Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River cruise fantasy. 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 riverbanks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Basel and Basel.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaFiora, AmaVenita and AmaSerena.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
- 26 Feb 2028 – 04 Mar 2028
from $3,893 pp twin share * - 29 Feb 2028 – 07 Mar 2028
from $4,036 pp twin share * - 11 Mar 2028 – 18 Mar 2028
from $4,468 pp twin share * - 14 Mar 2028 – 21 Mar 2028
from $4,468 pp twin share * - 25 Mar 2028 – 01 Apr 2028
from $5,044 pp twin share * - 08 Apr 2028 – 15 Apr 2028
from $6,225 pp twin share * - 09 May 2028 – 16 May 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 16 May 2028 – 23 May 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 23 May 2028 – 30 May 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 30 May 2028 – 06 Jun 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 06 Jun 2028 – 13 Jun 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 13 Jun 2028 – 20 Jun 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 20 Jun 2028 – 27 Jun 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 27 Jun 2028 – 04 Jul 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 04 Jul 2028 – 11 Jul 2028
from $5,319 pp twin share * - 11 Jul 2028 – 18 Jul 2028
from $5,319 pp twin share * - 25 Jul 2028 – 01 Aug 2028
from $5,319 pp twin share * - 01 Aug 2028 – 08 Aug 2028
from $5,319 pp twin share * - 08 Aug 2028 – 15 Aug 2028
from $5,319 pp twin share * - 15 Aug 2028 – 22 Aug 2028
from $5,463 pp twin share * - 22 Aug 2028 – 29 Aug 2028
from $5,751 pp twin share * - 29 Aug 2028 – 05 Sep 2028
from $5,895 pp twin share * - 05 Sep 2028 – 12 Sep 2028
from $7,345 pp twin share * - 12 Sep 2028 – 19 Sep 2028
from $7,345 pp twin share * - 19 Sep 2028 – 26 Sep 2028
from $7,345 pp twin share * - 26 Sep 2028 – 03 Oct 2028
from $7,345 pp twin share * - 03 Oct 2028 – 10 Oct 2028
from $7,345 pp twin share * - 10 Oct 2028 – 17 Oct 2028
from $7,201 pp twin share * - 24 Oct 2028 – 31 Oct 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 31 Oct 2028 – 07 Nov 2028
from $6,625 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Board your luxurious ship in Amsterdam, and use your ample amount of time to explore the city before evening briefings, cocktails, and dinner.
Day 2 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. Experience Amsterdam from the water as you cruise along some of its 165 picturesque canals, admiring the city’s iconic bridges and gabled houses. Later in the day, set sail from Amsterdam and begin your journey along the river.
Day 3 – Cologne
COLOGNE, GERMANY. Cruise along the scenic Rhine to the historic city of Cologne, where centuries of history and charm await. Join your guide for a walking tour through the enchanting Old Town. End your exploration with a visit to a traditional tavern to sample Cologne’s signature Kölsch beer. For adventurous passengers, enjoy a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the city’s beautiful Stadtgarten park.
Day 4 – Rüdesheim
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim, where you can taste local wines, soar above vineyards by gondola, or explore on foot or by bike. Later, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or enjoy a classic Rüdesheimer coffee.
Day 5 – Ludwigshafen
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. Ludwigshafen serves as your gateway to a variety of excursions. Explore Heidelberg’s medieval streets, red sandstone castle, and the Great Vat, or take a more active route hiking the Philosopher’s Path or biking along the Neckar to Ladenburg’s charming Marktplatz. Alternatively, visit Speyer to see its UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel.
Day 6 – Strasbourg
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Wander through Strasbourg’s fairytale streets of La Petite France, admiring the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and its famous astronomical clock, or explore the city by bike through charming streets and Parc de l’Orangerie, savoring its blend of French and German influences.
Day 7 – Basel
BASEL, SWITZERLAND. From Breisach, journey into the storybook streets of Colmar, where 16th-century architecture and quaint corners evoke a timeless charm, and spot a miniature Statue of Liberty honoring the town’s famed sculptor. For a more active adventure, hike through the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region of rolling vineyards, lush landscapes, and remarkable biodiversity, where every turn reveals a new vista.
Day 8 – Basel
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. Begin your journey home
Highlights
- Extensive included tours with a choice of excursions each day
- Accommodation aboard AmaFiora, AmaVenita or AmaSerena river ships
- Vineyard fitness hike through the volcanic Kaiserstuhl region
Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River cruise fantasy. 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 riverbanks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Basel and Basel.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaFiora, AmaVenita and AmaSerena.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Inclusions
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
- Scenic Cruising in/out of Amsterdam.
- Cologne Guided Bike Tour.
- Cologne Walking Tour & Kolsch.
- Scenic Cruising the Rhine Gorge Castles.
- Vineyard Fitness Hike.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaFiora, AmaVenita and AmaSerena.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 26 Feb 2028 and 28 Nov 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.
Enquire Now
Speak with our travel experts and get your personalised quote.