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The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

 
5.0 stars(6 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
$2,395 $2,195
Tour code
RHZ26
Mobility Rating 1
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View Dates & Pricing
Save up to $500

2026 Early Booking Offer: Save up to $500 per person on select vacations departing November 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026.

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Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Unforgettable Experiences

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 city 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.
Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railroad
Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railroad
Reach the summit of the towering Drachenfels on the heritage Drachenfelsbahn and enjoy panoramic views across the Rhine Valley.
Discovering the beautiful Moselle town of Cochem
Discovering the beautiful Moselle town of Cochem
Explore the well-preserved riverside town of Cochem, at the heart of the Moselle Valley wine region and dominated by the fairytale Reichsburg Castle.
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-spired Gothic masterpiece that took more than 600 years to complete.

Step Aboard the Luxurious MS Amadeus Star

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.

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What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Boarding our luxurious ship in Amsterdam

Your vacation begins as you land at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport and transfer independently to the Dutch capital.

On arrival in this popular city, you're greeted onboard our wonderful ship by the friendly crew and can sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. There is time to unwind and familiarize yourself with the luxurious new surroundings and settle into your cabin.

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 a fantastic cruise down the Rhine.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Canal boat cruise of Amsterdam and option to visit Volendam

Awaking on our floating hotel, we enjoy breakfast onboard before taking a sightseeing canal boat cruise of Amsterdam, taking in stunning views of the city's picturesque waterways and architecture. Crossed by more than a thousand bridges and lined by gabled mansions, the canals reveal the history and charm of the Dutch capital.

After lunch on board our ship, you could choose to stay in Amsterdam and explore at leisure. Alternatively, you could opt to join an excursion visiting Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. As well as being famed for Dutch cheese, Volendam is a stunning old town, with traditional houses lining serene canals and a small harbour.

During lunch on board this afternoon, we begin sailing to Cologne, embarking on our first relaxing cruise of the holiday.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Arrival in Cologne and riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn

On our approach to Cologne this morning, the city's bridges and imposing cathedral hone into view. When we arrive, a guided tour introduces us to its lively squares and Romanesque townhouses before a visit the city's impressive twin-spired cathedral, the largest in northern Europe. Standing in awe of this Gothic masterpiece, we also view the stained-glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark.

After lunch, we head for Königswinter to journey on the Drachenfels Cog Railroad. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenburg Castle - whose name translates as 'Dragon's Rock' and has inspired many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. Traveling to the summit, we can admire wonderful views across the rolling hills of the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

Departing Königswinter after dinner, we begin sailing towards the winding Moselle River.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Exploring Cochem at the heart of the Moselle Valley

During a morning of relaxed cruising, our luxurious ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River, passing the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley towards Cochem. This attractive town is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-colored buildings and half-timbered houses, dominated by the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour where we admire the fairytale Reichsburg. In Cochem's Old Town, we find well-preserved sections of the ancient walls and a former monastery that now houses a cultural center. Following the tour, there's time to explore the picturesque streets at leisure. The central square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and stores. It's a great place to soak in the local atmosphere.

We continue sailing after dinner on board as we journey back downstream towards Koblenz, where we leave the Moselle behind and rejoin the Rhine.

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

There's free time this morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. We recommend strolling to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers where you'll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Setting sail, we encounter a 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 a siren whose song has enchanted passing sailors.

We dock in Rüdesheim and travel to the center of this renowned wine town by land train. Here, there's 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're free to explore the town's cobbled streets, including colorful Drosselgasse.

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

Cruising towards the Upper Rhine, we arrive in the city of Mannheim after breakfast. From here, we journey by coach to charming Heidelberg for a guided tour. The university town is known for its pretty Old Town and stunning 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 and river.

Back onboard, we begin sailing to Speyer after lunch. Arriving later this afternoon, you can discover one of Germany's oldest cities at your own pace. There's 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 onboard ahead of a restful overnight sailing upstream.

