Additional dates available on the reverse itinerary Enchanting Rhine
EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT Complimentary land package on selected departures booked by March 31, 2024
Overview
Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France's Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Riquewihr. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Kölsch beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam's colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.
Arrive: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Depart: Basel, Switzerland
Highlights
Enjoy a scenic canal cruise in Amsterdam
Join a guided tour through Cologne's enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, or ride a bike along the Rhine
Explore Strasbourg's Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock
Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, a charming medieval hamlet that looks much like it did in the 16th century
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship.
Get acquainted with Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, where you will see the beautiful wooden Skinny Bridge and Anne Frank's House. Continue on with a walk to the Begijnhof and be charmed by its Middle Age buildings, followed by a city tour that includes the Royal Palace and Westerkerk. Later in the day, enjoy scenic cruising.
*Opt for a rare experience with a journey into the Netherland's Floriade Expo in Almere - very close to Amsterdam - which will feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, souvenirs and food stalls. Please note: The Floriade 2022 Expo opens from April 14 to October 9, 2022
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. 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. Continue on and discover the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus, and the Festival Hall. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. Or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne's traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce.
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Wine connoisseurs will want to go on a walking tour through the vineyards where you'll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations. Or, choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments, or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.
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 Altpörtel, Old Gate.
Because of its borderline location, Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, has flavors of both France and Germany. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la République, followed by a walking tour through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. You'll also see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. The active adventurer can join a guided bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l'Orangerie.
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. 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 and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.
Arrive in Basel and disembark after breakfast.
Additional 2-nights in Amsterdam pre-cruise, 2-nights in Lucerne and 2-nights in Zurich post-cruise from $2430 (2023 & 2024).
PRE-CRUISE
Day 1: Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2: Amsterdam
Visit Zaanse Schans, where you can observe 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 18th-century village. (B)
Days 3-10: Cruise
Day 10: Basel, Switzerland / Disembarkation / Lucerne
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lucerne, discover its unrivaled beauty and charm on a walking tour. Afterwards, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 11: Lucerne
The iconic Lion Monument, which you'll visit, was sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. You'll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. (B)
Day 12: Lake Lucerne / Zurich Check out of your hotel and enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne before transferring via motorcoach to Zurich, traveling past scenic landscapes and Alpine lakes. Later, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 13: Zurich
Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. (B)
Day 14: Depart Zurich
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
At time of reservation: $400 90 days prior to departure: Balance
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Minimum fee: $200 per person 90-120 days prior to departure: $400 per person 60-89 days prior to departure: 35% of trip cost 30-59 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 7-29 days prior to departure: 80% of trip cost 6 days or less: 100% of trip cost
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Included
7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom
Most staterooms offer French balconies or revolutionary Twin Balconies
Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
Terry cloth bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
Every lunch and dinner on board includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. In Europe, complimentary sparkling wine is also served with breakfast. Bottled water, specialty teas and coffees are always available free of charge
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain's Gala Dinner
Special highlights including onboard music performances and piano music
Bicycles to explore on your own and guided bicycle tours
Services of professional Cruise Manager
Not Included
Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
Optional gratuities to guides or staff
Optional travel insurance
Other expenses of a personal nature such as laundry
Visa fees
Any activity described as an upgrade or optional
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
AmaCerto
Days 1-7 (7 nights)
The 164-guest AmaCerto is Inspired by classic ocean yachts, and provides the most distinctive river cruise experience. A magnificent glass elevator is one of the unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive Twin Balconies. The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 square feet....
Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the 156-passenger AmaLucia features comfortable cabins with spacious “twin balconies,” in-room temperature control, large wardrobes, and en-suite bathrooms with multi-jet showers. Dining venues include the elegant Main Restaurant and the Chef's Table, and tapas are available between meals in the colorful Main...
The 164-guest AmaPrima provides a most distinctive river cruise experience. A magnificent glass elevator is one of the unique design elements found onboard, as well as the exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully decorated accommodations range in size up to 350 square feet. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool...
Making her debut sail in 2020, the elegant AmaSiena is one of AmaWaterways' newest river vessels, offering modern amenities including spacious “twin balconies” in the cabins. Similar to the AmaLucia, the staterooms include in-room temperature control, large wardrobes, and en-suite bathrooms with multi-jet showers. A fitness room, sun deck walking...
This cruise is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Daily shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. To better accommodate guests and their individual fitness levels, AMA Waterways programs provide several levels of walking tours whenever possible: "Gentle Walkers" are designed for slower walkers to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner, "Active Walkers" enjoy the tours at a normal pace, and there is also a "Late Starters" group offered to guests who prefer to sleep in.
Staterooms range from 160-350 square feet (depending on category), and typical hotel room amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, television, and mini-safe. Every stateroom has individually controlled air conditioning, internet access, wi-fi (free throughout the ship!) and a movie-on-demand system that offers a variety of English language channels, films and music options. Most staterooms have balconies, either walk-on or French, but lower categories just have fixed windows or portholes.
AMA is known for its efforts to bring in regional cuisine, which is always fun as you explore new countries and cultures. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with made-to-order specialties. Dinner is multi-course. Every lunch and dinner includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. Bottled water, specialty teas, and coffees are always available free of charge. All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to encourage you to meet your fellow travelers.
AMA Waterways specializes in high-end river journeys that navigate some of Europe's most famous waterways. Their ships accommodate approximately 150 passengers in comfortable staterooms, all with scenic views. While this might sound like a lot of travelers compared to Wilderness Travel's traditional small group trips, it's a modest number of passengers in the cruise ship world and there are a number of comfortable lounges, dining rooms, bars, and sitting areas on board for you to find a perfect spot to socialize or quietly relax, depending on your mood.
There is a warm and welcoming feel to all AMA cruises. From the moment you step onboard, you will be welcomed by crew, staff, and leaders who are friendly, professional and English speaking. There is a high staff to guest ratio (1:3) that assures a feeling of being well-taken-care-of at all times. Your fellow passengers will come from a variety of English-speaking countries and guests tend to mingle freely. No need to bring fancy clothes as the atmosphere onboard is casual, although guests do tend to dress up for the Captain's dinner.
Daily shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise, along with free time to explore on your own. Each tour is led by a qualified, local guide. At many stops, you'll be free to choose from one of several options. Complimentary headset systems ensure that you hear every word of your tour. AMA ships carry more than two dozen bicycles and helmets, free of charge, for your use should you want to venture into the countryside.
There is a reception desk onboard that is open 24 hours a day with somebody available to help you, should you need it. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English as the clientele is mainly North American, Australian, and European. All AMA cruises prohibit smoking inside their ships. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sun deck.
Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you. There are no medical facilities on board although if medical services are needed, they can easily be called from shore. Laundry services are available for a fee.
All ships are equipped with either a whirlpool or a small, heated swimming pool. If you think you might want to use this, be sure to pack a swimsuit!
Tips are not included in the price of the cruise, and are entirely at your discretion. The recommended rate suggested is 3 Euros per passenger per day to the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger per day to the crew, which will be divided up and distributed. You can use your credit card for this expense. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour.
Wilderness Travel enjoys partnering with AMA Waterways because they offer a high quality product with thoughtfully planned itineraries, allowing travelers to experience Europe's most glorious architecture, medieval castles, historic villages, and idyllic countryside with minimal effort. Since these trips are relatively short, you may consider this as part of a longer, European adventure!
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
