A Christmas Unlike Any Other — Along the Rivers of Europe

Last November, I had the extraordinary privilege of joining my husband onboard the AMAWaterways AmaCerto for a Rhine River Christmas Markets cruise — sailing from the elegant Swiss city of Basel all the way through to Amsterdam. We were joined by a small group of fellow travel agents, which made it even more special: people who spend their careers making travel magic for others, finally getting to experience a little magic themselves.

And what an experience it was.

From the moment you step onboard, the atmosphere is unmistakably festive. The ship itself is beautifully appointed — stylish without being stuffy, intimate without feeling cramped. But it’s when you step ashore at each port that the real enchantment begins.

Imagine wandering through centuries-old market squares, wooden stalls draped in pine and fairy lights as far as the eye can see. The smell of freshly baked pretzels, warm from the oven. Gingerbread that actually tastes the way it smells. Handcrafted ornaments and nutcrackers and woollen mittens displayed under the soft glow of lanterns. And everywhere — everywhere — that magical mulled wine warming you from the inside out.

This is the European Christmas experience that Australians have only ever dreamed about. This is your invitation to finally live it.