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River CruiseRiver Cruise

The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

 
4.8 stars(17 reviews)
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
202620272028
Duration
8 days
From per person
$2,495 $2,295
Tour code
RHZ27
Mobility Rating 1
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Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Experience a leisurely cruise vacation, sailing from the iconic canals of Amsterdam and Germany's breathtaking Rhine Gorge to the Black Forest and Basel in Switzerland

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Europe, from the Netherlands to Switzerland, on a luxury river cruise vacation.

Sail through four countries, admiring forested valleys, half-timbered towns and historic cities lining the Rhine's picturesque banks. Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with stunning castles, lush forests and sprawling vineyards, and discover the sights of Strasbourg, the magical landscapes of the Black Forest and timeless German cities, including Heidelberg. Each port of call is a chance to uncover the magic of the Rhine.

Unforgettable Experiences

Setting sail on a five-star Amadeus ship
See Europe from a new perspective on board our exquisite chartered ship, and enjoy first-class service, inclusive meals and drinks packages, and included excursions as you relax and marvel at breathtaking scenery.
Admiring views of the romantic Rhine Gorge
Admiring views of the romantic Rhine Gorge
Sail through this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with hilltop castles, verdant forests and vineyard-clad slopes, and discover the legends of the Lorelei Rock.
Visiting Heidelberg, the ‘Jewel of Germany’
Visiting Heidelberg, the ‘Jewel of Germany’
Delve into the history of this picturesque riverside destination on a guided tour, marveling at the ruins of a red sandstone castle that towers over this renowned university city.
Uncovering picturesque Rüdesheim
Uncovering picturesque Rüdesheim
Choose between a wine tasting or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet on an exploration of this charming village, famed for its quaint Drosselgasse Alley, where many local wine bars are found.
Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railway
Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railway
Ascend to the summit of the towering Drachenfels Mountain while riding on the heritage Drachenfels Railway to soak up panoramic views across the Rhine Valley from the top.
Exploring the German city of Cologne
Exploring the German city of Cologne
Discover the city’s bustling streets and squares, as well as its famous cathedral, a twin-spited Gothic masterpiece that took more than 600 years to complete.

Step Inside Your Luxurious Ship

Enticing Onboard Amenities
Enticing Onboard Amenities
With nightly entertainment on the ship, a fitness center, massage facilities, shuffleboard, giant chess, a wine bar, an exclusive Amadeus Club, and included meals, each journey can be as exciting – or relaxed – as you choose.
Chef-prepared Cuisine
Chef-prepared Cuisine
Each meal is an event to remember during your Rhine cruise, with regionally inspired breakfast and lunch options, delicious four-course dinners with complimentary drinks, and a fantastic captain’s gala on the final night.
Attentive Service
Attentive Service
As you cruise down the romantic Rhine River, enjoy impeccable service from a well-trained staff, each member there to answer your questions, refresh your beverages and ensure your comfort as you drift between ports.
Comfortable Cabin Choices
Comfortable Cabin Choices
Whether a Deluxe Suite on the Upper Deck, a Deluxe Stateroom on the Upper or Middle Decks, or a Classic Stateroom on the Lower Deck, each cabin offers an idyllic retreat on the water.
Noteworthy Destinations
Noteworthy Destinations
A showcase of heritage and culture awaits along the Rhine, with ports of call ranging from cultural cities and historical hotspots to breathtaking natural expanses, including the Rhine Gorge, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1To Amsterdam to board our luxurious ship

Your Rhine cruise vacation begins today in the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. As you arrive, make your own way to the waterfront, where our specially chartered river cruise ship awaits on the Rhine.

You are greeted by the friendly Amadeus crew and shown to your cabin, where you can get settled in before enjoying a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. There is time to unwind and continue to familiarize yourself with the luxurious new surroundings until the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travelers join you on board.

Later this evening, we enjoy our first dinner together in the panoramic restaurant, accompanied by a performance from a traditional Dutch sea shanty choir - the perfect start to our cruise down the Rhine River. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Amsterdam canal boat cruise and optional trip to Volendam

Waking on our floating hotel, we enjoy breakfast onboard before getting to know Amsterdam on a sightseeing canal boat cruise. This is an iconic way to see the city, and we have the best seat to soak up stunning views of the picturesque canals, bridges and architecture.

Alternatively, you could choose to join an optional excursion: a visit to Volendam and Edam. These two historic towns are renowned for their cheese heritage, which can be uncovered on a guided tour. As well as being famed for Dutch cheese, Volendam is a stunning old town, with traditional houses lining serene canals and a small harbor.

Later, we embark on our first relaxing cruise of the trip, sailing through the Lower Rhine and enjoying dinner as the ship drifts along the river this evening. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Exploring the historic city of Cologne

Sailing through the morning, we can enjoy the views as we approach Cologne. Arriving around midday, the city's bridges and imposing cathedral come into view.

After lunch on board, we embark on a guided tour that introduces us to its squares and Romanesque townhouses. This German city sits beside the Rhine and was founded as a military camp by the Romans, who named it Colonia, from which the modern term "colony" is derived. The city's most iconic landmark is its impressive cathedral, the largest in northern Europe. Construction of this UNESCO-listed edifice began in 1248 to house relics of the Three Wise Men. Rising more than 515 feet with spectacular twin spires, this Gothic masterpiece is the most visited attraction in Germany. There is time here to stand in awe and marvel at its ornate carvings and stained-glass windows before we wrap up our tour with a local beer tasting.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner while moored in Cologne, and since we overnight here, you could stroll along the river this evening. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn

Enjoy a morning of relaxed sailing as we leave Cologne and continue south along the Rhine, passing through Bonn en route to our first destination for the day.

