Combine the iconic sites of London with the charms of the Rhine’s riverside destinations on a Christmastime river cruise vacation filled with cheer

As you arrive in London today, enjoy a private taxi transfer to your four-star hotel on Euston Square for a two-night stay. Hotel check-in starts from 3:00 p.m., so if you arrive early, you can leave your luggage before setting out into the city to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Your time in London is unescorted and filled with opportunities, with many attractions and museums within walking distance. The holiday season also adds a cozy atmosphere to this world-class city. You might like to explore the West End's attractions, such as Piccadilly Circus, or pre-book admission to the British Museum, home to more than eight million objects that tell the stories of humanity.

As evening falls, Oxford Street's twinkling lights are switched on, and it becomes one of Central London's best spots to soak up Christmas cheer. After getting a taste of the season's wonders, you might like to explore London's eclectic dining scene, with restaurants serving everything from traditional fish and chips to global cuisine. Overnight London.

The day is yours to get to know England's history-filled capital, and after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you can set out at your own pace. You might like to visit Leicester Square's West End, or seek out famous London landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament or Big Ben.

Beginning in November, Christmas markets open up throughout the city, with each offering its own interpretation of the season. The city's largest market is set in Hyde Park, and here, you can explore more than 100 stalls, enjoy seasonal activities, such as ice skating at the outdoor rink, and even ride roller coasters. Elsewhere throughout the city, you could visit the Leicester Square market or the Covent Garden market, famous for its giant Christmas tree.

With more than 10 markets from which to choose, each with various dates of opening, you can make them the main event of your day, or visit them in between sightseeing at London's vast array of attractions. Overnight London.

Leaving London behind to begin your river cruise this morning, a coach transfers you to London St. Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travelers. Together, we board the Eurostar to Brussels, where, on arrival, we switch trains, enjoying the changing views as we head east. Our train crosses the German border and eventually arrives in Cologne, situated on the River Rhine.

A final coach transfer takes us to the shore, where we step aboard our opulent Amadeus ship, which has been decked out in its Christmas finery. We can look forward to sailing through stunning seasonal scenery from this upscale setting as we enjoy a welcome drink and settle in to begin our journey. We gather in the onboard restaurant to enjoy our first dinner together, and later, set sail upstream along the lower Rhine. Overnight ship.

Sailing through the Rhine Gorge this morning, you have time to relax onboard and soak up the views. This UNESCO World Heritage site is dotted by centuries-old castles, dense forests and stepped vineyards. Keep watch for the legendary Lorelei Rock, which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. This monument has inspired countless myths and legends - some of which we hear as we sail.

This afternoon, we arrive in the town of Rüdesheim, famous for its white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Unique Christmas markets are found in the town's historic center and offer a variety of goods from across 12 nations.

After traveling into Rüdesheim's center on the Winzerexpress land train, you have time to wander amongst the stalls, shopping for gifts, or maybe sample a Rüdesheim Coffee made with local Asbach Uralt Brandy and served with whipped cream. You could also stroll along the Drösselgasse, a charming street in the Old Town lined with half-timbered houses, quaint shops and wine bars before returning to the ship in time for mulled wine and dinner. Overnight ship.

 Enjoy breakfast onboard as we set sail for Koblenz. Cruising back through the enchanting Rhine Gorge, we enjoy a gingerbread-making demonstration in the ship's lounge.

On arrival in Koblenz, there is time to discover the city's most enchanting landmarks at your own pace. You could admire the Deutsches Eck, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, where there are inspiring vistas at every angle, including the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Alternatively, explore the Christmas markets or visit one of the popular taverns.

We enjoy a highlight of the vacation this evening: a Christmas-themed gala dinner on board. You can choose between two delicious menus: one with traditional German food, including duck consommé, braised goose leg, and pear and marzipan strudel. The other menu is traditional British food, including roast turkey, pigs in blankets and, of course, Christmas pudding with brandy butter. Overnight ship.

During a relaxed breakfast, we sail toward Bonn, the birthplace of world-renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven. On arrival, we step back in time with a guided tour of the history-filled streets. We see the Beethoven monument and Hofgarten Park and continue to the minster - one of Germany's oldest churches - beneath which are Bonn's Christmas markets.

