Exclusive Wine Cruise Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise) Nov 19 - 26, 2025

Hosted by Mark A. Newman, CEO of Accolade Brands Inc. & SteakHouse Vineyards - Santa Lucia Highlands, CA

Mark A. Newman is CEO of Accolade Brands Inc. & SteakHouse Vineyards. In addition to producing wine in California, Mark also has produced wine in the Loire Valley in France called Perle de Mer Muscadet. Additionally, Mark has recently judged with Gambero Rosso for the prestigious Tre Bicchieri awards in Rome, Italy.

In his over 40 years in the wine industry, he has owned the largest wine & spirits retail chain in Arizona, held key California winery positions as well as senior level executive positions in the wine distributing business. He received his education at the University of Southern California and is a member of several wine industry trade groups. Mark was inducted into the prestigious Commanderie de Bontemps du Medoc et Graves recognizing his years of dedication to the Bordeaux wine industry, and is Maitre-Conseil of Gastronomy, an honor bestowed by the French Minister of Agriculture, a member of the Society of Wine Educators. Mark has judged the Los Angeles International Wine Competition for 26 consecutive years, and he also judges the California State Fair, the San Diego International Wine Competition, and the San Diego Toast of the Coast Competition.

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in the many flavors of Europe on one of AmaWaterways unique Wine Cruises, which let you add a unique, epicurean dimension to one of our European itineraries. Like our standard river cruises, guests have the opportunity to join tours that highlight the famous sights in each port of call. These special itineraries, however, offer guests a perfect blend of wine-related experiences and excursions in grand capitals and charming towns. You’ll taste local cuisine, discover how wine is made and, of course, partake in tastings — all at no additional cost. Whether you have a seasoned appreciation for fine wine, or simply indulge in a sip here and there, this is a wonderful way to uncork the traditions of the local culture and learn about the region you’re visiting.

About the Wine Region – The Rhine

The Rhine along with its main tributaries—the Moselle and Main—have created a wine connoisseur’s paradise, which can be discovered on our Europe’s Rivers & Castles, Enchanting Rhine, Captivating Rhine and Rhine & Moselle Splendors itineraries.

The Upper Middle Rhine’s slate soil combined with a semi-continental climate have proven to be a recipe for wine-growing success for the Rheingau vineyards, yielding high-quality white wine varieties, and some fine reds.

Overview Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise)

Choose your Itinerary:

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 2 Nights Zurich, 2 Nights Lucerne Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

Cruise From: Basel to Amsterdam

Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Zurich’s medieval houses, narrow lanes and town halls from the Renaissance period offer a striking backdrop to its trendy and ultra-modern metropolis. And Amsterdam’s Golden Age melds seamlessly with its lively cafés, exciting nightlife and glorious museums. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music—Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote “A Tramp Abroad.” Timeless traditions remain intact—from the making of Kölsch, Cologne’s legendary brew to the making of Rüdesheimer Coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated-UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.

COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

RIVERS: Rhine

Enchanting 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.

Basel to Amsterdam

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Day 1

Basel

EMBARKATION

Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2

Breisach

Riquewihr excursion

OR Black Forest excursion

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

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 Münster, 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 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 3

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. 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 Cathédrale de Nôtre 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. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Ludwigshafen

“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion

OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour

OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

OR Ladenburg Bike Tour

Rüdesheim

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

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. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Rüdesheim

Gondola ride and wine tasting

OR Vineyard hike

OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour

Rhine Gorge

Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Lahnstein

Exclusive festive celebration

Your exploration of Rüdesheim 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 an exclusive festive celebration. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Cologne

OR Cologne bike tour

OR Cologne Bike tour

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 Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Amsterdam

Canal cruise tour

OR Jordaan Tour*

OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

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 Jewish Heritage tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum chronicling the history of the Jews in Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Amsterdam

DISEMBARKATION

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Basel to Amsterdam

Expand All

Day 1

Basel

EMBARKATION

Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2

Breisach

Riquewihr excursion

OR Black Forest excursion

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

Day 3

Strasbourg

“The Gem of Alsace” tour

OR Strasbourg bike tour

Alsatian wine tasting

Day 4

Ludwigshafen

“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion

OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour

OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

OR Ladenburg Bike Tour

Rüdesheim

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

Day 5

Rüdesheim

Gondola ride and wine tasting

OR Vineyard hike

OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour

Rhine Gorge

Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Lahnstein

Exclusive festive celebration

Day 6

Cologne

OR Cologne bike tour

OR Cologne Bike tour

Day 7

Amsterdam

Canal cruise tour

OR Jordaan Tour*

OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

Day 8

Amsterdam

DISEMBARKATION

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Included Features Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise)

Choose your Itinerary:

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 2 Nights Zurich, 2 Nights Lucerne Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
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
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
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
Local Flavors tours
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration

Dates & Prices Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise)

Notes:

ImportantDates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise fare)£178 per person.

Single Supplement for Cruise50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare. Please see terms below for details.

Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions:

*All fly-cruise fares are per person, based on double occupancy of an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Rates include port charges, group overseas transfers (between airport and ship) and return economy flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester Airport. Flights from selected regional UK gateways are available from a £75pp supplement. Flight schedules and airlines used are fully at the discretion of AmaWaterways and timings will be confirmed at the time of flight booking confirmation. Requests for alternative flights may incur a supplement. Flight costs are based on embarkation and disembarkation points, supplements may occur when purchasing land packages if different gateways are required. Any offers shown are valid on select sailings only and are combinable with all past guest programmes, but not combinable with any other offers or promotions. Solo guests must pay an additional solo supplement before receiving any savings unless stated otherwise. Fares and offers are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Land programmes and gratuities are additional. Other restrictions may apply. Please see our brochure or website for full Terms & Conditions. Cruise Only Fares are available on request.