Enchanting Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam by River Cruise
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices:
- On request
DELUXE | CRUISE: Take an enchanting journey on the Rhine river as you discover medieval houses, narrow lanes, and villages packed with history. Board your 7-night Ama Waterways river cruise in Basel, Switzerland. Enjoy gourmet meals and daily excursions, then end your trip in exciting Amsterdam.
This 12-day cruise down the Rhine opens up all that is enchanting about one of Western Europe’s most romantic rivers. Begin in the picture-perfect Swiss city of Basel, weaving your way downstream to Cologne, Strasbourg, and finally, Amsterdam.
Spend one night in Basel, with a chance to indulge in the chocolate and cheese (of course!) and take in the beauty of the surrounding area before embarking for your cruise aboard the AmaSerena. Then cast off bound for Breisach, which offers you a springboard to a number of beautiful towns and sights including the living 16th century time capsule that is Riquewihr, Dolder Gate, and Freiburg. Alternatively take a hike in the legendary Black Forest.
Cruise over the French border into Strasbourg, where French and German culture come together. Take a city tour which includes the almost fantastical ‘La Petite France’ district. See the astronomical clock of Notre Dame, or take the option of another bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. Your next stop is Ludwigshaven, which offers a number of excursions to choose from. Visit the medieval university town of Heidelberg, famed for its castle and enormous 18th century wine cask. Or you can visit Speyer, home to the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe.
Sail through the Rhine Gorge and visit the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Enjoy a tasting before hitting some of the vineyards, or visiting Schloss Johannisberg. Either way, you’ll want to sample the local coffee, enhanced with brandy and whipped cream.
Your next port is Cologne, the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia, and a treasure trove of Germany’s history, where there’s a treat for each of your senses. Take a guided tour through the Old Town, visit the famous Cologne Dom (cathedral), and try some local Kolsch beer. You’ll have the option to join a biking excursion through the Rhine, or explore a bit more of Cologne, which might include the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Fragrance Museum, or enduring favourite, the Chocolate Museum!
Your last few nights are spent in Amsterdam, giving you plenty of time to experience this beautiful city in all its splendour. Begin with a visit to the Museumplein, a hop, skip, and jump from your hotel. Here, you can see Rembrandt’s Night Watch among other masterworks at the Rijksmuseum, or see what more modern artists are cooking up at the thought-provoking Stedelijk. Lovers of Van Gogh can bask in several hours of his genius at the Van Gogh Museum. The following day, an Amsterdam city tour invites you to explore the canal city, including a visit to its famous diamond factory, leaving the afternoon free to explore on your own. On your last day, embark on the Heineken Experience, where you’ll learn about the journey of one of Amsterdam’s most famous exports.
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Basel SBB Railway Station to Basel City Centre
| Duration | 1 Hour |
|---|
Gaia Hotel
Welcome! Since 1929 we run the GAIA Hotel at the train station in Basel under the motto "Come as a guest, leave as a friend!". The friendship begins with us at the reception, because we welcome you and say goodbye as friends of our house.
| Meal Plan | Buffet Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Gaia Hotel |
| Location | View map |
-
Gaia Hotel
Welcome! Since 1929 we run the GAIA Hotel at the train station in Basel under the motto "Come as a guest, leave as a friend!". The friendship begins with us at the reception, because we welcome you and say goodbye as friends of our house.
Welcome! Since 1929 we run the GAIA Hotel at the train station in Basel under the motto "Come as a guest, leave as a friend!". The friendship begins with us at the reception, because we welcome you and say goodbye as friends of our house.
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Basel City Centre to Basel Pier
| Duration | 1 Hour |
|---|
Embarkation - Basel, Switzerland
Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Nights |
| Accommodation |
AmaKristina |
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AmaKristina
With AmaWaterways' co-owner Kristin Karst serving as AmaKristina's godmother, you know you'll have a distinctive experience aboard this phenomenal river ship. Both a French and outside balcony in most staterooms allow you to enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. In the marble bathroom, enjoy …
With AmaWaterways' co-owner Kristin Karst serving as AmaKristina's godmother, you know you'll have a distinctive experience aboard this phenomenal river ship. Both a French and outside balcony in most staterooms allow you to enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. In the marble bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads, soothing bath and body products, cozy robes and hair dryers. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. The AmaKristina also includes a massage and hair salon, gift shop, specialty coffee station, heated pool with swim-up bar, fitness center, Sun Deck walking track and a fleet of onboard bikes. Her Main Restaurant is a taste of the outdoors, with vines and branches infused in the decor, and expert chefs preparing our signature exquisite cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients--both in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef's Table.
