Group River Cruise Trips
Join Stephanie on a
Christmas Getaway River Cruise
November 27-December 4, 2027
Beging the holiday season by taking in all the seasonal charms and delights of the Dutch and Belgian Waterways!
Taste rich Belgian chocolates and listen to the distinctive clanks and charms of mechanical instruments at Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok. Admire the beautiful architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s Kasteel De Haar and Brussels’ Bouchout Castle.
With the holiday season in full swing, experience the glowing waterways of Amsterdam, Brussels and more as cities come to life with strings of lights, festive music and photo-worthy decorations, as well as a few Christmas Markets.
Indulge in an onboard Christmas dinner and local holiday traditions as you sail on the most elegantly decorated ship on the river. As a diverse array of knowledgeable and gracious local guides share each destination’s unique history with you, you’ll return from this cruise having experienced the best of Holland and Belgium during the magical wintertime!
*With festive holiday decor!
Kinderdijk Windmills
Zierikzee
Bruges
Brussels and Chocolate Workshop
Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America.
*All photos are from Stephanie's trip to the Netherlands and Belgium in November 2024
Itinerary
Day 1: November 27, 2027
Amsterdam– Embarkation
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Best of Holland & Belgium Christmas cruise.
*Some Amsterdam Christmas Markets will be open!
Day 2: November 28, 2027
Amsterdam – Utrecht, The Netherlands
Discover Amsterdam by canal, Utrecht’s old town, De Haar Castle, or bike the city
Glide along Amsterdam’s iconic canals before cruising to the historic city of Utrecht, where you can stroll its medieval streets, visit the whimsical Museum Speelklok, or explore the storybook beauty of De Haar Castle, complete with turrets, moats, and grand interiors—all surrounded by an atmosphere of holiday wonder and magic.
Day 3: November 29, 2027
Hellevoetsluis, The Netherlands
Cruise to Hellevoetsluis and spot charming windmills and wharf houses
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, a charming island town in South Holland. Stroll through its cobblestone streets to admire the working De Hoop windmill and quaint wharf houses. Later, uncover the fascinating story of the Delta Works and visit the Flood Museum, or hop aboard a traditional Dutch flat-bottom boat to learn about this unique vessel. Adventure seekers can join a guided bike ride from Hellevoetsluis across the Haringvlietdam and back.
Day 4: November 30, 2027
Ghent, Belgium (and Bruges, Belgium)
There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices.
*Some Ghent and Bruges Christmas Markets will be open!
Day 5: December 1, 2027
Brussels, Belgium
Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride that takes you into Laeken Park, where you will see the unique architecture of the Far East Museums as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Bouchout Castle, a 12th-century fortress built to protect the Duchy of Brabant from the County of Flanders and the lords of Grimbergen.
*Some Brussels Christmas Markets will be open!
Day 6: December 2, 2027
Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp
Day 7: December 3, 2027
Dordrecht, The Netherlands
Stroll historic Dordrecht, explore Rotterdam, or enjoy a scenic ride through Kinderdijk
Explore Dordrecht, Holland’s oldest city, on a guided walking tour uncovering its fascinating past shaped by a 15th-century flood. Alternatively, visit Rotterdam and nearby Delfshaven, where the Pilgrim Fathers began their voyage aboard the Speedwell, or join an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-listed Kinderdijk to admire its 18th-century windmills or pedal past these iconic Dutch landmarks.
Day 8: December 4, 2027
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
Zierikzee
Brussels City Hall
Pricing
Cabins starting at $4,699 per person!
Cabin space is not held, so pricing and availability can change at any time
What's Included?
One of the reasons AmaWaterways is consistently rated among the top premium river cruise lines is that the fare includes far more than just your stateroom and transportation. Their philosophy is that guests should be able to unpack once and enjoy an immersive, nearly all-inclusive vacation where most of the major expenses have already been covered.
Elegant Accommodations
Gourmet Dining
Complimentary Beverages
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Spacious riverview staterooms and suites
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Most European ships feature signature Twin Balconies (a French balcony plus an outside balcony)
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Luxury bedding and premium linens
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Marble bathrooms with multi-jet showers
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Entertainment-on-demand system with movies, music, and English-language television
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Daily housekeeping service
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Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
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Unlimited onboard Wi-Fi (where available)
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Daily breakfast buffet with made-to-order specialties
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Multi-course lunches featuring regional cuisine
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Elegant multi-course dinners
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Late-night snacks
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Afternoon tea with pastries and sandwiches
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Light tapas served throughout the day
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Freshly baked breads and desserts made onboard
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Flexible, open seating with no assigned dining times
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Special dietary accommodations when requested in advance
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Unlimited wine with lunch and dinner
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Beer with lunch and dinner
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Soft drinks with lunch and dinner
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Sparkling wine at breakfast
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Specialty coffees
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Espresso and cappuccino
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Tea available throughout the day
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Filtered water available at all times
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Complimentary Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour, featuring:
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Cocktails, Wine, Beer, and Spirits
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Mocktails
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Soft drinks—all complimentary before dinner.
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Included Shore Excursions
Onboard Entertainment
Special Events Included
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Guided walking tours
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Historic city tours
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Cultural experiences
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Wine tastings
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Brewery visits
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Local food experiences
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Castle tours
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Museum visits
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Scenic drives
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Active hiking excursions
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Guided bicycle tours
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Local musicians
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Folk performances
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Classical concerts
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Cultural demonstrations
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Lectures
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Cooking presentations
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Wine tastings
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Regional entertainment
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Welcome Cocktail Reception
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Welcome Dinner
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Captain's Cocktail Reception
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Captain's Gala Dinner
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Chef's Table Experience
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Destination-themed celebrations and regional culinary events
*Prices vary by cabin category and number of passengers in the cabin, and can change at any time. Prices are listed as per person based on double occupancy.
AmaWaterways is one of my favorite river cruise lines thanks to its thoughtful blend of luxury, comfort, and immersive travel experiences. This family-owned company is known for elegant ships, exceptional service, and beautifully crafted itineraries that sail some of the world’s most iconic rivers. Guests enjoy spacious staterooms, award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions visited, and a wide range of included excursions designed to help you truly connect with each destination.
During their Christmas Market cruises, the ships take on an especially festive atmosphere, with seasonal décor, holiday treats, and traditions that make the experience feel wonderfully magical. The result is a river cruise experience that feels both refined and welcoming, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore the world in comfort and style.
About
Why travel with a group?
Travel is about more than simply reaching a destination. It’s about the experiences you share, the people you meet, and the memories you create along the way.
A group river cruise combines the beauty and ease of river travel with the camaraderie of like-minded travelers. Whether you’re traveling with friends, joining a themed group, or looking to meet new people, group river cruises offer a relaxed, enriching way to explore the world’s most beautiful waterways.
