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Christmas Markets along the Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel
8 days from $4,549
A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways
Soak up the delights of the season as you sail the Rhine River to some of oldest and largest Christmas markets in all of Europe. Explore the historic sites of Amsterdam and Cologne decked in seasonal sparkle, and sample local flavors from Utrecht to Heidelberg. Sail the spectacular Rhine Gorge, venturing to medieval towns and villages aglow with holiday spirit, and savor the warm celebration of traditional treats and handicrafts in Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik.
Highlights
- Christmas Markets: Immerse yourself in holiday spirit at the famous Christmas markets of Cologne and Strasbourg and in the timeless towns of Colmar and Heidelberg.
- Amsterdam: Soak up the holiday spirit of Amsterdam, with a chance to explore while docked overnight near the historic center, and take in the city’s festive decor on a private canal cruise.
- Optional Biking or Hiking Excursions: Choose to discover Dusseldorf on a guided bike ride or pedal along the River Neckar to medieval Ladenburg, and opt for a hike in the vineyards of the Rheingau.
- Local Cuisine: Savor holiday treats and local specialties, sampling beer in Utrecht and tasting wine in Rüdesheim.
- Smithsonian Journeys Exclusives:* Enjoy a range of excursions specially designed or enhanced for Smithsonian Journeys travelers, denoted by an asterisk below.
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Itinerary
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
Day 1 — Arrive Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Arrive in Amsterdam and settle in aboard the ship. You’ll have free time before and after dinner to take a stroll through the city, perhaps to see the Christmas tree on Dam Square or watch Amsterdammers ice skating in front of the Rijksmuseum. Catch a glimpse of the radiant installations of the Amsterdam Light Festival, set up annually along the city’s canals. (D)
Day 2 — Amsterdam/Utrecht
Glide through Amsterdam’s medieval heart on a private canal cruise, enjoying an intimate view of city streets and important monuments festooned with holiday décor. Learn about the city’s innovative canal system, a marvel of 17th-century engineering and urban planning, as you cruise beneath picturesque bridges and past gabled houses. In the afternoon, sail south to Utrecht, an important center of religion and trade during the Middle Ages. Here, embark on one of the following excursions:
- Utrecht Walking Tour: Get to know this charming town on a guided walk.
- Dutch Beer: Sample Dutch beers on a tasting tour.
- Slot Zuylen:* Venture just outside the city to visit the Zuylen Castle and its peaceful gardens, originally dating ot the 13th Century, it was last modified in 1752.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 — Dusseldorf or Cologne, Germany
Spend a relaxing morning cruising through scenic countryside to Dusseldorf, where you'll set off on your choice of excursion.
- Dusseldorf Walking Tour: Explore this cultural hub on a walking tour followed by time in the Christmas market.
- Cologne Highlights & Christmas Market: Travel to nearby Cologne and see the historic sites of the enchanting Old Town, including the Fischmarkt and the World Heritage-listed Dom cathedral. Venture into one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas markets, set against the soaring backdrop of the 13th-century Dom. You’ll have free time to wander among the stalls, sipping a glühwein if you wish, or nibbling on seasonal treats such as lebkuchen.
- Cologne’s Roman History:* Embark on a walking tour of the town’s many Roman sites, including parts of the ancient city wall, and see Roman artifacts at the Belgian House.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 — Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim
Enter the spectacular Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a World Heritage site also known as the Rhine Gorge. Here, medieval castles perch on bluffs high over the river and charming villages dot the riverbanks, twinkling with holiday spirit a this time of year. Hear the legend of Lorelei Rock as you sail towards Rüdesheim, a gateway to the Rheingau wine region. Choose from a range of excursions:
- Gondola & Christmas Markets: Soar high above the vineyards on a gondola ride to the Niederwald monument, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Rheingau from an aerial perspective. Then experience holiday traditions from around the world at the town’s Christmas market.
- Wine Tasting: Visit a wine cellar for a tasting of Rheingau wines, then spend time in the town’s Christmas market.
- Vineyard Hike: For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards around Rüdesheim.
- Guided Bike Ride: Take a guided bike tour along the banks of the Rhine.
This evening, you'll have another choice of evening excursions:
- Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet: Encounter a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments.
- Rüdesheimer kaffe: Savor one of the town’s delights, a festive cocktail made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 — Heidelberg or Speyer
From the riverside town of Ludwigshafen, explore your choice of historic Rhineland cities and their festive Christmas markets.
- Heidelberg: Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and centuries-old university. Here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas market.
- Philopher’s Path Hike: Join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path to take in panoramic views of the city of Heidelberg and its castle, then enjoy free time to browse the Christmas markets.
