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Special Offer!

Up to $1000 discount per person on select departures through 2023

*Special offers cannot be combined with other discounts

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

From Amsterdam to Basel aboard a Premier River Vessel

Overview

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to Switzerland’s glittery cities, Lucerne and Zurich, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically among the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 pm, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

This was our 1st River Cruise experience. It exceeded our expectations!
— Diane H., Newark, CA

Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.

Itinerary

Day 1
Amsterdam, The Netherlands / Embark

Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship.

Day 2
Amsterdam

The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your scenic canal cruise. Tall narrow homes along the water, the beautiful wooden Skinny Bridge, and the Anne Frank House are a few of the highlights you will see. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam

Day 3
Cologne, Germany

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas Markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce.

Day 4
Rhine River Gorge / Rüdesheim

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, you will have three choices of morning excursions. Wine connoisseurs will want to go to a wine cellar for a wine tasting. Those who wish to soar high above the vineyards can take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Or, for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, you have two more options. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market.

Day 5
Ludwigshafen

You have the choice to explore two of Germany's historically rich cities, along with their festive Christmas Markets. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse, soaking up the Yuletide celebrations at the town’s Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also have time to visit its Christmas Market in front of the “Old Mint” (Alten Münze) in the famous Maximilianstrasse, with a view of the romantic imperial cathedral (Kaiserdom).

Day 6
Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock and then visit the town’s famous Christmas Market. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg's different districts by bicycle. During the afternoon, visit Gengenbach Christmas Market where every year the locals countdown to Christmas with a 24-day, larger-than-life Advent calendar.

Day 7
Breisach, Germany

Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside; or go on an excursion to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles, and quaint towns.

Day 8
Basel / Disembark

Disembark your cruise in Basel.

Reverse Direction, Basel to Amsterdam

Day 1: Basel
Day 2: Breisach
Day 3: Strasbourg
Day 4: Mannheim
Day 5: Rüdesheim
Day 6: Cologne
Days 7-8: Amsterdam

Christmas Markets on the Rhine route-map

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Christmas Markets on the Rhine route-map

Highlights

Highlights

Cruise through the Rhine River Gorge and visit the winemaking town of Rüdesheim and its Christmas Market
Festive Christmas Markets also include those in Strasbourg, Riquewihr, Heidelberg, Speyer, and Cologne
Optional bike tours bring you through Strasbourg's Old Town, in the scenic countryside, and along the Rhine

Details

Length: 8 days
Cost From: $3499  
Full pricing
Arrive: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Depart: Basel, Switzerland
Lodging: 7 nights aboard a premier river vessel
View Lodging
Meals: All meals included aboard ship and with the group ashore, including house wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard
Activity: Cultural Adventures, Walking, Special Interest, River Cruising
Trip Level:

7-night cruise, cultural explorations and walking tours, optional bike tours
What the Trip is Like

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

Departures and Trip Cost

Price is per person in Category E, a deluxe stateroom with a window. Cabin upgrades are available at additional cost per person (listed below this chart).

Add a Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Program for an Additional Fee

Prices in the chart below reflect our cruise-only program. If you wish to extend your trip, we recommend a pre-cruise land program as described on our Itinerary page.

  • Additional 2 nights Zurich, 2-nights Lucerne pre-cruise, from $1600 (2022) and $1640 (2023)
  • Additional 2 nights Amsterdam pre-cruise, and 2 nights Lucerne, 2-nights Zurich post-cruise, from $2350 (2022) and $2430 (2023)

‡ Christmas Market visits may be limited on this departure. Most Christmas markets open during the last week of November until approximately December 22.