Facilities
- Fitness Rooms
- Lounge(s)
- Massage Rooms
- Pool
- Restaurant
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Breisach,Germany
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have "the most beautiful spire on earth." Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, 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 Republique. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage "La Petite France" district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l'Orangerie.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Ludwigshafen, Germany - Rudesheim
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three 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 18th-century 49,000-gallon 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 be rewarded with 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 Altportel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rudesheim where you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Rudesheim - Rhine Gorge
Your exploration of Rudesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town's beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you'll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Cologne
Home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000 year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings--the Magi-- are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kolsch beer and Reibekuchen--potato pancakes served with apple sauce.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Eclectic Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jordaan tour.
Depending on docking location, Jordaan Tour may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Amsterdam - Disembarkation
Following breakfast, bid farewell to the ship and disembark in Amsterdam.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Amsterdam Port to Amsterdam Hotels
| Duration | 1 Hour |
|---|
Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw
Located in the heart of Amsterdam on Damrak, this hotel is very close to Dam Square and within walking distance of Central Station as well as the Kalverstraat and most major tourist attractions. The bedrooms all vary in size due to the age of the building but they have all been renovated and are now in very good condition. The colour scheme is predominantly black with a shot of colour via the beautiful Amsterdam print above the bedrooms and the rooms also benefit from LCD televisions and high speed internet. The bathrooms are also in good condition, and have all been renovated and are very modern with dark wooden flooring, with silver and pristine white finishing on the walls and in the showers.
| Meal Plan | Full Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw |
| Location | View map |
-
Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw
Located in the heart of Amsterdam on Damrak, this hotel is very close to Dam Square and within walking distance of Central Station as well as the Kalverstraat and most major tourist attractions. The bedrooms all vary in size due to the age of the …
Located in the heart of Amsterdam on Damrak, this hotel is very close to Dam Square and within walking distance of Central Station as well as the Kalverstraat and most major tourist attractions. The bedrooms all vary in size due to the age of the building but they have all been renovated and are now in very good condition. The colour scheme is predominantly black with a shot of colour via the beautiful Amsterdam print above the bedrooms and the rooms also benefit from LCD televisions and high speed internet. The bathrooms are also in good condition, and have all been renovated and are very modern with dark wooden flooring, with silver and pristine white finishing on the walls and in the showers.
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Amsterdam Guided City Tour
Amsterdam has so much more to offer besides the canals. On this live guided tour we will show you countless interesting sights and amazing views inside and outside the historic city centre. You will be able to admire the idyllic suburban scenery and the architecture of beautiful mansions. We will have a photo stop at a remarkable windmill. Also, you will have the opportunity to visit a diamond factory in the Museum District. From here you can decide whether you want to explore Amsterdam further on your own, or get back on the bus that will take you back to the starting point.
| Duration | 2 Hours |
|---|
Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is located in the building of the original brewery in the centre of Amsterdam. In 1988 the brewery closed down due to its inability to meet the high demand and since 1991 it has been welcoming visitors from all over the world. Now it offers a self-guided interactive journey through the world of Heineken. You can discover the history of the company, the 4 natural ingredients of our beer, the brewing process, a tasting room, and the Heineken brand. And of course at the end of the tour you can enjoy 2 Heineken beers, or learn how to draw the perfect glass of Heineken.
| Duration | 9 Hours |
|---|
Amsterdam Hotels to Amsterdam Airport
| Duration | 1 Hour |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2022: To be advised
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- 1 night in first-class accommodations is Basel
- 3 nights in first-class accommodations in Amsterdam
- Shared Amsterdam city tour (max 45 guests)
- Shared Heineken Experience tour (max 45 guests)
- Private transfers between hotel and pier in Basel and Amsetrdam
- 7 nights AMA river cruise in select stateroom including;
- Personalized service from a Cruise Manager throughout sailing
- All meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner) including a Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- Selection of guided day trips daily
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Port Charges not included in cruise price - $215 per person
- Food and beverages not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips and Gratuities and items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
20 Sep 2020
