home.
Violin Deck.
Size: 300 sq.ft. French balcony & Outside Balcony. Located on deck Violin. Features: 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 that also works as a computer, Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library.
$ 9,678
$ 19,079
Category AA
Violin Deck. Size: 235 sq.ft. French Balcony and Outside Balcony. Located on deck Violin. Features: 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 that also works as a computer, Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library.
$ 8,278
$ 12,527
Category AB
Cello Deck.
Size: 235 sq.ft. French Balcony and Outside Balcony. Located on deck Cello. Features: 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 that also works as a computer, Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library.
$ 8,078
$ 12,227
Category BA
Violin Deck.
Size: 210 sq.ft. French Balcony and Outside Balcony. Located on deck Violin. Features: 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 that also works as a computer, Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library.
$ 7,878
$ 11,927
Category BB
Cello Deck.
Size: 210 sq.ft. French Balcony and Outside Balcony. Located on deck Cello. Features: 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 that also works as a computer, Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library.
$ 7,678
$ 11,627
Category C
Violin Deck, Cello Deck.
Size: 170 sq.ft. French balcony. Located on deck Cello & Violin. Features: 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 that also works as a computer, Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library.
$ 7,078
$ 10,727
Category D
Piano Deck.
Size: 160 sq.ft. French Window. Located on deck Piano. Features: 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 that also works as a computer, Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library.
$ 5,529
$ 7,217
Category E
Piano Deck.
Size: 160 sq.ft. French Window. Located on deck Piano. Features: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 that also works as a computer, Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library.
Prices include almost everything: your berth and transportation from port to port, onboard entertainment and activities, free shore excursions in every port, all your meals and snacks including beer/wine/soft drinks with meals, free WiFi on board, all Bear Cruise extras, and much more!
Taxes & charges of $280 pp Included in price. Optional insurance are additional.
Current rates may be lower or higher than rates as listed above based on current promotions and availability of cabins at the time of booking. An agent will apprise you of any changes, available pricing promotions and cabin options specific to your interests before moving forward with any booking or charging of your credit card.
First deposit of $900 per person ($1,800 for singles) is required upon booking. Final payment is due on or before September 7, 2027.
Optional shore excursions will be offered.
Prices are cruise only and DO NOT INCLUDE return airfare! Please ask for airfare add-ons back to your home city.
Fares are subject to availability and may change without prior notice.
Cancellation Policy:
- Initial deposit date: $700 per guest
- On or before 08-AUG-27: 25% of total charges
- On or before 08-SEP-27: 50% of total charges
- On or before 10-OCT-27: 75% of total charges
- On or after 06-NOV-27: 100% of total charges
