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Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future

Enchanting Rhine

With AmaWaterways

  • Estimated budget

    $ 3,999 per person*

  • Trip Type

    7 nights luxury accommodation in a French Balcony stateroom

  • Duration

    8 Days, 7 Nights

  • Starting Location

    Basel, Switzerland

  • Final Destination

    Amsterdam, Netherlands

Our Route

Day 1: Basel, Switzerland

Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner. (D) 

Note: We recommend that you fly into Basel at least one day prior to embarkation; please inquire about important arrival arrangements prior to your cruise.

Smiling Vietnamese Woman

Day 2: Breisach, Germany

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Day 3: Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Ludwigschafen & Rüdesheim, Germany

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you’ll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge – Lahnstein, Germany

Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Cologne, Germany

Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D)

*Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Day 8: Disembark Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Includes

  • 7 nights accommocdation in a French balcony stateroom

  • All onboard dining as indicated in itinerary

  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients

  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

  • Immersive tours in every destination

  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options

Excludes

  • International or regional airfare not listed above or marked with an asterisk (*) on confirmation of services

  • Travel Insurance (quoted separately) to cover cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, money, and emergency evacuation back home.

  • Personal expenses such as laundry, gratuities, baggage handling, excess baggage fees, excess weight fees, communications charges, cost of passport or visa, airport departure taxes and airfares, any sightseeing, beverages or meals not included in the itinerary, optional activities.

  • Pricing based on double occupancy, single supplements apply