![Atrium architecture and artwork on board Oceania's Vista](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/portrait_quarter/102096-best-art-cruises.jpg)
26 December
Setting sail from Basel
Basel lies where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, a sophisticated and multicultural city with a picturesque setting astride the river Rhine. The medieval Old Town is exceptionally well preserved, best appreciated from the summit of the hilltop cathedral, which offers incredible views across the city. Basel boasts a wealth of museums and galleries, and plays host to events including the renowned Art Basel contemporary art fair, held during the summer, and Fasnacht, Switzerland's most famous winter carnival.
![Christmas markets in Basel, Switzerland](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/landscape_half/65922-basel-christmas-markets.jpg)
![Salmon fillet](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/related_video/25239-salmon-fillet.jpg)
Our tip
The food here is great, with so many different influences. Try salmon ‘nach Basler Art’ (in a white wine marinade with fried onions), and wash it down with the local Riesling.
27 December
Germany: Breisach
![Breisach, Germany](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/landscape_mosaicsmall/22543-breisach-germany-low.jpg)
Breisach is a small town on the western fringe of the Black Forest, separated from the French region of Alsace by a bend in the river Rhine. This proximity to France is reflected in a vibrant food and wine scene, and architectural highlights include the hilltop St Stephen's cathedral.
28 December
France: Strasbourg
![Christmas in Petite France, Strasbourg](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/landscape_mosaicsmall/65991-strasbourg-petite-france-christmas.jpg)
Strasbourg is the capital of France’s Alsace region, right next to the border with Germany, and there is a tangible Germanic influence that sets the city a little apart from the rest of France. Highlights include the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the old town’s fairytale half-timbered houses, and the pictureque canals of the Petite France district.
29 December
Germany: Rüdesheim
![Rudesheim, Rhine Valley, Germany](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/landscape_mosaicsmall/22539-rudesheim-rhine-valley-low.jpg)
The pretty little town of Rüdesheim, situated on a bend in the Rhine surrounded by vineyards, is a popular destination for travellers looking for a slice of quintessentially German village life. The Drosselgasse, a narrow cobbled lane flanked by old timber frame buildings, is particularly atmospheric.
29-30 December
Germany: Ludwigshafen, Lahnstein
30 December
Germany: Rüdesheim
![Rudesheim, Rhine Valley, Germany](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/landscape_mosaicsmall/22539-rudesheim-rhine-valley-low.jpg)
The pretty little town of Rüdesheim, situated on a bend in the Rhine surrounded by vineyards, is a popular destination for travellers looking for a slice of quintessentially German village life. The Drosselgasse, a narrow cobbled lane flanked by old timber frame buildings, is particularly atmospheric.
31 December
Germany: Cologne
![Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/landscape_mosaicsmall/65952-cologne-christmas-markets.jpg)
Cologne is a wonderfully warm and welcoming city, its skyline dominated by one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. You will likely spend most of your time in the attractive Altstadt (Old Town), home to beer halls aplenty and some fascinating museums.
1-2 January
Arriving in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of our very favourite cities to visit, as well as also being a perfect base to explore the nearby landscape of windmills and dikes. The Amsterdam canal belt is now officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and from them there are so many neighbourhoods to explore, such as the Jordaan with its higgledy-piggledy streets and its famed garden courtyards (hofjes). There are also a wealth of famous museums and galleries to choose from, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House, not to mention some more, shall we say, quirky options.
![Canal in Amsterdam](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/landscape_half/84600-amsterdam-canals.jpg)
![Bicycles in Amsterdam](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/related_video/34-amsterdam-bicycles.jpg)
Our tip
Explore by water, or by bicycle to get a feel for the city – a hop on hop off canal boat, or rented bike or pedalo will do the trick.
Your home from home
![AmaWaterways - AmaCerto on the Danube in Bratislava](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/lanscape_half/61029-amawaterways-amacerto-danube-bratislava.jpg)
![AmaKristina - Chef's Table restaurant](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/landscape_mosaicsmall/61030-amakristina-chefstable-1.jpg)
![AmaKristina pool](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/landscape_mosaicsmall/61031-amakristina-pool.jpg)
What we love
These innovative ships feature a heated sun deck swimming pool with swim up bar and large 'twin balconies' in many staterooms. Enjoy the informal style during the day whilst relaxing on the Sundeck, and in the evening indulge in the gourmet cuisine in the main dining room or The Chef's Table.
Capacity | 156 - 162 Guests |
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Crew | 49 European Staff |
Style | Relaxed and informal during the day, giving way to an elegant evening atmosphere. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
![Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Basel](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/related_video/25255-grand-hotel-les-trois-rois-basel.jpg)
Where to stay in Basel
The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (three kings) is one of Europe’s oldest city hotels.
![Augusta Raurica, Switzerland](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/related_video/25249-augusta-raurica.jpg)
Excursions from Basel
If the Romans are your thing then you'll enjoy Switzerland’s largest Roman ruins at Augusta Raurica, with the excellent Römermuseum alongside.
![The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/related_video/1348-waldorf-astoria-amsterdam.jpg)
Two nights in Amsterdam
There is a fantastic range of canal front hotels to choose from, but we love the new Waldorf Astoria.
![Zaanse Schans windmills, Zaandam](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/mundy.assets.d3r.com/images/related_video/1351-zaanse-schans-zaandam.jpg)
Around Amsterdam
Visit windmills in Zaanse Schans, the flowers at Keukenhof, or the cheese market in Alkmaar.