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Romantic evening light over Basel

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps - Cruise Only

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amaserena
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Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. Enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the river banks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps.
Visit beautiful and historic StrasbourgStroll through the romantic streets of AmsterdamCruise the Rhine through CologneKlosterkirche near RudesheimRomantic evening light over Basel
Highlights
  • Taste Kölsch beer, Rüdesheimer coffee and Rheingau wines
  • Visit Cologne's Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces
  • Cruise through the captivating UNESCO­designated Rhine Gorge
  • Discover the majesty of the Swiss Alps and glistening Lake Lucerne
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: Amsterdam | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands.  Authentic windmills, houses, and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th­ to 18th­century village. 

Day 2: Amsterdam

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
 There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. 

Day 3: Cologne

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO­designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus, and the Festival Hall. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. 

Day 4: Rudesheim

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
 Cruise through the captivating UNESCO­designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self­playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. 

Day 5: Ludwigshafen

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th­century, 49,000­gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. 

Day 6: Strasbourg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.

Day 7: Basel

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
 Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th­century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Later in the day, visit Lucerne, known for its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. 

Day 8: Basel | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast

Ship/Hotel

MS Amaserena

Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy the view

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Summer Triple Savings
Book your Europe River cruise by March 31, 2024, and enjoy $2000 savings per stateroom, plus a complimentary stateroom upgrade. Additionally, a $50 onboard credit per stateroom on select 7, 10, and 11-night 2024 Europe River cruise departures. This promotion is capacity-controlled and subject to availability. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Code: SUMMERTRIPLE
Applies to Aug 12, 2024 departure

Special Offer
For a limited time, new reservations receive a complimentary 2-, 3-, or 4-night land package before or after select 2024 and 2025 Europe river cruises! This primotion is subject to availability and applies to select departures only. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
 
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Per person starting at
$3,499

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
AmaSerena E
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E
Piano deck, fixed windows
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D
Piano deck, fixed windows
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C
Violin & Cello deck, French Balcony
AmaSerena C
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BB
Cello deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
AmaSerena AB
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BA
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
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AB
Cello deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
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AA
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
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AA+
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
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Suite
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

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