* Reverse Direction Basel to Amsterdam

DATES SHIP NAME CRUISE ONLY
Nov 29-Dec 6, 2022 ‡ AmaCerto $3,499
Dec 1-8, 2022 * AmaSiena $3,499
Dec 1-8, 2022 AmaLucia $3,499
Dec 6-13, 2022 * AmaCerto $3,499
Dec 6-13, 2022 AmaPrima $3,499
Dec 8-15, 2022 * AmaLucia $3,499
Dec 8-15, 2022 AmaSiena $3,499
Dec 13-20, 2022 * AmaPrima $3,499
Dec 13-20, 2022 AmaCerto $3,499
Dec 15-22, 2022 * AmaSiena $3,499
Dec 15-22, 2022 AmaLucia $3,499
Dec 20-27, 2022 * AmaCerto $3,499
Dec 20-27, 2022 ‡ AmaPrima $3,499
Nov 28-Dec 5, 2023 ‡ AmaCerto $3,499
Nov 30-Dec 7, 2023 * AmaSiena $3,499
Nov 30-Dec 7, 2023 AmaLucia $3,499
Dec 5-12, 2023 * AmaCerto $3,499
Dec 5-12, 2023 AmaPrima $3,499
Dec 7-14, 2023 AmaSiena $3,499
Dec 12-19, 2023 * AmaPrima $3,499
Dec 12-19, 2023 AmaCerto $3,499
Dec 14-21, 2023 * AmaSiena $3,499
Dec 14-21, 2023 AmaLucia $3,499
Dec 19-26, 2023 ‡* AmaCerto $3,499
Dec 19-26, 2023 ‡ AmaPrima $3,499
Dec 21-28, 2023 ‡ AmaSiena $3,499

Price above is per person in Category E, a deluxe stateroom with a window. Cabin upgrades are available at additional cost per person (see below).

AmaPrima, AmaCerto Cabin Upgrade Pricing Per Person

Category Deck Stateroom 2022-2023 Price
D Piano Window add $299
C Violin/Cello French Balcony add $1099
BB Cello French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $1699
BA Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $1899
AB Violin/Cello French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2099
AA Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2299
AA+ Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2899
SS Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $3599

AmaLucia and AmaSiena Cabin Upgrade Pricing Per Person

Category Deck Stateroom 2022-2023 Price
D Piano Fixed Windows add $299
CB Violin French Balcony add $799
CA Violin/Cello French Balcony add $1099
BB Cello French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $1699
BA Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $1899
AB Cello French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2099
AA Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2299
SS Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $3599

Important: Dates, prices and itineraries are subject to change.

Pre- and Post-cruise Add-on Land Program: From $1600 (2022) and $1640 (2023) per person, based on double-occupancy.

Port Charges: $210 (2022/2023) per person.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Suites 100% of twin price.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing.

Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.

Trip Cost Includes

  • 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom, (most with twin balconies)
  • Knowledgeable guides and immersive tours in every destination
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special interest tours
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library & English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
  • Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes on board and on shore
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Daily entertainment, including cultural performances
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Trip Cost Does Not Include

Airfare; arrival/departure transfers; taxes or government fees; passports or visa fees baggage fees; travel, health, accident or other insurance vaccinations; laundry; any meals or beverages not specified in itinerary; optional excursions; gratuities or other items of services of a personal nature.

Trip Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: $400
90 days prior to departure: Balance

*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $200 per person
90-120 days prior to departure: $400 per person
60-89 days prior to departure: 35% of trip cost
30-59 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
7-29 days prior to departure: 80% of trip cost
6 days or less: 100% of trip cost

*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Arrival & Departure Information

You are responsible for your own transportation arriving to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and departing from Basel, Switzerland. If you have any questions, please call our office at 1-800-368-2794.

Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule.

2022 Departures
Arrival
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Date: Day 1

Suggested Airport for Arrival
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Embarkation: Official embarkation time is 3:00 pm for all ships. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city.
Departure
Basel, Switzerland
Date: Day 8

Suggested Airport for Departure
EuroAirport Basel Mulhuose Freiburg (BSL)
Time: After 12:00 noon

Disembarkation: Official disembarkation time is 9:00 am. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in, and you may disembark later providing you have vacated your stateroom and checked out before 9:00 am.