- Speyer:* Explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe, a World Heritage site; and choose to visit the Technik Museum to see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine, and a space shuttle. You’ll have time to visit its Christmas market in front of the Old Mint (Alten Münze).
(B,L,D)
Day 6 — Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg becomes even more enchanting during the season of Advent. Its Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, is the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the largest.
- Strasbourg City Tour:* Walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a World Heritage site, and continue through the lovely Petite France district, where timeless half-timbered houses line winding canals. See the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and its famous astronomical clock and then delve into the town’s famous Christmas Market, perhaps sampling a vin chaud or one of the city’s famous Christmas cookies.
- European Parliament Tour:* Step inside the seat of the European Parliament on a guided tour (subject to availability), then enjoy free time to explore the Christmas markets.
- Bike Ride: Choose to explore Strasbourg’s different neighborhoods on a guided bike tour.
Later this afternoon, opt to visit the historic spa town of Baden Baden and its romantic Christmas markets. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Colmar or Breisach, Germany
Go ashore in the German town of Breisach, poised on the border between the Alsace region of France and Germany’s Black Forest. Your choice of excursions today includes:
- Colmar, France:* Step back in time in the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, where the historic center has changed little since the 16th century. On a walking tour, admire its colorful half-timbered houses, and explore the town’s wonderful Christmas markets. Those who wish may tour the home of Auguste Bartholdi, the artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty.
-
Neuf-Brisach Citadel:* Visit the World Heritage-listed fortification considered the masterpiece of French military engineer Vauban.
-
Bike Ride: Ride a bicycle through the countryside around Breisach.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 — Basel, Switzerland
After breakfast, disembark in Basel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
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Optional Extensions
Pre-Cruise Ext.: Amsterdam
Please note: To accommodate as many travelers as feasible on these popular river cruise extensions, we may occasionally select alternate hotels of similar quality. Rest assured, your final accommodations will be confirmed before departure.
Pre-Cruise Extension: Amsterdam - 2 nights
Day 1 – Arrive Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Amsterdam Barbizon Palace OR Amsterdam Hyatt Regency OR Hotel Anantara Krasnapolsky
Day 2 – Amsterdam
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
Amsterdam Barbizon Palace OR Amsterdam Hyatt Regency OR Hotel Anantara Krasnapolsky
Day 3 – Amsterdam/Zaanse Schans and Embarkation
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)
Post-Cruise Ext.: Lucerne and Zurich
Please note: To accommodate as many travelers as feasible on these popular river cruise extensions, we may occasionally select alternate hotels of similar quality. Rest assured, your final accommodations will be confirmed before departure.
Post-Cruise Extension: Lucerene and Zurich - 2 nights Lucerene, 2 nights Zurich
Day 1 - Transfer to Lucerne, Switzerland
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, discover the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution and explore the Christmas market before checking into your hotel for a leisurely evening. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar)
Day 2 - Lucerne
Set out on a walking tour along Lucerne’s cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. The afternoon is at your leisure. (B)
Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar)
Day 3 - Lucerne/Zurich
Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” on a cable car ride. Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (B)
Zurich Marriott OR Zurich Schweizerhof
Day 4 - Zurich
Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. Plus, take some time to explore Europe’s largest indoor Christmas Markets located in the town’s main railway station and its underground mall as well as other Christmas Markets in this beautiful city. (B)
Zurich Marriott OR Zurich Schweizerhof
Day 5 - Depart
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Dates & Prices
Click on the departure date to see pricing. Click the for more information.
Dates
Availability
Price
Dec 5 - 12, 2026
Available
from $4,849
Piano Deck - Category E
Fixed Window - 160 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,849 | $5,999 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Piano Deck - Category D
Fixed Window - 160 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,148 | $6,373 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin Deck - Category CB
French Balcony - 155 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,948 | $8,797 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin & Cello Deck - Category CA
French Balcony - 170 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,348 | $9,397 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Cello Deck - Category BB
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 210 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,948 | $10,297 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin Deck - Category BA
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 210 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,148 | $10,597 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Cello Deck - Category AB
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 235 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,348 | $10,897 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin Deck - Category AA
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 235 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,548 | $11,197 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin Deck - Suite
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 350 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,848 | $17,446 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Dec 10 - 17, 2026
Available
from $4,549
Piano Deck - Category E
Fixed Window - 160 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,549 | $5,624 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Piano Deck - Category D
Fixed Window - 160 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,848 | $5,998 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin Deck - Category CB
French Balcony - 155 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,648 | $8,347 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin & Cello Deck - Category CA
French Balcony - 170 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,048 | $8,947 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Cello Deck - Category BB
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 210 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,648 | $9,847 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin Deck - Category BA
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 210 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,848 | $10,147 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Cello Deck - Category AB
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 235 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,048 | $10,447 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin Deck - Category AA
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 235 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,248 | $10,747 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
Violin Deck - Suite
French Balcony & Outside Balcony - 350 sq ft
| Occupancy | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,548 | $16,846 |
| Pre Ext. | $950 | $1,540 |
| Post Ext. | $2,160 | $3,240 |
A deposit of $400 per person is required to reserve space on all European river cruises. Deposits are applied toward final payment of the cruise price. Pre- and post-program options where applicable, are available at an additional cost.
