Captivating Rhine with AmaWaterways

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
• 3 Amsterdam
• 4 Cologne
• 5 Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
• 6 Ludwigshafen
• 7 Strasbourg
• 8 Breisach
• 9 Basel/USA

Dates & Prices

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Your journey begins this evening as you depart from the USA

Day 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Arrive in Amsterdam
• Embark on your river cruise and set sail

AmaCerto, AmaLucia, AmaPrima, AmaSiena or AmaStella Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, following customs and immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your ship for embarkation.

Welcome Cocktail followed by Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 Amsterdam

• Canal cruise tour
• OR Floriade*

AmaCerto, AmaLucia, AmaPrima, AmaSiena or AmaStella Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy some of the 165 canals in Amsterdam during your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

*Please note: The Floriade 2022 Expo opens from April 14 to October 9, 2022.

Day 4 Cologne

• “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit
• OR Kölsch beer tasting
• OR Cologne bike tour

AmaCerto, AmaLucia, AmaPrima, AmaSiena or AmaStella Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy cruising the waters to Cologne. Upon arrival, join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to Germany's oldest city hall, Kölner Rathaus, a building complex with a documented history spanning 900 years. See other local sights along the way. For a different perspective of the city, visit a local tavern to taste Cologne's famous Kölsch beer or sample reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists may join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. 

Day 5 Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim

• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
• Rüdesheim wine tasting
• OR Gondola ride
• OR Vineyards hike
• OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
• Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet
• OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

AmaCerto, AmaLucia, AmaPrima, AmaSiena or AmaStella Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated 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 soaring above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwald Monument. 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 Music Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or, taste one of the town’s unique delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. 

Day 6 Ludwigshafen

• “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion
• OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour
• OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike
• OR Ladenburg bike tour

AmaCerto, AmaLucia, AmaPrima, AmaSiena or AmaStella Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, a 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, hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, 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 join a guided bike tour along the shores of the Neckar River and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. 

Day 7 Strasbourg

• “The Gem of Alsace” tour
• OR Strasbourg bike tour

AmaCerto, AmaLucia, AmaPrima, AmaSiena or AmaStella Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany due to 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, enjoy a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. 

Day 8 Breisach

• Riquewihr walking tour
• OR Freiburg excursion
• OR Black Forest excursion
• OR Breisach wine country bike tour

AmaCerto, AmaLucia, AmaPrima, AmaSiena or AmaStella Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy your choice of several different excursions in Breisach. 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 like the Dolder Tower. 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 for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. 

*Please Note: Black Forest Hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Day 9 Basel/USA

• Today you'll be escorted to the airport as you board your flight back home
• Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today

Breakfast

Cruise Ships

AmaCerto

Like a fallen leaf floating atop the water, AmaCerto glides effortlessly down Europe’s most fascinating waterways. A harvest theme is carried throughout the ship in autumn reds and golds, from the spacious and well-appointed staterooms, with their plush bedding and soft robes, to the classically elegant Main Lounge with its baby grand piano and bar. An onboard salon puts you center stage and ready for your close-up. On the Sun Deck, a heated pool features a swim-up bar with underwater bar stools, and a walking track provides the perfect venue for a romantic sunrise or sunset stroll. Enjoy fine dining to the extreme with exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine prepared in both the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, where views of the rippling river are just the amuse-bouche to every mouthwatering bite.

More information

AmaLucia

Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaLucia debuted in 2021. This warm, inviting ship offers the luxury of space in which guests can peacefully unwind. From comfortable staterooms with twin balconies that keep guests well-connected via Entertainment-On-Demand, free high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi, to the sunny Main Lounge, where delicious tapas are served throughout the day, guests have everything they need to enjoy their time spent on board. If an active mood strikes, the sun-deck walking track, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room and complimentary fleet of bikes are available. Or you can take an invigorating class led by the professionally trained onboard Wellness Host. And, of course, the exquisite cuisine served in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant will satisfy your every craving aboard AmaLucia.

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AmaPrima

Enjoy an authentic European river cruise experience on board AmaPrima. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and fresh scents of Europe’s great landscapes from our signature twin balconies, available in most staterooms. Revel in the luxury of white marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed, multi-jet showers and granite countertops. Or indulge in the added enhancements of a suite, including a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an expansive bathroom with a tub and separate shower. Emerge from your refreshing slumber for bountiful buffet breakfasts in the Main Restaurant, fresh salads and sandwiches at lunch, and one entertaining evening diving into a regionally-inspired tasting menu at The Chef’s Table. Have tea in the Main Lounge, visit the massage and hair salon for a treat, find distinctive souvenirs in the gift shop, take a dip in the heated pool and more—it’s all yours to experience on the incredible AmaPrima.

More information

AmaSiena

Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina, the elegant 156-passenger AmaSiena brought with her a sense of joy when she was christened in 2021. Vivid shades of red create an air of confidence throughout the Main Restaurant while bold floral patterns are sprinkled throughout the ship, from her spacious twin-balcony staterooms to her Main Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering exceptional views of the castles along the Rhine River and the iconic windmills and pastures of Holland and Belgium. Her airy Sun Deck offers a walking track, pool with swim-up bar and ever-changing views of the scenery – even as you participate in a complimentary fitness class. And her Chef’s Table specialty restaurant offers a subtle elegance that allows each dish of its exquisite regionally-inspired tasting menu to shine. Discover all of these delights and more on board AmaSiena.

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AmaStella

A star of the AmaWaterways fleet, the award-winning AmaStella truly shines, her glow lasting far longer than the duration of your cruise. A centerpiece glass elevator ringed with dual curved stairways and sleek contemporary reception desk are just the introduction to the ship’s beauty and class. On board, you’ll find an inviting fireside library, fitness room with wooden floors, heated pool with convenient swim-up bar, a stunning Main Lounge, sun-deck walking track, massage and hair salon, gift shop and specialty coffee station. Unlimited wine and beer at the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table is a welcome offering for those who enjoy a bottle or brew. In your stateroom, your personal oasis of rejuvenation, you’ll find twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. You’ll also step into a spacious glass-enclosed shower, giving you the freedom to rejuvenate without limitations.

More information

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Switzerland? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about France? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Germany? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about the Netherlands? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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