Have questions? We're here.
Visit beautiful and historic Strasbourg

Rhine Highlights

Amsterdam - Basel - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Scenic Amber
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Rhine River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
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.
Admire the Kölner Dom, Europe's largest Gothic cathedralLa Petite district in StrasbourgKoblenz at nightStop in beautiful Basel, SwitzerlandStop to explore MannheimRomantic evening light over BaselAmsterdam is known for its citizens' love for bikes!Visit beautiful and historic Strasbourg
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 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

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.

Day 2: Amsterdam

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.

Day 3: Cologne

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.

Day 4: Koblenz

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.

Day 5: Mannheim

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.

Day 6: Rastatt

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.

Day 7: Kehl

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.

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Amber

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Mar 9, 2026from $8,790
  • Mar 16, 2026from $10,290
  • Apr 6, 2026from $9,990
<Mar 2026>
SMTWTFS
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930311234
Deal available

Deals

Special Deals 27517
Book your Scenic Eclipse cruise for select 2025-2027 departures between April 1 - July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $2000 per suite on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 120 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $500 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to GP, OP, OT, SB, SA, S or P cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 120 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $250 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2027 Scenic Eclipse Cruises

Special Deals 27518
Book your Scenic River cruise for select 2025-2026 departures between April 1 - July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $1,500 per suite on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $500 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to RP, RR, RO, R, RA, RD, RS or RJ cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 90 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $125 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2026 Scenic River Cruises

Per person starting at
$8,790
Select a Date
Standard Suite E
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest amenities.
Select a Date
Standard Suite D
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest in amenities.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
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

Map

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.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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