Cruising the Rhine River

Rhine castles and Swiss Alps Cruise with Amawaterways

Embark on a Rhine River cruise that takes you past storybook castles, dramatic gorges, and historic vineyards. This enchanting journey spans Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, offering cultural treasures, gourmet experiences, and unforgettable sights. Let’s virtually explore this remarkable itinerary together.

The first day’s itinerary begins in the Swiss Alps, embarking on the Amaserena, from the idyllic town of Basel. We will enjoy a scrumptious dinner on the ship and begin the voyage the next morning. (In fact, every meal is included onboard, even breakfast the last day.) 🍳

DAY 2: BASEL – LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city on foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France, and Germany.

Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you’ll see its Lion Monument. This figure of a dying lion honors Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. Mark Twain called it “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.

DAY 3: STRASBOURG, FRANCE

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.

DAY 4: LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four 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.

Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum 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 ☕️ – Delicious!

DAY 5: RÜDESHEIM

Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Then, 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, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge. This is the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle.

DAY 6: COLOGNE, GERMANY

Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus, and the Festival Hall. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. Next, enjoy potato pancakes served with applesauce 🥞(These are AMAZING!).

Feeling adventurous? Then you will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.

DAY 7: AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges, and houseboats. Then taste Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes 🍰

DAY 8: AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.

Visit Germany, The Netherlands, and France while cruising the Rhine River. Want to check out this magnificent area for yourself? Schedule a complimentary call with me to learn more about river cruising the Rhine or any of the other unique journeys through Europe. Just click here to book a time that works for you. 📆 Not quite ready to book that call? Want to learn a little more about me and my company? No worries, you can find out more on Facebook and Instagram or my website here! 😄 Learn more about river cruising 👉HERE.