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Bridge in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland

Amsterdam to Basel - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard S.S. Antoinette
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Experience an 11-day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard the S.S. Antoinette. Sail through the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, discovering the cultural richness and scenic beauty along one of Europe’s most iconic rivers. Begin in Amsterdam, then visit Harlingen’s maritime canals and Nijmegen, the country’s oldest city. In Germany, explore Cologne’s Romanesque churches, hike to a hilltop castle in Oberwesel, and sample Rieslings in Mainz. Continue to Speyer’s historic center and Strasbourg’s cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses. Learn about the region’s Jewish heritage and enjoy guided tours, wine and vinegar tastings, and city walks. Conclude in Basel with a tour of its Old Town and Rhine-side landmarks.
Enjoy a tranquil stroll in AmsterdamCruise the Rhine through CologneStop to explore MannheimStroll through romantic StrasbourgBridge in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Highlights
  • Walk through Cologne’s Romanesque churches and Jewish quarter
  • Stroll Strasbourg’s timber-framed streets and learn Jewish heritage
  • Hike to medieval castle ruins above Oberwesel’s vineyards
  • Discover Roman history in Nijmegen, Netherlands’ oldest city
Activities
Places Visited
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: Amsterdam | Embark

Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. For those with a group or private transfer included in their cruise package, a Uniworld representative provides transport to the ship.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands and has served as an international port and financial center for centuries, with a mix of historic architecture and modern influences.

In the evening, attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Featured Excursion
Respect in the Red Light District
The Red Light District—or, as it is referred to locally, De Wallen—has been the center of Amsterdam’s sex work industry for several hundred years. It’s famous for the neon lights, partygoers, and “coffeeshops” that proliferate in the area, as well as the windows where some of the sex workers stand to attract clients. Today, you’ll visit the Prostitution Information Center to discover the important work they’re doing to educate visitors on the lives of sex workers for a respectful take on the popular Red Light District tour. Meet one of their experts, a current De Wallen sex worker, for a fascinating talk on the history of the district and her story. After, she give you pointers on places to explore in the area (guided walking tours past the windows are not allowed here), followed by a Q&A back at the center.

Choose between:
STRAAT Museum & Canal Cruise
In Amsterdam Noord, you’ll find the NDSM Wharf, a lively area known for its popular bars, restaurants, and artsy atmosphere. Street art proliferates here, where it is not only tolerated but a valued contributor to the culture. That makes the NDSM Wharf the perfect place for STRAAT, a unique Amsterdam museum dedicated to street art, built into a former NDSM wharf warehouse. Works by over 170 different street artists are displayed here, all created on site for a larger-than-life scale and ultra-immersive experience.
After your tour of STRAAT, partake in a classic Amsterdam experience: the canal cruise.

OR
Visit to Portuguese Synagogue and Jewish Museum
Anyone who has read The Diary of Anne Frank knows what happened to Amsterdam’s Jews under the Nazis. But not everyone knows that the Jewish community began in the city when Sephardic Jews fled Spain and Portugal after 1492, a group of successful merchants and professionals who in turn sponsored Ashkenazi migrants fleeing Central Europe in the 17th century. Visit the Jewish Historical Museum, with its meticulous re-creation of the Great Synagogue, compelling exhibit called “Friday Night” and lively children’s area, and the nearby Portuguese Synagogue, before strolling through the former Jewish Quarter (Rembrandt lived in in this neighborhood, and he often asked his Jewish neighbors to pose for his Old Testament scenes; his house is now a museum and is one of the few original houses still standing in the area). Today’s Jewish community is largely centered in Amstelveen, where some 15,000 Jews live, work and worship in one of the largest and most vibrant communities in Europe.

Day 3: Harlingen

The only seaport left in Friesland, Harlingen is a bustling fishing center and the launch point for ferries to local islands. A quaint town, its canals are filled with sailboats and lined by traditional Dutch houses and historic buildings. Harlingen’s beaches are an excellent place to relax and breathe in the salted air of the Wadden Sea.

Featured Excursion
Village Day: Harlingen
Harlingen is an attractive port town on the Wadden Sea—local legend has it that the only reason Harlingen isn’t under the Wadden Sea is because of the actions of a young boy, who plugged up the local dike with one finger and thereby saved the city from sinking. It is, of course, just a fun story, but a statue in his honor can be found near the docks nonetheless.

Today you’ll stroll through Harlingen’s canals and quaint alleyways with a local guide. Many of the buildings here have been around for three or four centuries, giving the town a historic feel. Keep an eye out for the gable stones on older buildings, small plaques with unique carvings used to help people find their way before numerical addresses were popularized.

