7-night from Amsterdam to Basel
Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Discover Breisach, rising above the vineyards of the Rhine, and Freiburg, one of Germany’s sunniest cities and gateway to the Black Forest. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and legendary German beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.What's Included
- Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Captivating Rhine cruise.
- There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
- As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. (B,L,D)
- Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim*. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
*Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim on this day, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.
- 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 enjoy panoramic views of the city. 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)
- Strasbourg 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 before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
- Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity. (B,L,D)
- After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Amsterdam
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Day 2 - Amsterdam
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Day 3 - Düsseldorf
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Day 4 - Rhine Gorge
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Day 5 - Ludwigshafen
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Day 6 - Strasbourg
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Day 7 - Breisach
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Day 8 - Basel
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Travel Partner
AmaWaterways is a premier river cruise line offering luxurious journeys through Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Known for exceptional service and innovative ship designs, they provide unforgettable travel experiences
Tripcode: 131304
Price from
$4,188*
per person*
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