Have questions? We're here.
Explore the inspiring Amsterdam

Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland

Amsterdam-Basel - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard River Empress
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Rhine River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Board the River Empress and delve into the history and culture of western Europe. Explore bustling cities and quiet villages, admire the stunning scenery of the Rhine River Valley, and wander the region’s world-renowned museums. Along the way, indulge in Central Europe’s delicious cuisine—Dutch cheese and fries, Alsatian choucroute, Swiss-style sausages, Kölsch beer, unique wine vinegar aperitifs and Germany’s famous white wines. Not only that, but you’ll discover Central Europe’s fascinating Jewish ties as part of the Jewish Heritage program.
Visit old town FrankfurtHistorical Delfshaven in RotterdamCruise through BaselAdmire the Kölner Dom, Europe's largest Gothic cathedralCruise the Rhine through CologneExplore the inspiring Amsterdam
Highlights
  • Experience the Jewish heritage in Amsterdam city tour.
  • Explore the architectural history and maritime heritage in Rotterdam.
  • Visit Arnhem and learn about its role in WWII
  • Tour the historic town of Speyer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Amsterdam | Embark

Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, where you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Enjoy the luxury of a full day in the “Venice of the North,” starting with a “Morning with the Masters” tour of the Hermitage Amsterdam. Afterwards, explore the city on foot. Or opt for a “Do as the Locals Do” Amsterdam walking tour or Amsterdam canal cruise. Learn about Jewish Heritage in the region with a visit to the Portuguese Synagogue and Jewish Museum. This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 3: Harlingen

Spend the day exploring the coastal Netherlands city of Harlingen. Choose between biking the islands, or a day exploring Harlingen village.

Day 4: Arnhem

Arnhem, almost completely destroyed in WWII, has blossomed into a burgeoning Dutch city, with several museums, shop-lined streets and historic landmarks. Choose a visit to the Arnhem Airborne Museum WWII, or go on a biking tour of the Arnhem airborne cycle route.

Day 5: Cologne

You have an array of choices for how you wish to experience Cologne’s many treasures. Those interested in history and architecture will want to stroll through the Old Town, featuring 12 stunning Romanesque churches. Guests interested in the city’s Jewish past are welcome to explore the centuries-old mikveh and Cologne’s Jewish quarter.

Day 6: Oberwesel

Bacharach is an ancient village that appears straight out of the pages of a storybook. Enjoy a guided stroll through town and taste some locally grown Rieslings, a specialty of the region. Alternatively, join a hike that will take you past the old town walls and up to a fortified 12th-century castle.

Day 7: Frankfurt

Frankfurt is known as a financial powerhouse with soaring skyscrapers as well as traditional Old Town architecture. Explore with a walking tour led by locals, or a tour by bike. Alternatively, delve into the Jewish history of the city with a specific focused tour. 

Day 8: Speyer (Worms)

Expect the unexpected in Speyer, where ancient treasures harmoniously coexist with modern-day innovation. Join a local expert for an intriguing guided stroll through the historic old town of Speyer, famous for its vast Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another option is the Jewish Heritage-focused excursion to an ancient center of learning and religion in Worms.

Day 9: Strasbourg

After docking in town, you’ll have a chance to discover Strasbourg’s many charms with a choice of excursions: a guided “Do as the Locals Do” walking tour of the Petite France district, stopping to try traditional Alsatian treats along the way; a “Let’s Go” bike tour that covers a bit more ground, including the European district; or an in-depth look at the city’s rich Jewish history, which dates back an astonishing 2,000 years.

Day 10: Basel

Ramble with your guide through the historic heart of Basel. Every historic square you see will hold a special charm. Explore by bike or walking tour, or opt for a history tour focusing on Jewish Heritage in Basel. 

This evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 11: Basel | Disembark

After breakfast, disembark the ship and continue on your travels or make your journey home.

Ship/Hotel

River Empress

River Empress Lobby
River Empress main lounge
Captain's lounge and library

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Rhine River Cruises.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
River Empress Classic Cabin
Classic
Magnificently appointed riverview stateroom located on the Moselle Deck (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) . Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes, and slippers.
River Empress Deluxe Cabin
Deluxe
Sumptuously appointed riverview stateroom located on the Danube and Main Deck (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) . Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes, and slippers.
River Empress French Balcony Cabin
French Balcony
Luxuriant appointed riverview stateroom located on the Rhine Deck (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes, and slippers.
River Empress Suite
Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview suite located on the Rhine Deck (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, waffle bathrobes, and slippers. Additional special amenities and services.

Notes

Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.

- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation. Solo occupancy pricing is dependent on cabin type, contact us for details.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Bilingual English-speaking guide
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • All gratuities, shipboard and shoreside 
  • Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
  • Guided “Do as the Locals Do” and “Let's Go” programs
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Airport Tax
  • Port Fees
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Passport or Visa fees

Map

When to Go

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

Top Rhine River Travel Destinations

Rhine River Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Rhine River

Rhine River Trips by Duration

Rhine River Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By