You have the opportunity to dive deep into the Frisian area with one of two different experiences:

1. Head to a horse farm where the characteristically large and agile black Friesian horse is raised. After learning about the farm’s work and Frisian culture, you’ll be treated to a horse show.

2. Take a short drive to the city of Franeker, where you’ll find the oldest working planetarium in the world hanging from the ceiling of a beautiful canal house. This accurately moving model of the solar system was built between 1774 and 1781 by the Frisian wool comber, Eise Eisinga, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You also visit a historic mill, still active today as a grain mill.

Day 4: Nijmegen

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, having begun as an old Roman military camp over 2,000 years ago. Very close to the German border, its situation between the Meuse and Waal rivers renders its countryside particularly lush. In town, you’ll find hints of its Roman roots and medieval castles. Notwithstanding its long history, Nijmegen is known for its upbeat and trendy atmosphere.

Choose between:
Visit of Palace "Het Loo"
Immerse yourself in the history of the Dutch Royal family today as you visit the palace known as “Het Loo.” Built at the behest of William of Orange in the 17th century, it was a summer residence for his family. Now, in the 21st century, the palace serves as a museum, so travelers and locals can marvel at the stunning decorations and gardens that were once reserved for Dutch royalty. The heritage of this building and the House of Orange-Nassau are excellently preserved, all of which you can learn about at your leisure as you admire the beautiful property.

OR
Let's Go: Nijmegen Riverland Biking
This picture-perfect outing offers you the chance to pedal past everything from the oldest Dutch city and a tiny polder village to quaint tea gardens and the Bay of Bison. Apart from the many natural wonders you are sure to encounter, you’ll enjoy a glimpse into the technological advances in water management of the Nijmegen area. Cycle along the beautiful terrain of the Dutch countryside, starting next to the Waal Bridge, where U.S. forces famously got stuck for nine months amid World War II. You’ll bike past the Valkhof, a Roman fortress featuring ruins, a historic chapel, and a new art museum.

As you ride along the hills of Ubbergen and Beek, you’ll marvel at the many handsome homes and views of the polders below. Leave the Dutch “mountains” behind as you descend into the charming polders, with their verdant landscapes, farms, and some of the smallest towns and churches in the country.

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 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.

Choose between
Cologne Walking Tour with Old Town Visit
Meander through the narrow, cobbled lanes of Old Town, lined with traditional houses in every color and a plethora of restaurants and pubs. Along the way, you are treated to a traditional Krapfen, a jam-filled donut that is popular in the area.

One of the city's 12 Romanesque churches provides a castle-like backdrop to this quaint, riverside quarter of Cologne. Your local expert take you to the Domplatte, the square where you'll find the Cologne Cathedral. Should you wish, you can head inside this Gothic building on your own to see the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is believed to contain the relics of the Magi, and the beautiful stained-glass windows. Otherwise, try asking your guide for tips on what to explore. Whatever your interests, the local expert knows all the best spots in town!

NOTE: On Sundays and Catholic holidays, tours inside the cathedral are not allowed, but individual visits are still welcome.

OR
Cologne’s Jewish History
The history of the Jewish people in Cologne is nearly as long as the history of Cologne itself. The first documented mention of the Jewish community is a 321 AD edict allowing Jews to become members of the curia, a class of public office in the Roman Empire. The community fluctuated over the centuries, and eventually came to number around 19,500 people before Nazism and World War II. In the years since, the Jewish community of Cologne has slowly re-established itself, now numbering about 4,500 members. Because of its history, today’s synagogue calls itself “the oldest Jewish congregation north of the Alps.”

Meet the guides and head towards the site of the thriving medieval Jewish Quarter, where a museum dedicated to Jewish history is currently being constructed around the archeological site. Learn about some of the discoveries they’ve made from excavations here before moving on to the final portion of the tour, where you’ll meet a member of Cologne’s Jewish community at either a synagogue or at a memorial site known as Jawne. Formally the only Jewish grammar school in the Rhineland, Jawne is now a small, volunteer-run learning and center dedicated to the memory of a school head who saved many of his pupils from deportation and death.

Day 6: Oberwesel

Oberwesel is a medieval 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 “Let's Go” hike that take you through the ruins of a fortified 13th-century castle.

