Begin your European river cruise on the MS Amasonata in vibrant Amsterdam, enjoying her legendary canals and colorful surroundings. Visit the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the historic university town of Heidelberg, the Alsation capital of Strasbourg, and take an excursion to the legendary Black Forest region. Conclude your journey in the midst of Switzerland’s stunning scenery and world-famous cities, enjoying lakeside excursions and alpine vistas.
Highlights
Cruise the intertwining canals of Amsterdam en route to Cologne
Take a gondola ride above Rudesheim to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue
Join guided bike tours in Germany and France
Explore Zurich & see St. Peter with the world's largest church clock face
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour. Begin with a scenic canal cruise and see the tall narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge, and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WWII. Next, walk to Begijnhof, known for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and have some free time to explore. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour on which you may see the Royal Palace, Westerkerk and stop for photos at a Dutch windmill before returning to the ship. This afternoon depart for Germany.
Your guided tour of Cologne this morning includes the Old Town, Cathedral Square, and the city’s majestic Gothic cathedral. Afterwards, use your free time to visit some of the local shops or have a coffee at a quaint café. This afternoon the ship cruises to Koblenz and moors overnight.
This morning, cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, admiring its many castles and fortress ruins and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim where you have the option to take one of three excursions: wine tasting with a local vintner, a gondola ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, or a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to one of Germany's best wine regions. Later take some free time to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous and charming street, a narrow passage lined with shops and taverns. This evening, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of old robotic and self-playing musical instruments, or enjoy some Rüdesheimer Coffee. The ship sails overnight.
Arrive in Mannheim, where you have a choice of one of three excursions this afternoon. Your first option is a half-day excursion to the historic university town of Heidelberg, where you may visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. Or, for your second option, enjoy a hike up the Philosopher's Path to a panoramic view point of Heidelberg. Your third option is a city tour of Speyer. One of Germany’s oldest cities, it is known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the medieval Altpörtel (Old Gate). This evening, the ship continues onward to Strasbourg, France.
Capital city of France’s Alsace region, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. After arriving this morning, enjoy either a panoramic bus tour or guided bike tour that takes you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, explore on foot with a walking tour of the lovely “La Petite France” neighborhood, where you see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. You also have the option of exploring Strasbourg on a guided hike that begins at the Orangery and makes its way to the cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish before the ship departs tonight.
You have three exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town renowned for its historic architecture and for its Riesling wines. A second option is a tour of the beautiful towns of Breisach and Freiburg, where you can visit the historical city center and Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Your third choice is a guided bike tour of Breisach that takes you through the Rheinau woods. Tonight, the ship cruises towards Switzerland.
Day 8: Basel, Switzerland | Disembarkation | Lucerne
1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast for a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. A longtime center for banking, commerce and trade, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite old homes. After free time for lunch on your own, depart for postcard-perfect lakeside city of Lucerne. Visit the Lion Monument en route, a dramatic sculpture that honors the Swiss Guards who once protected the French kings. Arrive in Lucerne mid-afternoon and check into your hotel.
Day 9: Lucerne
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem. See some of the city’s lovely cobblestone streets, monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for Swiss-made watches, knives and delicious chocolates.
Day 10: Lucerne | Zurich
1 Breakfast
This morning, take a leisurely cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. Here, board a motor coach for a scenic drive through the countryside, passing alpine lakes and small villages. Stop in one, Brunnen, where you may explore and try local cuisine. Later arrive in Zurich, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 11: Zurich
1 Breakfast
Your morning city tour of Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, includes Grossmünster Abbey (which offers exceptional views of Zurich), St. Peter (which boasts the world’s largest church clock face), Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster Abbey, home to five world-famous Chagall windows. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the town on your own.
Day 12: Depart in Zürich
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,759
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Cat. E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
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Cat. D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
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Cat. C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Cat. BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft
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Cat BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft
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Cat. AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Cat. AA+
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 250 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
Notes
Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
1 day ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
3 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
4 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.