Amsterdam is the gateway to the Rhine River which winds through Germany and connects with other major European rivers like the Main and Danube. Built around the dam of the Amstel River from which it gets its name, Amsterdam is a city alive with culture, art, and quaint architecture. Numberous canals also span the Netherlands into Belgium that are excellent for exploring charming historical cities, windmills and expansive flower farms. As the capital city of the Netherlands, it is home to several art and history museums like Zaanse Schans and the Van Gogh Museum. In the evenings, you can enjoy a leisurely tour of the city on the canals that wind their way throughout enchanting Amsterdam. Contact one of our European river cruise specialists when you are ready to start planning your trip to Amsterdam.

10 Best Amsterdam River Cruises of 6 Days or Less

Springtime in Holland

5 Days from $1,064

Join this 5-day cruise exploring the enchanting canals of Amsterdam, learning about Volendam and Zaanse Schans' traditions, and visiting the floral gardens of Keukenhof. Every day discover a new port of call and enjoy daily shore excursions, participating in a wide range of activities.

Sail the canals of Europe on your Belgium cruise

Treasures of the North through Holland and Belgium

6 Days from $1,570

Board the MS Modigliani for a 6-day river cruise experience discovering the treasures of Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp. As you cruise from Holland to Belgium, visit the highlights of the area including Dam square, the Royal Palace, Volendam, Zaanse Schans, Madurodam and Utrecht.

Cruise on the Ijsselmeer, one of Holland's treasures

Amsterdam Roundtrip
6 Days from $1,512

This 6-day round-trip cruise from Amsterdam allows you to discover Holland's culture, history, and heritage as you sail along Ijsselmeer Lake. Discover the highlights of Amsterdam, Hoorn, Enkhuisen, and Lemmer by guided excursions and visits to the most interesting locations and museums.

Take a tour to see the beautiful fields of tulips

Springtime in Holland

5 Days from $1,064

Board the MS Victor Hugo and experience the best that Holland has to offer on this 5-day cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp. Explore Amsterdam's canals, stroll in the Garden of Europe, and visit impressive world-famous museums.

Springtime in Holland

Amsterdam to Antwerp
5 Days from $1,064

Discover the jewels of Holland in this 5-day cruise from Antwerp to Amsterdam, aboard the MS France. Experience the beauty of the spring as you explore Holland's flourishing gardens, famous museums, impressive architecture, and historic cities.

The Romantic Rhine Valley and Holland

6 Days from $1,537

Discover Strasbourg, Rüdesheim, Cologne, and Amsterdam on this incredible 6-day cruise that takes you through three different countries of Northern Europe aboard the MS Lafayette. Experience all the beauty and magic of this fairy tale region sailing pass numerous castles nestled among Germany's famous vineyards.

The Romantic Rhine Valley and Holland

Strasbourg to Amsterdam
6 Days from $1,780

Cruise through France, Germany and Holland, contemplating the charming castles of the romantic Rhine Valley and the picturesque towns of Northern Europe. Board the MS Symphonie, a small river cruise ship designed to offer comfort and pleasure to its passengers, and experience a new way to travel.

The Romantic Rhine Valley and Holland

Strasbourg to Amsterdam
6 Days from $1,330

Sail the legendary Rhine River on this 6-day expedition through Northern Europe, visiting three different countries. This river cruise is designed to exhibit the captivating destinations of France, Germany and Holland, including the canals of old Strasbourg, the Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, the legendary Lorelei rock, and the Keukenhof Gardens.

Tulip Time in Holland

4 Days from $768

This 4-day cruise explores the beautiful ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Observe Holland's architectural treasures, tour the famous canals of Amsterdam, explore the Keukenhof gardens, and wander around the most memorable streets.

Tulip time in Holland

Antwerp to Amsterdam
4 Days from $768

Embark on this 4-day cruise discovering Holland's tulips, visiting Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam, aboard the MS La Boheme. Observe the Netherlands' architectural treasures, tour the famous canals of Amsterdam, explore the Keukenhof gardens, and wander around the most memorable streets.

10 Best Wine Tasting Cruises from Amsterdam

Enchanting Rhine

12 Days from $4,859

This 12-day exploration of the Rhine Valley starts with two nights in both Zurich and Lucerne, Switzerland before departing on an enchanting 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, aboard the MS Amasiena. As you cruise the Rhine River, you'll stop in the historic towns of Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rudesheim, and Cologne.

Ehrenfels Castle on Rhine River near Rudesheim

Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,299

Enjoy an enchanting 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam along the Rhine to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. You are bound to live timeless traditions on the MS Amasiena as you cruise down the Rhine River.

Bicycles are a part of everyday life in Europe

Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $2,699

Enjoy an 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine River aboard the MS AmaMora. You will enjoy an extensive lineup of standard tours and bike tours. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder!

View from the harbour of Basel, Switzerland

The Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $2,999

Begin your 8-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, aboard the luxurious MS Amakristina. As you tour the historic towns of France, Germany, and the Netherlands, expert guides will lead you to local wineries, on architectural tours of the Gothic style buildings that highlight the region, and on hikes and canal excursions as well.

The Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $2,899

From Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, this classic 8-day cruise of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers aboard the MS Amastella will take you through scenic wine country, where you can visit, hike, and tour the historic towns, museums, and canals of Breisach, Strasbourg, Manheim & Heidelberg, the castles of Rüdesheim, and Koblenz & Cologne.

The Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,099

Begin your 8-day cruise in Basel aboard the MS Amaprima and sail the Rhine River to Amsterdam. Guided city tours and wine tasting are optional as you visit the towns of Germany and France along the way, like Strasbourg, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Cologne, and Breisach. Canal tours are another exciting part of this cruise.

Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $2,799

From Amsterdam to Vienna : Holland, the Romantic Rhine and the Danube

Amsterdam to Vienna
15 Days from $4,153

Embark the MS Beethoven a new 15-day sailing adventure from Amsterdam to Vienna, cruising from Holland to the Romantic Rhine and the Danube.

The Enchanting Rhine

12 Days from $4,559

Explore the Rhine Valley on this comprehensive 12-day tour of central Europe. Enjoy a two-night stay in Zurich and two nights in Lucerne followed by an 8-day luxury cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard the MS Amakristina. From medieval city tours to hikes through the snow-capped Alps, get to know all this part of Europe has to offer!

Historic Zurich with River Limmat, Switzerland

The Enchanting Rhine

12 Days from $4,459

Start with two nights in both Zurich and Lucerne, then take a 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the MS Amastella. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore the gems of the Rhine, including Riquewihr, Strasbourg, Rudesheim, and Cologne, where medieval castles, Gothic cathedrals, and storied traditions abound.

Amsterdam Cruise Guide & Travel Tips

All Amsterdam Articles

Highlights of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and is chock-full of the country's art, history, and culture. Conveniently, many river cruises of central Europe either start or end here, as neighboring Rotterdam is the mouth of the Rhine River. Even cruises that don't originate here tend to spend a few days docked here so that you'll have plenty of time to see highlights like:

The Royal Palace
70-acre Keukenhof Gardens, where tulips bloom in stunning arrays of colors
The Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of Van Gogh's artwork in the world
The ancient Red Light District neighborhood
Zaanse Schans, an open air museum with wooden windmills, barns, and houses
Canal boat tours
Strolling through this delightful city by night
“De Halve Maen,” a Dutch East India Company replica ship