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Historic Zurich with River Limmat, Switzerland

The Enchanting Rhine

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard MS Amastella
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Discover the wonders of the Rhine River on this magnificent 8-day cruise. Start with a city tour of picturesque Zürich, followed by two nights in this magical city, then enjoy a scenic drive to Vitznau on Lake Lucerne for a second two-night stay. Board the MS Amastella and visit Strasbourg in Alsace and the historic university town of Heidelberg before sailing the stunning Rhine River Gorge, lined with ruins of medieval castles and fortresses. After experiencing Cologne and its majestic Gothic cathedral, conclude your cruise in the grand capital of Amsterdam.
Wooden bridge over river in LucerneStrasbourg at duskVineyard underneath the Niederwald Monument, Rudesheim, GermanyExplore the inspiring AmsterdamCochemStrasbourgHeidelbergHistoric Zurich with River Limmat, Switzerland
Highlights
  • Visit St. Peter, which boasts the world’s largest church clock face
  • Bike along Strasbourg and stop at the Parc de l’Orangerie
  • Admire beautiful 17th-century homes and charming churches in Amsterdam
  • Visit the iconic Lion Monument sculpted in memory of the French Revolution
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: Arrive In Zurich, Switzerland

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

Day 2: Zurich

  • 1 Breakfast
Set alongside a glistening lake and framed by the Alps, Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which are on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you can find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse, a mile-long street featuring exclusive fashion boutiques, stores and street cafés. 

Day 3: Zurich | Lucerne

  • 1 Breakfast
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lake Lucerne, where you’ll enjoy a cruise across its tranquil waters. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your hotel. 

Day 4: Lucerne

  • 1 Breakfast
The iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory for the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. It has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries, including Mark Twain who praised it as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You can also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. Located around the Musegg Wall area, the towers rise high over the city, giving great panoramic views of Lucerne, the Reuss River and the surrounding mountain scenery. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city.

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: Breisach, Germany

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. 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. 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.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. 

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 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: Ludwigshafen, Germany | Rüdesheim

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 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, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.

Day 9: Rüdesheim | Rhine Gorge

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, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you can enjoy an exclusive festive celebration. 

Day 10: Düsseldorf

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will 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 will 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 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”; afterward, 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 Amastella

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,659 2-3 travelers
Cat. E
Violin & Cello Deck French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Cat.D
Piano Deck Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Cat.CB
Violin Deck French Balcony, 155 sq. ft.
Cat.CA
Violin & Cello Deck French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Cat.BB
Cello Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Cat.BA
Violin Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Cat.AB
Cello Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Cat.AA
Violin Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 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 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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