Choose between:
Oberwesel with Riesling Tasting
What would a cruise on the Rhine be without a stop at one of the picturesque and historic wine villages that dot its banks? Oberwesel has a long history, perhaps getting its start even before the Romans as a Celtic settlement. A walk through town shows you remnants of the town's medieval history, particularly the old town walls—paid for by the city's flourishing wine trade. Following your tour, you'll have a chance to taste Oberwesel's excellent Rieslings.

OR
Let’s Go: Rheinfels Castle & Tunnels
This excursion offers an active twist on the classic Rhineland castle tour, perfect for those looking for an invigorating hike and who are comfortable with some uneven terrain. Your guide takes you through the ruins of this 13th-century fortress, so extensively fortified that it withstood attacks from the nearly 30,000-strong French army force. For an extra dose of medieval mystique, you’ll make sure to head into the tunnels underneath the castle during the visit.

Day 7: Mainz

The capital city of the Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz is a vibrant and beautiful hub from which to explore the surrounding region.

Choose between
Wiesbaden Walking Tour
Wiesbaden, which translates to “Meadow Baths,” stands as one of Europe’s oldest spa towns thanks to its plentiful hot springs. This, coupled with its balmier climate, has also granted it the nickname of “The Nice of the North” and the reputation of a town of leisure. Walk the streets of Wiesbaden and discover this nuanced and architecturally rich city. One of the region’s most opulent opera houses, the neoclassical Kurhaus spa-house, an historic casino, and the Kochbrunnen hot-spring fountain can all be found in this fabulous city.

OR
Idstein Discovery Tour
Journey to tucked-away Idstein, where colorful half-timbers and stone alleyways lend the town an irresistible charm. As you stroll around with your expert guide, pay close attention to the buildings lining the streets; some of them have interesting embellishments that add a distinctive flair to Idstein’s iteration of the classic German half-timber. Before returning to the ship, you’ll sample a local favorite treat, the Idsteiner Nuss, a sweet confection comprised of nougat, walnuts, and chocolate.

Day 8: Speyer (Mannheim)

Expect the unexpected in Speyer, where ancient treasures harmoniously coexist with modern-day innovation. Enjoy a walking tour of Speyer, visit a vinegar estate for a tour and tasting, or join the “Jewish Heritage” excursion to ancient centers of learning and religion.

Choose between:
Speyer Walking Tour with Local Treats
Start your tour with a walk down Maximilian Street. First laid-out by Roman soldiers, it is now Speyer’s most popular promenade, open only to pedestrian traffic and lined by neatly restored baroque houses. Follow this path to the medieval church, where you’ll discover the remnants of an 11th century Jewish community and its vaulted ritual baths. You’ll also see the former mint and Holy Trinity Church on your tour. And to fuel your walk around town, you’ll be treating you to a couple of delicious local snacks along the way.

OR
Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate Visit and Tasting
For a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Yes, you read that right—a vinegar tasting. Founded by Georg Wiedemann some 30 years ago, Doktorenhof produces vinegars from premium wines, rather than inexpensive ones. Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Riesling, and Pinot Noir are aged with a century-old vinegar “mother,” as the bacteria that makes vinegar is known, and flavored with a variety of herbs and fruits. Most importantly, Wiedemann and his family run their farm and vineyards with the utmost care, tending to them with natural materials only.

The results make complex and elegant aperitifs, intended to be sipped from a specially designed long-stemmed glass between courses or after a meal. The atmospheric tasting room (think candles, cloaks, and choir music) is like no other you’ll ever experience. You’ll have plenty of time to explore their enticing gift shop, too.

Please note: In the event that this tour falls on a Sunday, when the estate is closed, an alternative tour is offered instead.

OR
Speyer and the ShUM
Speyer, Worms, Mainz, all UNESCO sites dedicated to the Jewish people of the Rhineland, are collectively known as the ShUM. Why? It’s a translation of the Hebrew acronym for all three cities: the Hebrew letter Shin (Sh) for Speyer, Waw (U) for Worms, and Mem (M) for Mainz. ShUM became the center of Jewish Ashkenazic Judaism in the middle ages. Visit markers of this legacy today on a walking tour through Speyer, including the medieval synagogue and mikveh.

Day 9: Strasbourg

See Strasbourg on foot with an insightful local expert, where this historic town with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests and impossible-to-resist pastry shops win your heart. Or take an in-depth look at the city’s rich Jewish history, which dates back an astonishing 2,000 years.

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

Choose between:
Strasbourg Walking Tour
Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg is both cross-cultural and bilingual. Old and new, French and German all blend together in this wonderful city, which is also considered the legislative and democratic capital of the European Union. Get a feel for the history and culture of this Alsatian town on a walking tour through its enchanting streets, during which you’ll visit Strasbourg’s gorgeous Cathedral, a peak example of French Gothic architecture. You’ll also stroll by the half-timbered buildings of La Petite France, the most traditional and charming neighborhood of Strasbourg’s historic quarter, before enjoying a little bit of free time to explore on your own, grab a bite, or do a bit of shopping.