After lunch, we dock in Königswinter for a trip on the Drachenfels Cog Railway, a vacation highlight. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenburg Castle - the name of which translates as "Dragon's Rock" and has inspired many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. Traveling to the summit, we can admire views across the rolling hills of the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

Departing Königswinter this evening, we begin sailing toward Koblenz and enjoy dinner on the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the highest cold-water geyser in the world, which erupts up to heights of nearly 200 feet on the approach to Andernach. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Through the magical Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim

Enjoy a free morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. Stroll to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers to find yourself surrounded by inspiring vistas, including Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Setting sail, we encounter another highlight of our cruise after lunch as we drift through the romantic Rhine Gorge. This UNESCO-listed section of the river is renowned for its spectacular views. Winding around bends surrounded by miles of vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns, we also hear the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Soaring almost 500 feet out of the water, this monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, including the tale of an enchanting siren.

We dock in Rüdesheim and travel to the center of this renowned wine town by land train. Here, you have a choice of excursions. You could savor Rüdesheim's most famous produce with a tasting of the finest local varieties of wine or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. After dinner, you are free to explore the town's cobbled streets, including the iconic Drosselgasse Alley. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Along the Upper Rhine to Heidelberg and Speyer

Cruising toward the Upper Rhine, we arrive in the city of Mannheim after breakfast. From here, we journey by coach to Heidelberg for a guided tour. The picturesque university town is known for its Old Town and riverfront, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests, river and cityscape.

Back on the ship, we begin sailing to Speyer after lunch. Arriving later this afternoon, you can discover one of Germany's oldest cities at your own pace. The city boasts a beautiful Old Town, and among the highlights is the 11th-century cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most important landmarks of the Holy Roman Empire.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner on board ahead of a restful overnight sailing upstream. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7Reaching Strasbourg with an optional Black Forest excursion

Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, you can choose between two excursions. The first is a trip into the magical Black Forest to witness stunning views. Germany's largest nature park is filled with rolling hills, fairytale villages, dense forests and wildflower meadows. On an exploration of this idyllic setting, you can learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg. Alsace is now in France, but was once part of Germany. The grand architecture of its main city reflects this blend of the two cultures. On the tour, we visit its striking cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district. Home to tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages, this pretty area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled streets, flower-lined canals and beautiful half-timbered houses.

After your excursion this afternoon, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our final cruise toward Switzerland, enjoying the picturesque vistas en route. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Traveling home

The changing landscapes of the Rhine have been revealed on this journey from Amsterdam and the idyllic Dutch countryside to Strasbourg and the Black Forest. En route, we have soaked up breathtaking scenery from our front-row seats, gliding through the stunning Rhine Gorge between Koblenz and Rüdesheim and sailing into cities whose stories have been written over many centuries.

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to our crew and disembark our ship for the final time. You are free to begin your travels home, either transferring to Basel's airport to fly home or riding the train to Zürich's airport.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

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Ship Information

See more details about this tour's ship.

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MS Amadeus Amara Cabin DS | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Suites - Upper Deck

Travel the rivers in the utmost comfort and style when you choose to stay in one of our incredible Deluxe Suites. These cabins are larger than the others on board, at 26.4 square meters, and come with additional touches that add just that extra touch of opulence, including private walk-out balconies and lounge areas.

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MS Amadeus Amara Cabin A1 | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Upper Deck

Discover the perfect balance of luxury and relaxation when you choose to stay in one of our Deluxe Staterooms. Offering 17.5 square meters, these cabins offer plenty of room to ensure a comfortable experience, with a drop-down panoramic window to take in the river views.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Amara Cabin B1 | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Middle Deck

Discover the perfect balance of luxury and relaxation when you choose to stay in one of our Deluxe Staterooms. Offering 17.5 square meters, these cabins offer plenty of room to ensure a comfortable experience, with a drop-down panoramic window to take in the river views.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Amara Cabin C1 | Great Rail Journeys
Classic Stateroom - Lower Deck

Designed with both style and practicality in mind, our 16 square meter Classic Staterooms offer a peaceful and well-equipped space for your journey, offering an inviting space to relax and unwind after an Designed with both style and practicality in mind, our 16 square meter Classic Staterooms offer a peaceful and well-equipped space for your journey, offering an inviting space to relax and unwind after an engaging day of cruising or excursions.engaging day of cruising or excursions.

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Reviews

4.8 stars4.8 / 5 · 17 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (14)
  2. 4 stars
    (2)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Frank Senn

5 stars

Submitted 13/Jun

Beautiful ship well managed with excellent services.

Collected by Trustpilot

Frank Senn
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Anette

5 stars

Submitted 4/Jun

the cruise was wonderful, from the boat to the food, to the staff, and entertainment. I do feel that the next day activity sheet could be a bit more specific, as they were a bit confusing at times. I would highly recommend this cruise and the company !! I will be sailing again!! thank you all.

Collected by Trustpilot

Janine Sherman

5 stars

Submitted 20/May

Overall it was wonderful. The food was good but not great. Narrow options, wish they had more than pasta and Caesar salad as everyday options. The staff, itinerary, and organization of the cruise was superb.

Collected by Trustpilot

Matthew Bernasconi

5 stars

Submitted 20/May

This cruise was beyond our expectations. Food & staff were amazing. We’re booking the Danube next! Thank you!

Collected by Trustpilot

Matthew Bernasconi
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Neil Dawes

5 stars

Submitted 16/May

Fantastic cruise, great ship’s crew and well led experience of a life time

Collected by Trustpilot

Neil Dawes
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Barry Blumenthal

5 stars

Submitted 16/May

Great cruise, excellent food, amazing views.

Collected by Trustpilot

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