Rates include port taxes and fees, as well as your choice of shore excursions as described in the published itinerary. Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways have collaborated on a series of enhanced excursions for these river journeys, with one or two excursions included daily in the program. Gratuities are optional and additional, recommended guidelines will be provided ahead of your cruise.
Special Air Rates & Services: Through our alliance with AmaWaterways, a variety of air rates are available for this cruise, including special savings for those who reserve flights 330 days or more in advance. Visit the Tour Details tab and click on "Special Air Rates/Services" drop down.
Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.
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Experts
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Tim Kircher
Historian
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Alexia Smith
Anthropologist & Archaeologist
Alexia Smith, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Connecticut, specializes in archaeology, ancient plant use, and the ways in which people have adapted …
Alexia Smith, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Connecticut, specializes in archaeology, ancient plant use, and the ways in which people have adapted to climate change across the globe in antiquity. She has worked on multiple excavations in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Armenia and has conducted agricultural research in Malaysia and studied local landforms and cultural histories in Iceland. Her research focuses on early agriculture and how people adapted to climate change in the past, but more recently, she has become fascinated with the cultural history of food. She is now working on a book detailing the cultural rise of bread.
A former Fulbright scholar, Alexia has published numerous articles in prominent journals, received funding from the National Science Foundation to further her research and teaching, and received university awards for her advising. She has lived in Austria and in Spain, where she taught English. She earned her PhD in archaeology from Boston University and teaches courses on archaeological discoveries across the globe, ancient plant use in antiquity, ecological anthropology, and early civilizations.
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Adam Tanner
Writer & Journalist
Writer and lecturer Adam Tanner spent many years as a foreign correspondent for Reuters news agency, including as Balkans bureau chief; San Francisco bureau chief; …
Writer and lecturer Adam Tanner spent many years as a foreign correspondent for Reuters news agency, including as Balkans bureau chief; San Francisco bureau chief; and correspondent in Germany, Moscow, and Washington D.C. He has long studied colonialism, economic engagement, and globalization, with a particular interest in the enduring impact of Europe on Asia, Latin America, and Africa. He has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, Bloomberg TV, NPR, and the BBC, and written for publications such as Scientific America, Forbes, Fortune, Time, and Frommer’s guidebooks.
Adam was a fellow and associate at Harvard University from 2011-26, initially at the Nieman Foundation, then the Institution of Quantitative Social Science, and most recently, the Shorenstein Center Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at the Kennedy School of Government. He has written two books on privacy and commerce: Our Bodies, Our Data and What Stays in Vegas.
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Barbara Whitehead
Historian
Barbara J. Whitehead is the A. W. Crandall Professor of History at DePauw University and former chair of the history department. She earned her BA …
Barbara J. Whitehead is the A. W. Crandall Professor of History at DePauw University and former chair of the history department. She earned her BA in history at Harvard University and her PhD from Bryn Mawr College. This educational background fostered a love of early modern Europe that has been the focus of her teaching and writing for over thirty years. At DePauw, Barbara has developed a broad spectrum of courses centered on European history ranging from the Viking Age and Crusades to the European witch hunts, the French Revolution, and the history of happiness. Her research in intellectual history has led to an edited volume on early modern women’s education and publications on forgotten figures of the 18th-century Enlightenment.
In addition to leading more than 15 academic tours of Europe, Barbara has served as the on-site director of the American Colleges of the Midwest Central European Studies Program in the Czech Republic, where she taught European history. She also taught in the Danish International Studies Program in Copenhagen as a visiting professor. In addition to living in the Czech Republic and Denmark, Barbara has also lived in Rome and Paris.
