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Take a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas Market

Yuletide Treasures: Rhine River Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Crystal Bach
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Join this 12-day Westbound Rhine River Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the Crystal Bach. On your way to Amsterdam, visit the gateway to the surrounding Black Forest of Breisach, explore Strasbourg which is one of the world’s most photogenic towns, and marvel at Speyer's fine museums and festive taverns. Take a walk at Mainz which is located at the union of the Rhine and Main rivers, know the history of the discovery of the bicycle at Mannheim, explore Düsseldorf's edgy art culture and innovative business landscape. Discover the beauty and nature ofRüdesheim and Koblenz and see the dazzling wonder of Cologne Cathedral’s market. Shop at the town of Arnhem which is now known to be the center of fashion and design in Netherlands. Finally, explore the romantic and famous Amsterdam.
Explore BaselBasel at Christmas, SwitzerlandPlace Kleber in StrasbourgMedieval bridge Ponts Couverts and cathedralCity hall of Dusseldorf, GermanyExplore beautiful AmsterdamTake a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas Market
Highlights
  • Explore Basel famous as iconic center for progressive art and design
  • Visit Romanesque church with a late-Gothic altar at Breisach
  • View classic Germanic architecture at Koblenz
  • Discover Düsseldorf, whose history can be traced to the 7th and 8th centuries
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Basel, Switzerland | Embark

Embark at lovely Basel port at Switzerland and start your adventure aboard the Crystal Bach.

Day 2: Basel, Switzerland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

Day 3: Breisach am Rhein, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Between the supremely scenic towns of Freiburg and Colmar lies Breisach, the gateway to the surrounding Black Forest. There is much to keep travelers within the embrace of this lively city, too, including its Romanesque church with a late-Gothic altar and cobbled streets lined by pastel-hued buildings. Nearby, explore the star-shaped fortress town of Neuf-Brisach, or New Breisach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4: Breisach am Rhein | Strasbourg, France

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 5: Mannheim, Germany | Worms

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The name Benz is synonymous with automotive innovation, and here is where this legacy began. Also born here 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.

Day 6: Rüdesheim, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 7: Rüdesheim | Rhine River Cruising | Koblenz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 8: Düsseldorf, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
For a city whose history can be traced to the 7th and 8th centuries, Düsseldorf's edgy art culture and innovative business landscape are all the more impressive. The capital city of the North is decidedly posh, pushing the boundaries of high fashion and high-rise design, and a culinary and nightlife scene caters to the international elite who populate the city. Banking and tech industries have brought the city great wealth, making Dusseldorf one of the world’s most livable cities.

Day 9: Arnhem, Netherlands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
People have been fighting over Arnhem for centuries. It’s no mystery, given its natural beauty, abundant parks and bicycle pathways, and lively scene of cafés and creative hubs. Its darkest hour came during World War II, when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, occupying the whole country within one week. In resistance, Arnhem became the site of the largest airborne military operation in history. Today, this prosperous town is known as a center of fashion and design.

Day 10: Lelystad | Amsterdam

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy aboard the Crystal Bach while sailing towards your next destination.

Day 11: Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 12: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast aboard the Crystal Bach and finally disembark at Amsterdam.

Ship/Hotel

Crystal Bach

Dates & Prices

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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.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 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
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Massage, s­­­­­pa services or hair styling for which separate charges may be imposed. 

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