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

Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there's a choice of two wonderful excursions. The first is a trip into the magical Black Forest to witness stunning views. Germany's largest nature park filled with rolling hills, fairytale villages, dense forests and wildflower meadows. On an exploration of this idyllic setting, you'll 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.

Following your excursion this afternoon, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our final cruise towards Switzerland, enjoying the picturesque vistas enroute.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Day 8- Homeward bound

The changing landscapes of the Rhine have been revealed on this journey from Amsterdam and the Dutch tulip fields to Strasbourg and the Black Forest. Enroute, we have soaked in breathtaking scenery from our front-row seats, gliding through the stunning Rhine Gorge and along the meandering Moselle.

After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. Making your way by rail from Basel to Zürich Airport, your delightful Rhine cruise experience comes to an end, and you are free to make your way home.

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.

Ship Information

See more details about this tour's ship.

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MS Amadeus Star Cabin DS | Vacations by Rail
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 metres, and come with additional touches that adds just that extra touch of opulence.

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MS Amadeus Star Cabin A1| Vacations by Rail
Deluxe Stateroom - Upper Deck

With your first steps into your Deluxe Stateroom, the impressive amount space is immediately apparent, with plenty of room for luggage, clothes and souvenirs included in your 17.5 square metres.

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MS Amadeus Star Cabin B1 | Vacations by Rail
Deluxe Stateroom - Middle Deck

With your first steps into your Deluxe Stateroom, the impressive amount space is immediately apparent, with plenty of room for luggage, clothes and souvenirs included in your 17.5 square metres.

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MS Amadeus Star Cabin C1| Vacations by Rail
Classic Stateroom - Lower Deck

We take great pride in the quality, comfort and elegance that makes up the 16 square metres of our Classic Staterooms, which make up the majority of our on board accommodation. And we recognise the importance of having somewhere inviting to retire to after an engaging day of cruising or excursions.

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Reviews

5.0 stars5.0 / 5 · 6 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (6)
  2. 4 stars
    (0)
  3. 3 stars
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  4. 2 stars
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  5. 1 star
    (0)

Gary Hallengren

5 stars

Submitted 14/Jun

We enjoyed the cruise on the Rhine river. The excursions were very enjoyable. The food was very good. the service was exceptional.

Collected by Trustpilot

Lisa Shields

5 stars

Submitted 13/Jun

Great time! Great boat and crew!

Collected by Trustpilot

Joanne Crosbie

5 stars

Submitted 2/Jun

The cruise was everything wonderful and we really enjoyed the time on the ship and the excursions

from Vacations By Rail
Hi Joanne - nice to hear from you again, especially with such a great review! We're glad to hear you enjoyed travelling with us and hope to do it again soon!
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Ski Bum

5 stars

Submitted 20/May

It was a great cruise with excellent staff both from cruise directors to cruise staff. Would be nice to have a little more time during excursions. Need to coordinate disembarkations procedure’s better between VBR and GRJ.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi - thanks for checking in with this review. I'm relieved to hear that the cruise staff was able to sort out some the hiccups you encountered along the way - I'll be sure to pass along these comments to the tour development team!
Thanks, we were told to submit our taxi receipt for reimbursement, transportation from Basel port to Basel Rail terminal. Haven’t been home long enough to get submitted, how and where should I submit documents. Thanks again, Gary Nesbitt
2 comments

Collected by Trustpilot

Scott Hart

5 stars

Submitted 20/May

The trip was fine and fun. The arrangements: the details of the excursions CHANGED from the time when I bought it in March 2024 to the time of the trip on May 5th, 2025. The details also said that transportation is provided to the Zurich Airport from Basel where embarkation takes places. It was not included, and this had to be specially arranged by the cruise director for about 20 people - and I would like to thank Robb for his extra efforts to make this happen. Robb saved your reputation!

Collected by Trustpilot

John Nickelson

5 stars

Submitted 17/May

Rob and staff were outstanding. Loved our room.

Collected by Trustpilot

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