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Wooden bridge over river in Lucerne

The Enchanting Rhine - From Zurich to Amsterdam

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard MS Amasonata
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Observe how grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and progressive future on this 12-day tour from Zurich to Amsterdam. Enjoy a two night stay in Zurich followed by two nights in Lucerne, and embark the MS Amasonata for a cruise adventure from Basel to Amsterdam. Experience an extensive lineup of tours and excursions, including a city tour of Zurich, a visit to St. Peter church, a guided bike tour through Strasbourg and the Parc de l’Orangerie, a gondola ride along Rüdesheim, and more!
View of Strasbourg cityEhrenfels Castle on Rhine River near RudesheimOld city of Koblenz by nightWestern Church with water canal view in AmsterdamWooden bridge over river in Lucerne
Highlights
  • Tour Zurich and see Grossmünster Abbey, St. Peter, Old Town and Town Hall
  • Take in Lucerne's picture-postcard beauty & explore its preserved Old Town
  • Admire Riquewihr's historic architecture as well as famous sights
  • Visit a local tavern to taste Reibekuchen—pancakes served with apple sauce
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Zurich, Switzerland

Arrive in Zürich and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2: Zurich, Switzerland

  • 1 Breakfast
Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future, which comes to life on your city tour. See Grossmünster Abbey; St. Peter, which boasts the world’s largest church clock face; Old Town and Town Hall.

Day 3: Lucerne, Switzerland

  • 1 Breakfast
Depart Zurich for a scenic drive to Vitznau on Lake Lucerne. Admire the spectacular scenery during a lake cruise that takes you to Lucerne. Enjoy free time for lunch followed by a walking tour before being transferred to your hotel.

Day 4: Lucerne, Switzerland

  • 1 Breakfast
Spend the day at leisure taking in Lucerne's picture-postcard beauty. Explore the city’s well-preserved Old Town with its candy-colored houses, architectural treasures and ancient covered wooden bridge.

Day 5: Basel, Switzerland | Embark

Visit the iconic Lion Monument before transferring to Basel where you enjoy some free time for lunch before embarking on your ship.

Wine-themed Cruise: 
Visit the iconic Lion Monument before transferring to Basel where you enjoy some free time for lunch before embarking on your ship. Later in the evening, enjoy a welcome aboard wine toast.

Day 6: Riquewihr, France | Freiburg, Germany

Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” 

Wine-themed Cruise: 
Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. While there, enjoy a visit to a winery for a tasting of locally produced Alsatian wines. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Afterwards, visit a winery where you have the opportunity to taste their locally produced wines, and then continue on with a walking tour.

Day 7: Strasbourg, France

One of the most enchanting cities in Europe and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Grand Île, Strasbourg is a captivating destination. Discover its many treasures with a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Walk through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Prefer to enjoy the city more actively, then join a guided bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l’Orangerie. 

Wine-themed Cruise: 
One of the most enchanting cities in Europe and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Grand Île, Strasbourg is a captivating destination. Discover its many treasures with a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Walk through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Prefer to enjoy the city more actively, then join a guided bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l’Orangerie. Later in the afternoon, be treated to a special Alsatian wine tasting of some of the region’s most delicious and notable wine. Discover how the Vosges Mountains provide the Alsace with ideal winemaking conditions, and as such, Alsatian wines are not only delightful on the palate, but they’re also highly praised for their fragrant aromas, ranging from bright and fruity to crisp and spicy.

Day 8: Heidelberg | Rüdesheim, Germany

Today choose between three 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 and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, set sail to Rüdesheim, where you have the opportunity to visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or enjoy a tasting of Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.

Day 9: Rüdesheim | Rhine Castles | Koblenz, Germany

Spend the morning in Rüdesheim and enjoy a tasting of Riesling wines after a lovely gondola ride soaring high above the vineyards en route to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Alternatively, opt for a hike that takes you through the vineyards to Ehrenfels Castle, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Rhine. A third choice is cycling along the Rhine and through this scenic town. Later in the day, the ship sails through the enchanting UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Koblenz, where you can enjoy a guided walk through the lovely Old Town. 

Day 10: Cologne, Germany

Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000 year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. Or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. 

Day 11: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Eclectic Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have three choices 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 followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jordaan District walking tour or the Jewish Heritage tour. The Jordaan District tour begins at the Westerchurch and takes you past the Noordermarkt, the Karthuizerhof and the “9 streets”; afterwards, stop in a local café for a hot beverage and Dutch apple pie. The Jewish Heritage tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum chronicling the history of the Jews in Amsterdam.

Day 12: Amsterdam, Netherlands | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amasonata

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Rhine River Cruises.
Amasonata E cabin
Cat. E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata D cabin
Cat. D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata C
Cat. C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Amasonata BB cabin
Cat. BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft
Amasonata BA cabin
Cat BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Cat AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft
Amasonata AA cabin
Cat. AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Cat. AA+
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 250 sq. ft.
Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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