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Carol Reynolds
Musical Historian
After a long career as professor of musical history at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Dr. Carol Reynolds continues to design fine arts curricula …
After a long career as professor of musical history at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Dr. Carol Reynolds continues to design fine arts curricula and advocate for art education, weaving history, humor, and energy into everything she does. Her research interests include German Romanticism and the musical court of Frederick the Great, and she has lived and taught in Germany many times since 1981. She founded and directed SMU’s Study-in-Germany program and is fluent in German and Russian.
Carol’s unprecedented textbook Discovering Music: 300 Years of Interaction in Western Music, Arts, History, and Culture (2009) has reached students across the world, and in 2011 she released a cross-discipline course called Exploring America’s Musical Heritage. Her other publications include Early Sacred Music and a classic family songbook called Hurrah and Hallelujah.
A popular speaker and a passionate traveler, Carol gives lectures at educational conferences and arts institutions across the U.S., and is a popular expert on Smithsonian Journeys to Central and Eastern Europe. She and her husband Hank now live in North Carolina and maintain a home in Weimar—the home of J.S. Bach, Liszt, Goethe, and Schiller.
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Catherine Scallen
Art Historian
Catherine Scallen is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor Emerita in the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio, where she taught from …
Catherine Scallen is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor Emerita in the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio, where she taught from 1995 to 2022, offering courses on art in France, Italy, Germany, and the Low Countries from 1400 to 1800. Her earlier scholarship focused on the art of the Dutch painter and printmaker Rembrandt van Rijn, including the importance of Italian Renaissance art as a model for his own work. Catherine has recently published on the role of art dealers in shaping major American collections at the turn of the 20th century through promoting the sale of Italian and Dutch paintings. She produced two courses for The Great Courses, Art of the Northern Renaissance and Museum Masterpieces: The National Gallery, London; and has lectured at museums and universities across the United States. A regular faculty participant in CWRU’s Senior Scholars adult education program, Catherine has offered numerous courses that complement special exhibitions at the Cleveland Museum of Art. As a seasoned traveler to western Europe, she has served as a faculty lecturer for groups from Princeton University, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and CWRU.
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Ship
AmaViola
AmaLucia
AmaFiora
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Tour Details
Activity Description
Expectations: River cruise including a variety of excursion choices daily, ranging from three to nine hours. Excursions often entail walking or standing for extended periods during city tours or museum visits, occasionally over varied terrain (e.g. uneven surfaces, cobblestones, stairs without handrails, etc). Often walking tours are available at varied pacing, and bicycle and hiking excursions are available for more active travelers in certain locations. At times, the ship may dock alongside other river vessels, in which case travelers may need to traverse multiple flights of stairs to exit and return to the ship.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are comfortable with full days of touring including motorcoach and walking tours.
Reading List
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Highly Recommended
Also Recommended
Special Air Rates/Services
Through our alliance with AmaWaterways, we are pleased to advise that a variety of flight options will be available through AmaWaterways’ air program AmaAir. When you reserve flights with AmaAir, you will enjoy convenience and peace of mind, allowing you to rest easy before and during your much-anticipated river cruise.
The Benefits of Reserving Your Flights with AmaAir
- Excellent Fares
- Trusted Airlines
- Quality Experience
- Peace of Mind
- Airport Representative
- Transfers (to and from airport included)
- Convenience
The AmaAir team will be delighted to assist you with fully customized air arrangements upon booking your cruise. For travelers who book their air arrangements early, fixed AirPlus* rates are also available across all European sailings when reserved 330 days or more prior to departure, and may be available closer in on certain departures.
AirPlus Special Rates*;
Economy Air: $999 (2026)
Premium Economy Air: $2,299
Business Class Air: $4,299
*AirPlus rates are round-trip, trans-Atlantic airfare departing from all gateways (based on availability). Advertised AirPlus rates may not be available for your preferred airline, flight, routing, or travel dates; ask for details.Additional airfare deposits are required in order to confirm AirPlus rates. AirPlus is limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to modifications, changes, reductions, or termination without notice. Additional instructions and terms and conditions apply, and will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Travel Insurance
For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.
In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.
To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.
River Cruising - Water Levels
Occasionally, river cruise schedules may be impacted by high or low water levels, or unannounced lock maintenance. As safety is always our top priority, alternative plans are developed in the event local authorities temporarily curtail river traffic on any portion of the rivers. In these rare circumstances, the local staff will endeavor to arrange visits to all advertised ports of call, though these plans may include alternative docking locations, modified shore excursions as well as ship swaps, if necessary. In very rare circumstances a substitute activity may be necessary.
AmaWaterways' experienced teams monitor the situation on all the rivers very closely and will communicate any major modifications affecting upcoming cruises to guests as quickly as possible and will offer travel assistance if the port of embarkation or disembarkation is affected.
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