OR
Alsace’s Jewish Past
Meet a member of Alsace’s Jewish community for a morning of immersive cultural insights. As you walk around Strasbourg with your guide, they introduce you to the city through the eyes of its modern Jewish community and share insights into the history of the broader region of Alsace. Amongst your stops for the day: a local Jewish school and a medieval mikveh that is likely the oldest surviving work of Jewish architecture in the region.

Please note: this excursion is not available during Jewish holidays.

Day 10: Basel

Ramble with your guide through the historic heart of Basel. Every historic square you see holds a special charm.

Featured Excursion
Nights Out: Feldschlösschen Brewery Visit and Beer Tasting
Discover the tradition of Swiss brewing with a private experience at one of the oldest factories in Europe. Visit Feldschlösschen Brewery, a stunning Swiss landmark with 145 years of history. Appreciate the building’s castle-like exteriors and original copper brewing barrels, sampling some of the country’s most popular brews along the way.

Please note: this excursion is available on the Amsterdam to Basel route of the itinerary only.

Choose between:
Basel Walking Tour with Local Treats
Basel is a moderately sized city with a population of just 170,000 and only a couple small skyscrapers to its name, but don’t let its size fool you—Basel is a thriving trade hub with a markedly international feel. It’s position at the borders of France and Germany makes it a popular place to work for commuters from three countries.

Start your local discovery with a unique ferry trip across the Rhine to Kleinbasel. The ferry works by natural current only. Take a scenic walk along the Rhine promenade for the best views of the Patrician houses and historic facades on the opposite Grossbasel side. Once you pass Mittlere Brücke and stop briefly for Basler Läckerli (a gingerbread cookie), you board the ferry again to cross over to Grossbasel.

You land at the famous Basel Münster and climb the stairs to the Münster terrace, where you’ll find a wonderful panoramic view of the city and its bridges, squeezed between the Black Forest and Jura Mountains.

Afterward, you’ll weave your way through cobbled streets and narrow alleys to see a variety of beloved local spots. Along the way, you’ll taste authentic regional treats.

OR
Let's Go: Basel by Bike
Fasten your helmet, mount your bike and pedal with your guide along the Wiese River (a tributary of the Rhine) through the lovely riverside forests hugging the border between Switzerland and Germany. This light, easy bike ride is a very pleasant way to get a closer look at the natural landscapes you sail by.

OR
Awareness Walking Tour
Discover Basel from an unexpected perspective today as you embark on a city tour led by a current or former member of the city’s unhoused population. Your guide shares insights into their everyday lives as they show you places most tourists miss. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll be privy to a uniquely immersive local experience while also helping to support good work for some of Switzerland’s disenfranchised community.

Day 11: Basel | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you are transferred to EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg airport for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

S.S. Antoinette

S.S. Antoinette

S.S. Antoinette

Travel aboard the 152-passenger S.S. Antoinette, a rare pearl on the Rhine River, and capture the moment of seeing Germany on one side and France on the other, while enjoying the sites from the Sun Deck.
S.S. Antoinette Lobby
S.S. Antoinette Grand Salon Bar
S.S. Antoinette L'Orangerie Sky Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,499 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Classic Cabin
Classic
Magnificent appointed riverview stateroom (163 sq ft - 15 sq m) located on the La Countesse Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, waffle bathrobes, and slippers.
French Balcony Cabin
French Balcony
Sumptuous appointed riverview stateroom (196 sq ft - 18.2 sq m) located on the La Duchesse Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, waffle bathrobes, and slippers.
Deluxe Balcony Cabin
Deluxe Balcony
Luxuriant appointed riverview stateroom (196 sq ft - 18.2 sq m) located on the La Princesse with an open-air balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, waffle bathrobes, and slippers.
Suite
Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview suite (294 sq ft - 27.3 sq m) with open-air balcony. Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, heated mirrors, bathrobes and slippers. Additional amenities and services, are included.
Grand Suite
Grand Suite
Luxurious riverview grand suite (391 sq ft - 36.3 sq m) with open-air balcony, and a spacious living room. Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, heated mirrors, bathrobes and slippers. Additional amenities and services, are included.

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
  • Fares listed are inclusive of all taxes and port charges
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Airport Tax
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Passport or Visa fees

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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.
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