Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

For years, many of you have asked, “When will The Traveling Professor do a river cruise?”
Well—the wait is finally over.

We’re thrilled to announce an extraordinary new holiday journey designed especially for our Traveling Professor family: the Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Christmas Markets River Cruise, created in collaboration with AMA Waterways, one of the world’s most respected luxury river cruise lines.

Sail the Rhine in Holiday Style

December 7–14, 2027, we’ll travel aboard the elegant AMAVenita, cruising from Amsterdam to Basel. This festive sailing explores four enchanting countries—The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland—all beautifully decorated for the Christmas season.

Along the way, you’ll visit some of Europe’s most magical holiday destinations, including:

• Cologne – home to seven Christmas markets and stunning Gothic architecture

• Rüdesheim – famous for traditional crafts, open-air wine gardens, and the Drosselgasse

• Ludwigshafen – gateway to Heidelberg, a storybook town with one of Europe’s best holiday markets

• Strasbourg – host of France’s oldest Christmas Market, dating back to 1570

• Basel – one of Switzerland’s most charming and beautifully decorated holiday cities

Imagine sipping mulled wine, browsing twinkling market stalls, listening to carolers in medieval squares, and gliding past centuries-old castles dusted with snow. This is Europe’s holiday season at its absolute best.

Isn’t It Too Early to Book for 2027?

Absolutely not.
Christmas Markets river cruises typically sell out nearly two years in advance. In fact, AMA Waterways’ comparable Christmas Markets cruises for 2025 and 2026 are already completely sold out. Early reservations are the only way to secure the best staterooms at the best prices.

Exclusive Pricing for Traveling Professor Guests

AMA Waterways told us they wanted to work with us—and they proved it. As a special incentive, we’ve secured:

• Approximately 20% off AMA Waterways' 2025 and 2026 published fares

• Preferred access to the best staterooms on the ship

• Exceptional early-booking advantages not available to the general public

This pricing is exclusive to Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor and cannot be booked directly through AMA Waterways.

Everything You Love About Traveling Professor Tours—Now by River

This new journey brings our signature small-group experience to the water:

• A welcoming group of like-minded travelers

• The personal attention and camaraderie Steve & Linda are known for

• Authentic experiences in every port

• Time built in for relaxation and genuine connection

• Expert local guides, immersive cultural visits, and festive holiday traditions

Steve and Linda will be onboard to host the trip, answer questions, and make sure every moment is as memorable as our land tours. Optional pre- and post-cruise programs will be available for travelers who want to extend the holiday magic.

What’s Included

Your Christmas Markets river cruise fare includes:

• Spacious, well-appointed staterooms

• Award-winning dining with regional specialties

• Unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner

• All shipboard amenities

• All shore excursions with expert guides

• Scenic river cruising through Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes

Travel in comfort and style—not with strangers, but with familiar friends and fellow Traveling Professor adventurers.

Join Us for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Holiday Journey

Experience the warmth, beauty, and festive traditions of Europe’s Christmas Markets as you sail through the Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles on a luxury river cruise designed just for our travelers. This is the holiday trip so many of you have been asking for—now finally here.

Complete details including pricing and available staterooms can be found on The Traveling Professor website.