Enchanting Rhine with AmaWaterways

Begin your holiday in style with included airport lounge access before your flight to Basel. Then, on arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your luxury river ship to settle into your stateroom before joining your fellow guests for a Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.

Stay: AmaWaterways Luxury River Cruise Ship

Arrive in Breisach, from where a choice of excursions will introduce you to region’s rich history and architecture, as well as the beauty of the countryside. Perhaps you’ll head to Riquewihr, a town almost unchanged since the 16th century. A walking tour will introduce you to such highlights as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, whose Gothic cathedral is said to have ‘the most beautiful spire on Earth’. Or, get active with a seasonal hike through the Black Forest or a wine country bike tour near Breisach itself.

Stay: AmaWaterways Luxury River Cruise Ship 

Sail on to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace. Straddling the border of France and Germany, this region offers a unique flavour of both countries. Explore some of Stradbourg’s myriad highlights on a ‘Gems of the Alsace’ tour, taking in the likes of the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Then, enjoy a stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ‘La Petit France’ district, which looks as though it’s been lifted straight out of the pages of a fairytale. Again, there’s a more active option today, with the chance to explore the city on a guided bike tour.

Stay: AmaWaterways Luxury River Cruise Ship

You’ll arrive in Ludwigshafen today where a choice of three excursions awaits. Head along the Castle Road to visit the perfectly preserved town of Heidelberg, where you’ll visit its iconic sandstone castle and the Great Vat – an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. Otherwise, get active with a guided hike along the Philosopher’s Pass for sweeping views over the city, cruise the River Neckar to medieval Ladenburg or visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, to explore its UNESCO-listed cathedral. Later in the day, sail on 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.

Stay: AmaWaterways Luxury River Cruise Ship

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.

Stay: AmaWaterways Luxury River Cruise Ship

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce and architecture, Düsseldorf is one of the Rhine's most enticing cities. Here, you'll have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Perhaps joini 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 for the chance to take in the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century; and the Great St. Martin Church.

Stay: AmaWaterways Luxury River Cruise Ship

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.

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

Stay: AmaWaterways Luxury River Cruise Ship

After your final night in Amsterdam, it’s time to disembark. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.