Lodging

AmaSiena

AmaSiena

Making her debut sail in 2020, the elegant AmaSiena is one of AmaWaterways’ newest river vessels, offering modern amenities including spacious “twin balconies” in the cabins. Similar to the AmaLucia, the staterooms include in-room temperature control, large wardrobes, and en-suite bathrooms with multi-jet showers. A fitness room, sun deck walking track, and swimming pool with “swim-up” bar give guests the opportunity to stay active while taking in the views, and bicycles are also available for a group or solo outing. With a maximum of just 156 passengers, there is plenty of space to unwind in the lounge where tapas and beverages are served throughout the day, and for a little extra pampering you can book a massage at the spa or join a class with the onboard Wellness Host.

View Image Gallery

AmaLucia

AmaLucia

Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the 156-passenger AmaLucia features comfortable cabins with spacious “twin balconies,” in-room temperature control, large wardrobes, and en-suite bathrooms with multi-jet showers. Dining venues include the elegant Main Restaurant and the Chef’s Table, and tapas are available between meals in the colorful Main Lounge. Those looking to stay physically active can head to the fitness room, the walking track on the sun deck, or join a class led by the onboard Wellness Host. You can also grab a bicycle from the fleet and take a ride with a guided tour or on your own. After an adventurous day exploring castles or canals, relax in the swimming pool with its “swim-up” bar or treat yourself to a massage. Nightly entertainment ranges from traditional Bavarian music to modern piano and local quartets.

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AmaPrima

AmaPrima

The 164-guest AmaPrima provides a most distinctive river cruise experience. A magnificent glass elevator is one of the unique design elements found onboard, as well as the exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully decorated accommodations range in size up to 350 square feet. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar, or enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations. The ship carries a fleet of bicycles and safety helmets free for you to use. The bicycles let you venture out and explore the riverside bikeways or meander through quaint cobblestone streets. The bikes are set up and ready for use as soon as the ship docks. Thanks to the computer provided in your stateroom and high-speed Internet access plus Wi-Fi, you can stay connected with friends and family back home. The exclusive movies-on-demand system offers Hollywood’s current releases, a selection of classic films, or entertaining travel videos chosen to coincide with your itinerary. You’ll also enjoy a variety of English-language news, sports and satellite TV stations, as well as a selection of music channels. It’s all available on your flat-panel TV, and it’s completely complimentary.

View Image Gallery

AmaMora

AmaMora

Launching in 2019, the 156-guest AmaMora provides a distinctive river cruise experience. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery, and additional stateroom amenities include climate-controlled air conditioning; an in-room safe; and Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, Wi-Fi, movies, music, and English language TV stations. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. AmaMora offers a host of added comforts and conveniences, including a massage and hair salon, gift shop, and specialty coffee station. On the Sun Deck, enjoy a dip in the heated pool, as well as a refreshing beverage at the swim-up bar, and enjoy the walking track, fitness room, and a fleet of onboard bicycles to use on excursions. It's everything needed to stay active and healthy while sailing Europe’s great rivers!

View Image Gallery

AmaCerto

AmaCerto

The 164-guest AmaCerto is Inspired by classic ocean yachts, and provides the most distinctive river cruise experience. A magnificent glass elevator is one of the unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive Twin Balconies. The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 square feet. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar or enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations. The ship also features a fitness center, spa, and beauty salon. The ship carries a fleet of bicycles and safety helmets free for you to use. The bicycles let you venture out and explore the riverside bikeways or meander through quaint cobblestone streets. The bikes are set up and ready for use as soon as the ship docks. Thanks to the computer provided in your stateroom and high-speed Internet access plus Wi-Fi, you can stay connected with friends and family back home. The exclusive movies-on-demand system offers Hollywood’s current releases and a selection of classic films. You’ll also enjoy a variety of English-language news, sports and satellite TV stations, as a selection of music channels. It’s all available on your flat-panel TV, and it’s completely complimentary.

View Image Gallery

Trip Level

This cruise is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Daily shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. To better accommodate guests and their individual fitness levels, AMA Waterways programs provide several  levels of walking tours whenever possible: “Gentle Walkers” are designed for slower walkers to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner, “Active Walkers” enjoy the tours at a normal pace, and there is also a “Late Starters” group offered to guests who prefer to sleep in. 
 

