Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Scenic Amber. Cruise the legendary Rhine River on an immersive journey through Europe’s cultural and historical core. Explore medieval towns, dynamic cities, and iconic landscapes shaped by centuries of change. Tour castles, visit historic sites, and experience local traditions, from wine tastings in Alsace to thermal spas in Baden-Baden. Enjoy cycling excursions, a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, and exclusive access to a concert at Rastatt Palace. Highlights include a digital art showcase at Fabrique des Lumieres, set in a restored 19th-century gasworks.
Highlights
Explore Amsterdam’s historic canals and charming 17th-century streets
Stroll Cologne’s Old Town and majestic World Heritage-listed cathedral
Discover Koblenz’s Roman roots at the confluence of two grand rivers
Marvel at castles along the Rhine Gorge’s dramatic cliffside terrain
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.
Your journey starts in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, known for its network of canals, narrow streets, and well-preserved 17th-century architecture. Explore its historic charm and lively cafe culture before boarding your ship. This afternoon, meet your fellow guests and toast the beginning of an unforgettable cruise during the welcome reception.
Spend your morning exploring Amsterdam, the dynamic capital of the Netherlands. Renowned for its historic architecture, world-class art galleries, and 16th-century canal network, the city blends heritage with modern energy. Often called the Venice of the North, its UNESCO-listed canals remain largely unchanged for centuries, flanked by beautifully preserved buildings and crisscrossed by quaint bridges and cobbled laneways filled with cyclists.
Freechoice
Amsterdam Walking Tour: Rug up and explore Amsterdam on foot, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city center. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed.
Fabrique des Lumieres: Art springs to life in this impressive digital art installation, the largest in the Netherlands. Located in a former 19th-century gas works, pieces from renowned artists are projected onto the 17-meter-high walls, accompanied by music to create an immersive ambience.
Rijksmuseum Visit: The iconic Rijksmuseum is one of the premier museums in the Netherlands and has more than 8,000 pieces in its collection, including works from Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer. Your local guide will give you an overview before free time to explore at your leisure.
Arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne early this afternoon. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. With a late departure tonight, you can have some free time to explore the city on your own and get a taste of the nightlife.
Freechoice
Walking Tour of Old Town: Set out on foot to see the Old Town, admiring its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral.
Augustusburg Palace: Built for archbishop Clemens Augustin in 1725, Augustusburg Palace is one of Europe’s most beautiful Rococo buildings. Your local guide will escort you though the palace to see the exquisite rooms heavily decorated with marble and chandeliers.
Tour of Cologne Cathedral: The Cologne Cathedral or Kolner Dom as it is known locally is the largest Gothic Church in northern Europe and features twin towers that stand 157 meters tall. Join a local guide who will take you through this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site and learn its fascinating history as well as some quirky facts such as the story that the cathedral is said to contain the bones of the three wise men from the Bible.
One of Germany’s oldest cities, Koblenz was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago and is brimming with history. It sits where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and promises a mélange of French and German cultures. Koblenz is filled with parks and flowers and is the gateway to both the romantic Rhine Valley and the beautiful Moselle Valley.
Freechoice
Winter Winery Visit: Learn about the production of ‘ice wine’, a winter delicacy where the grapes are frozen whilst still on the vine. Taste some of this locally produced, sweet wine while you discover what is required to produce it.
Walking Tour of Koblenz: Join your guide to explore the old town’s winding streets, impressive townhouses, charming squares and historic churches, and visit the famed Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city.
Cochem & Moselle Valley: Travel through the beautiful Moselle Valley to the town of Cochem. Take a walking tour through its pretty centre, where cobbled lanes are lined with half-timbered houses, then visit the grand Reichsburg Castle.
Relax on board this afternoon as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65-kilometer stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden.
Arrive in Mannheim this morning. A large metropolitan centre, Mannheim still runs along its recognisable 18th-century grid pattern and is known for its grand Baroque squares, fountains and palace. Your Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region.
Freechoice
Orientation Tour of Heidelberg: Transfer by coach to Heidelberg for a brief walking tour of the city, including the Old Town, and then enjoy some free time. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground.)
Historical Tour of Heidelberg: Take a guided tour of Heidelberg, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Admire the views from balcony and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest Wine Barrel. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground.)
Excursion to Bad Durkheim: It’s just a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Durkheim. Visit the renowned property of Fritz Ritter, a ninth-generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine. Enjoy a tour and tasting.
Depart for Rastatt this evening.
Enrich
One of the most magnificent historic venues in the region, the Baroque Palace of Rastatt was modelled on the Palace of Versailles and hosts an evening of grandeur unlike any other. Explore the opulent palace and gardens, before sitting down to a private performance from accomplished musicians and a soloist.
Arrive in Rastatt, a Baroque town with an abundance of green spaces and two iconic palaces. It’s also the gateway to Baden-Baden, a spa town on the edge of the Black Forest. Its curative waters, thermal baths and luxurious hotels made it a favorite retreat of the European elite in the 19th century.
Freechoice
Walking Tour of Baden-Baden: Follow in the steps of renowned Europeans who spent summers in this famed spa town two centuries ago. See the elegant Kurhaus, built in the 1820s with a casino and luxury shopping in its colonnade, and explore the remains of the Roman baths.
Baden-Baden Spa Visit: Escape the winter chill as you relax and rejuvenate in the thermal baths of Caracalla Spa, permanently and naturally heated by thermal waters some 2,000 meters under the earth’s surface.
Schloss Favorite: Once a hunting lodge and summer palace for 18th century aristocrats (though used for seven weeks a year), Schloss Favorite is now the oldest of the German ‘porcelain palaces’ and the only one to survive intact. You may even be lucky enough to see it surrounded by snow.
Your ship will dock in Kehl, just across the border from the French city of Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region. Here, sherbert-colored, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. It’s a captivating blend of France and Germany, of a Medieval past and an innovative future. Strasbourg has an infectious, youthful energy and you regularly see the locals enjoying spontaneous soccer games and pop-up wine bars.
Freechoice
Guided Tour of Strasbourg: See the city’s most important sites on foot, like the cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile, and learn about its unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. (Note: this is an active walk.)
Alsace Wine Region: Travel by coach through the pretty Alsace wine region to the village of Obernai for some free time. Then visit Mittelbergheim for a wine tasting in a local cellar.
Day 8: Basel | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your cruise concludes this morning in Basel. Enjoy one final breakfast on board, taking with you lifelong memories of a remarkable journey.
Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to the terms and conditions.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$8,7902-3 travelers
Standard Suite E
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest amenities.
Standard Suite D
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest in amenities.
Single Balcony Suite BS
153-170ft2. Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveler. Enjoy fantastic views from your full-size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroom with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite C
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite BA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite BB
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Deluxe Balcony Suite BD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Junior Balcony Suite BJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Junior Balcony Suite B1J
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite A
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PP
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Deluxe Balcony Suite PD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Junior Balcony Suite RJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Royal Balcony Suite RR
360ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Panorama Suite RP
475ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Owner's Suite RO
520ft2. including outdoor balcony. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Notes
All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa or Mastercard. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Porterage
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Complimentary beverages
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
Passport or Visa fees
All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Super friendly & helpful . Jessica tailored the perfect vacation. We can't wait to begin the adventure.
Jeremy
1 day ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
1 day ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
tamara helland
1 day ago
Replied quickly
Could understand person clearly.
Dianne
5 days ago
He gave us honest information about different options we were considering, and he made everything happen in our shortened timeframe. We would be happy to work with him again!
