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Ehrenfels Castle on Rhine River near Rudesheim

Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only

Amsterdam - Basel - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amaviola
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Embark on an 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard the MS Amaviola. Shaped by vineyard-draped hills and timeless castles, the legendary Rhine enchants at every turn. Explore the charm of France’s Alsace region in vibrant Strasbourg and the storybook town of Colmar. Discover Breisach, perched above Rhine’s vineyards, and sun-kissed Freiburg, the gateway to the Black Forest. Step back in time in fabled towns, savoring local delights like Rudesheimer coffee and iconic German beer. From Amsterdam’s lively canals to the breathtaking Swiss Alps, immerse yourself in the heart of every destination.
Old buildings in AmsterdamKeukenhof GardensVineyard underneath the Niederwald Monument, Rudesheim, GermanyObserve Rudesheim's famous vineyardsRiquewihrEhrenfels Castle on Rhine River near Rudesheim
Highlights
  • Cruise Amsterdam’s scenic canals past colorful houses and arched bridges
  • Discover Cologne’s Gothic beauty with views of the towering cathedral
  • Explore Dusseldorf’s vibrant charm with a city tour and Altbier tasting
  • Sail the Rhine Gorge’s epic views past cliffs, castles, and vineyards
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Amsterdam | Embark

Embark on an unforgettable journey by boarding the ship in Amsterdam for your captivating Rhine cruise.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Amsterdam boasts an enchanting network of 165 canals, each offering a unique perspective of the city’s beauty on your canal cruise. Later in the day, embark on an unforgettable journey as you set sail from Amsterdam.

Day 3: Dusseldorf

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you can see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church.

Day 4: Rhine Gorge | Rudesheim

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim*. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or 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, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet 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.

*Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim on this day, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.

Day 5: Ludwigshafen

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of 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, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg.

Day 6: Strasbourg

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 7: Breisach

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.

Day 8: Basel | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amaviola

The grand entrance
Read a good book by the fire

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Apr 26, 2025from $4,039
  • May 10, 2025from $4,239
  • May 24, 2025from $4,239
  • Jun 7, 2025from $4,239
  • Jun 21, 2025from $4,239
  • Jul 5, 2025from $4,239
  • Jul 19, 2025from $4,239
  • Aug 2, 2025from $4,239
  • Aug 16, 2025from $4,339
  • Aug 30, 2025from $4,539
  • Sep 13, 2025from $4,639
  • Sep 27, 2025from $4,639
  • Oct 11, 2025from $4,539
  • Oct 25, 2025from $4,339
  • Nov 8, 2025from $4,139
  • Nov 22, 2025from $3,839
  • Dec 20, 2025from $4,139
  • Mar 28, 2026from $3,849
  • Apr 11, 2026from $4,149
  • Apr 25, 2026from $4,349
  • May 9, 2026from $4,449
  • May 23, 2026from $4,449
  • Jun 6, 2026from $4,449
  • Jun 20, 2026from $4,449
  • Jul 4, 2026from $4,449
  • Jul 18, 2026from $4,449
  • Aug 1, 2026from $4,449
  • Aug 15, 2026from $4,549
  • Aug 29, 2026from $4,849
  • Sep 12, 2026from $4,849
  • Sep 26, 2026from $4,849
  • Oct 10, 2026from $4,749
  • Oct 24, 2026from $4,449
  • Nov 7, 2026from $4,349
  • Nov 21, 2026from $4,149
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Per person starting at
$3,839
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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.CB
Violin Deck French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Cat.CA
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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Suite
Violin Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 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 might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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