Join this amazing 8-day cruise from brilliant Basel to fascinating Amsterdam aboard the Crystal Bach. Visit Strasbourg, which is one of the world’s most photogenic towns; the quaint town of Germersheim, that is best known for its iconic Weissenburg Gate;Mannheim, where the “man-powered running machine” (bicycle) was born; beautiful Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Cologne and crossing the Rhine River, reach your final destination - Amsterdam.
Highlights
Explore “Large Island,” the first city center named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Discover Mannheim as the place for innovation and industry
Visit Koblenz with its classic Germanic architecture
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Even with its international flair and reputation as an iconic center for progressive art and design, Basel’s medieval town center invites exploration by foot with an abundance of museums and galleries. While antiquity may be Basel’s strong suit, two of its native sons – architects Herzog & de Meuron renowned design London’s Tate Modern Beijing’s Bird’s Nest – bring a modern flair to the city’s design along with other notable architects including Frank Gehry.
The seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is one of the world’s most photogenic towns. It boasts a breathtaking Gothic cathedral and a remarkable charm that oozes from virtually every cozy corner of Grande Île, or “Large Island,” the first city center to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nestled on the Rhine River between Karlsruhe and Speyer, in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the quaint town of Germersheim is best known for its iconic Weissenburg Gate, part of a 19th-century fortress built to protect the left bank of the Rhine against France. The town's verdant parks, cobbled lanes, lovely squares and historical buildings, such as the 18th-century City Hall and centuries-old St. Jakobus Church, are complemented by a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars.
The name Benz is synonymous with automotive innovation, and here is where this legacy began. Also born in Mannheim was the “man-powered running machine” (or bicycle), the Lanz Bulldog tractor and first rocket-powered aircraft, firmly establishing the city as the place for innovation and industry. The university town is also alive with hubs of diverse food, drink, and shopping, as well as a thriving art and musical culture.
On this day, the Crystal Bach will also sail to Rüdesheim.
If Rüdesheim’s scenic location on the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge doesn’t sweep you off your feet, then the town’s medieval Old Town with its half-timbered buildings and narrow lanes, especially the Drosselgasse overflowing with charming shops and taverns, surely will. The region’s renowned Rieslings, produced here for centuries from vineyards dating to Roman times, promise to delight, too.
On this day, Crystal Bach will be cruising the romantic Rhine River and Lorelei as its head its way to Koblenz.
Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers and three mountain ranges meet, Koblenz’ scenery is unmatched. Add to that the city’s 2,000-year-old history, hilltop fortress and squares lined by classic Germanic architecture and you have a place ready-made for photos. Ambling along the town’s narrow lanes and river promenade, you might encounter medieval churches, flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes and perhaps a weinstube, or wine tavern, ideal for sipping Riesling and drinking in the atmosphere.
On this day, your ship will sail its way to Cologne.
Germany’s most visited landmark – the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral – dominates the skyline here, its magnificent Gothic twin-spires reaching toward the heavens. Peel your eyes away from the Kölner Dom, its local name, to see the space needle-like Rhine Tower, ancient Roman ruins, a modern museum, cozy beerhalls and the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge, reconstructed after the war.
Everyone has an image of Amsterdam. For some, it’s small boats gliding on the canals and locals two-wheeling on bikes to work and, as frequently, to meet friends for drinks. For others, it’s gabled buildings leaning, seemingly precariously, over cobbled streets and cozy taverns illuminated by candles. Still others imagine tulips in bloom and the paintings Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Each vision is even more beguiling when experienced in person.
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.
Notes
Solo Supplement: A select number of cabins are available for single use. The single supplement varies by cabin type, please contact us for details. Child Discount: Children age 11 or under receive 50% off when sharing a cabin with two full paying guests. Children, regardless of age pay full rate in a double occupancy cabin.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
