AmaWaterways™ River Cruises

Overview Captivating Rhine (Wine Cruise)

CRUISE FROM : Amsterdam to Basel

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. Then there is Breisach, rising above the vineyards of the Rhine, and Freiburg, one of Germany’s sunniest cities and gateway to Black Forest. 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 colourful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.

COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

RIVERS: Rhine

Captivating Rhine (Wine Cruise) At A Glance

On our 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 Limited Edition 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.

Amsterdam to Basel

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Day 1

Amsterdam

EMBARKATION

Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Join fellow guests for a special welcome aboard wine toast. (D)

Day 2

Amsterdam

Canal cruise tour

Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam

The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your scenic canal cruise. Tall narrow homes along the water, the beautiful wooden Skinny Bridge and the Anne Frank House are a few of the highlights you will see. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Cologne

“Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit

OR Cologne bike tour

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and Reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with apple sauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Rhine Gorge

Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim wine tasting

OR Gondola Ride

OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour

OR Vineyard hike

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheimer coffee

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue and afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Ludwigshafen

“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion

OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour

OR Ladenburg bike tour

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. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Strasbourg

“The Gem of Alsace” tour

OR Strasbourg bike tour

Alsatian Wine Tasting

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 République before walking through its iconic “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 Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Breisach

Riquewihr and wine tasting

OR Freiburg and wine tasting

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

OR Black Forest excursion

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. While there, enjoy a visit to a winery for a tasting of locally produced Alsatian wines. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” You’ll visit a winery where you will have the opportunity to taste their locally produced wines, and then continue with a walking tour. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside; or go to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles and quaint towns. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Basel

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark after breakfast. (B)

Amsterdam to Basel

Expand All

Day 1

Amsterdam

EMBARKATION

Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Join fellow guests for a special welcome aboard wine toast. (D)

Day 2

Amsterdam

Canal cruise tour

Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam

Day 3

Cologne

“Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit

OR Cologne bike tour

Day 4

Rhine Gorge

Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim wine tasting

OR Gondola Ride

OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour

OR Vineyard hike

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheimer coffee

Day 5

Ludwigshafen

“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion

OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour

OR Ladenburg bike tour

Day 6

Strasbourg

“The Gem of Alsace” tour

OR Strasbourg bike tour

Alsatian Wine Tasting

Day 7

Breisach

Riquewihr and wine tasting

OR Freiburg and wine tasting

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

OR Black Forest excursion

Day 8

Basel

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark after breakfast. (B)

Included Features Captivating Rhine (Wine Cruise)

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
Computer for internet access
Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Special Interest Tours
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration

Exclusive Wine Cruise Captivating Rhine Mar 23 - 30, 2020

Hosted by Chris Madrigal, Owner & Winemaker, Madrigal Family Winery, Calistoga CA

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

About the Wine Region – The Rhine

Captivating Rhine (Wine Cruise) At A Glance