There is some time to wander amongst the stalls before we return to the ship, enjoying lunch as we sail and a Christmas-themed afternoon tea of mince pies, stollen, gingerbread, pigs in blankets, turkey and stuffing sandwiches, and mulled wine.

On arrival in Cologne, you have free time to enjoy the city's magnificent markets. There are seven to choose from, each with a unique character, with the most popular being set against a dramatic backdrop of Cologne's UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral. This market hosts around 160 festive stalls, selling everything from charming wood-carved gifts to local delicacies.

Returning to the ship for dinner, we have our final dinner on board and enjoy a calm night moored in Cologne. Overnight ship.

The famous Christmas markets of towns and cities along Germany's Rhine have revealed their holiday charm as we soaked up the festive atmospheres in Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne. Throughout the cruise, we have marveled at the idyllic scenes of the Rhine Gorge and the fairytale castles and towns that dot its banks.

After breakfast this morning, your cruise comes to an end as we make our way to Cologne railway station. We continue by rail to Brussels and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive vacation concludes.

Founded in 1994 as an efficient means of transportation between London and the cities of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Eurostar has been a welcome addition to the rail lines of Europe for over 25 years. Eurostar offers direct city center-to-city center connections to destinations like Paris, Lille, Brussels, and Amsterdam and connecting routes that take travelers even further to places like Strasbourg and Avignon. The train travels at high speeds of up to 186 mph and offers a comfortable environment for tourists and commuters alike on its modern trains.  

In a 19th-century building in the Fitzrovia district of central London, this 4-Star hotel provides good access to Regent's Park, Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street. The nearby Underground station of Warren Streetmeans Leicester Squareand London's West Endcan be reached in minutes. The on-site restaurant, Steak & Lobster, has a relaxed atmosphere, while guests can also unwind in the bar. Air-conditioned guestrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment and complimentary toiletries. 

Joining the fleet in summer 2025, the MS Amadeus Amara is the latest addition to the award-winning Amadeus river cruise collection. Combining elegant design with modern luxury, the ship offers 12 spacious Amadeus suites and 70 cabins, all designed to provide a breathtaking experience on the water.

Across its 4 stylish decks, guests can enjoy a range of facilities including a panoramic bar and lounge, elegant restaurant, indoor pool and a wellness center offering massage services and a fitness room. The sun deck features sweeping views of the riverbanks, the perfect place to relax with a drink and soak up the scenery.

Each cabin is equipped with a spacious ensuite bathroom, flatscreen TV, minibar, walk-in wardrobe and either a double or twin bed. Many cabins also feature floor-to-ceiling windows, letting you soak up the views from the comfort of your room.

Joining the fleet in 2023, the MS Amadeus Riva is a 'masterpiece of design' and offers impeccable cabin spaces with 67 deluxe cabins and 12 Amadeus suites. Made up of 4 decks, the ship features several facilities including the panorama bar, restaurant, river terrace, as well as a wellness centre where you can book a relaxing massage, or arrange one of many beauty treatments. Each bedroom onboard comes with a spacious ensuite bathroom, a mini bar, a flatscreen television, walk-in wardrobe, and either a double or twin bed. Some rooms also offer panoramic windows or a balcony.

The AMADEUS Silver II is made up of four decks and features facilities including an international restaurant, a panoramic bar and a fitness room. On the Sun Deck, there are loungers and deck chairs, perfect for sitting and socializing with fellow passengers. Each well-appointed cabin features Egyptian cotton bed sheets, a television, a walk-in wardrobe, an en-suite toilet, a hairdryer and a minibar.

Joining the fleet in 2019, the MS Amadeus Star is a 'masterpiece of design' and offers impeccable cabin spaces with 70 deluxe cabins and 12 Amadeus suites. Made up of 4 decks, the ship features several facilities including the panorama bar, restaurant, river terrace, as well as a wellness centre where you can book a relaxing massage, or arrange one of many beauty treatments. The sun deck on board also provides a fitness suite, which is open all day. Each bedroom onboard comes with a spacious ensuite bathroom, a mini bar, a flatscreen television, walk-in wardrobe, and either a double or twin bed. Some rooms also offer panoramic windows or a balcony.