Summary
Short description
Discover the wonders of the Rhine as you sail in style between Basel and Amsterdam
Highlights
- Sail the Rhine in the company of expert guides
- Enjoy a full programme of excursions, from city tours to countryside hikes
- Indulge in award-winning dining, inspired by the region
- Relax on the sun deck, with pool and swim-up bar
- Make the most of the Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour
In Brief
- 1 Night Basel
- 1 Night Breisach am Rhein
- 1 Night Strasbourg
- 1 Night Rüdesheim am Rhein
- 1 Night Lahnstein
- 1 Night Cologne
- 1 Night Amsterdam
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
December holidays | River cruise
This luxury Rhine river cruise begins in historic Basel, where you’ll set sail in style to explore medieval castles, Gothic cathedral and riverside wineries. Joining expert guides, you’ll be introduced to this spellbinding region across a series of excursions, ranging from city walking tours to scenic hikes in through the alpine countryside. Of course, you’ll also enjoy all the luxuries of AmaWaterways river ship, making the most of the sun-deck pool and swim-up bar, tucking into award-winning dining inspired by the region, and retiring to a spacious stateroom complete with on-demand entertainment and, in most cases, a delightful twin balcony.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart for Basel
Begin your holiday in style with included airport lounge access before your flight to Basel. Then, on arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your luxury river ship to settle into your stateroom before joining your fellow guests for a Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.
Stay: AmaWaterways concerto class ship
Meals: D
Day
2
Breisach
Arrive in Breisach, from where a choice of excursions will introduce you to region’s rich history and architecture, as well as the beauty of the countryside. Perhaps you’ll head to Riquewihr, a town almost unchanged since the 16th century. A walking tour will introduce you to such highlights as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, whose Gothic cathedral is said to have ‘the most beautiful spire on Earth’. Or, get active with a seasonal hike through the Black Forest or a wine country bike tour near Breisach itself.
Stay: AmaWaterways concerto class ship
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Strasbourg
Sail on to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace. Straddling the border of France and Germany, this region offers a unique flavour of both countries. Explore some of Stradbourg’s myriad highlights on a ‘Gems of the Alsace’ tour, taking in the likes of the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Then, enjoy a stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ‘La Petit France’ district, which looks as though it’s been lifted straight out of the pages of a fairytale. Again, there’s a more active option today, with the chance to explore the city on a guided bike tour.
Stay: AmaWaterways concerto class ship
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Ludwigshafen / Rüdesheim
You’ll arrive in Ludwigshafen today where a choice of three excursions awaits. Head along the Castle Road to visit the perfectly preserved town of Heidelberg, where you’ll visit its iconic sandstone castle and the Great Vat – an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. Otherwise, get active with a guided hike along the Philosopher’s Pass for sweeping views over the city, cruise the River Neckar to medieval Ladenburg or visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, to explore its UNESCO-listed cathedral. Later in the day, sail on to Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.
Stay: AmaWaterways concerto class ship
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Rüdesheim / Rhine Gorge / Lahnstein
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle.
Stay: AmaWaterways concerto class ship
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Cologne
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 mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce.
Stay: AmaWaterways concerto class ship
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Amsterdam
Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice 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. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café.
*Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Stay: AmaWaterways concerto class ship
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Depart for UK
After your final night in Amsterdam, it’s time to disembark. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Prices
Accommodation rating:
8-day river cruise
from £2,250 pp incl. flights
Save up to £600pp and free flights on selected departures
Book by: 30 June 2023
Special offer:
- Save up to £600 pp and enjoy free flights from the UK on selected departures
- Selected 2023 dates from £2,250 pp - limited availability
- Selected 2024 dates from £1,920 pp
Includes:
- Scheduled flights from the UK to Basel and back from Amsterdam
- Transfers between airport and ship before and after cruise
- 7-night AmaWaterways cruise
- Entertainment on demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
- Award-winning dining in a variety of venues
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- Immersive tours in every destination with gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Personal headset for easy exploration
Price varies by departure date and stateroom availability.
Various departure dates from March to December.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0615
Meet the team