On Board AMA Riverboats

AMA Waterways specializes in high-end river journeys that navigate some of Europe’s most famous waterways. Their ships accommodate approximately 150 passengers in comfortable staterooms, all with scenic views. While this might sound like a lot of travelers compared to Wilderness Travel’s traditional small group trips, it’s a modest number of passengers in the cruise ship world and there are a number of comfortable lounges, dining rooms, bars, and sitting areas on board for you to find a perfect spot to socialize or quietly relax, depending on your mood.

There is a warm and welcoming feel to all AMA cruises. From the moment you step onboard, you will be welcomed by crew, staff, and leaders who are friendly, professional and English speaking. There is a high staff to guest ratio (1:3) that assures a feeling of being well-taken-care-of at all times. Your fellow passengers will come from a variety of English-speaking countries and guests tend to mingle freely. No need to bring fancy clothes as the atmosphere onboard is casual, although guests do tend to dress up for the Captain’s dinner.  

Staterooms range from 160-350 square feet (depending on category), and typical hotel room amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, television, and mini-safe. Every stateroom has individually controlled air conditioning, internet access, wi-fi (free throughout the ship!) and a movie-on-demand system that offers a variety of English language channels, films and music options. Most staterooms have balconies, either walk-on or French, but lower categories just have fixed windows or portholes.

AMA is known for its efforts to bring in regional cuisine, which is always fun as you explore new countries and cultures. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with made-to-order specialties. Dinner is multi-course. Every lunch and dinner includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. Bottled water, specialty teas, and coffees are always available free of charge. All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to encourage you to meet your fellow travelers.  

Daily shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise, along with free time to explore on your own. Each tour is led by a qualified, local guide. At many stops, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options. Complimentary headset systems ensure that you hear every word of your tour. AMA ships carry more than two dozen bicycles and helmets, free of charge, for your use should you want to venture into the countryside.  

There is a reception desk onboard that is open 24 hours a day with somebody available to help you, should you need it. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English as the clientele is mainly North American, Australian, and European. All AMA cruises prohibit smoking inside their ships. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sun deck.  

Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.  There are no medical facilities on board although if medical services are needed, they can easily be called from shore. Laundry services are available for a fee.

All ships are equipped with either a whirlpool or a small, heated swimming pool.  If you think you might want to use this, be sure to pack a swimsuit!

Tips are not included in the price of the cruise, and are entirely at your discretion. The recommended rate suggested is 3 Euros per passenger per day to the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger per day to the crew, which will be divided up and distributed. You can use your credit card for this expense. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour.

Wilderness Travel enjoys partnering with AMA Waterways because they offer a high quality product with thoughtfully planned itineraries, allowing travelers to experience Europe’s most glorious architecture, medieval castles, historic villages, and idyllic countryside with minimal effort. Since these trips are relatively short, you may consider this as part of a longer, European adventure!

Explain Trip Level

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.

Email Area Manager

References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

Email Area Manager

Resources

Travel Insurance
WT Gear Store

What to Know Before You Go

PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for traveling on this trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after the conclusion of your trip. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport photo page in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.

VISAS

No visa is required for US Citizens traveling to Germany and Austria.

MEDICAL

We recommend checking the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov should you have any international health concerns.

INOCULATIONS

No inoculations are currently required for Europe.

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Wilderness Travel Awards
1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Wilderness Travel Awards
1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Discover
  • Our Trips
  • New Trips
  • Special Offers
  • Top Ten Places in 2022
  • Wish List
  • Photo Blog
Keep in Touch
  • Contact Us
  • Catalog Request
  • Digital Catalog
  • Enews Sign-up
  •  
  •  
  •  
About WT
  • Welcome
  • How We Travel
  • Our Leaders
  • Making a Difference
  • Awards
  • WT in the News
  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Resources
  • Reserving a Trip
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Toucan Club
  • Referrals
  • Post-trip Survey
  • Client Forms & Helpful Links
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Agents
  • Gear Store
  • Gift Certificates
  • Site Map