Captivating Rhine - Smithsonian Journeys

The Captivating Rhine itinerary, seven nights from Amsterdam to Basel, gains real depth with Smithsonian Journeys expert programming. From the castle-crowned Rhine Gorge to Cologne's gothic cathedral, curated lectures and expert-led experiences deepen the Rhine Valley in ways that stay with you long after the river does.

Duration7 nights

RiversRhine

CountriesFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Duration7 nights

RiversRhine

CountriesFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Highlights of your Smithsonian Journey

Learn from the experts

Talks written for your specific route and delivered before you step into the location they’re about, putting it all into perspective before you arrive.

Exclusive experiences

Each sailing includes tours designed for Smithsonian Journeys guests, and not available on the other itineraries.

Small-group access

With limited group sizes, you’ll be able to hear the expert, ask the question, and be part of the conversation.

What's included with your cruise

An opened luggage on top of a bed in a stateroom

More room to breathe

Choose from suites, solo staterooms, and connecting rooms. Most include our signature twin balconies.
Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
Bathrobe, slippers and full bathroom amenities
Refillable water bottle to take with you
Onboard WiFi

A flavor for every moment

All onboard meals
The Chef's Table, specialty restaurant
Wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
Specialty coffee and tea
Sip & Sail cocktail hour daily
All-day snacks in the Lark Lounge
Welcome cocktail reception

Adventures on your terms

Choose from up to six expert-led experiences each day
Gentle, regular and active options are available for most activities
Wellness Host with daily fitness, stretch and meditation classes on most sailings

Designed for the way you travel

A Cruise Manager who knows everything about your route and will lead your journey the whole way
Regional music and performances
Experiences for solo travelers
Onshore experiences, onboard amenities, and port charges included

Itinerary

Select Cruise Year

Select Direction

Select Optional Land Packages

View Cruise Days

Explore the daily onshore experience options available throughout your cruise.

Dates, Prices and Offers

Important: Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price): $250 per person in 2026. $280 per person in 2027. $290 per person in 2028.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please ask your travel advisor or call for pricing details.

Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

Option A: Two twin beds

Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person in USD, cruise-only, include port fees, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.

Ships

AmaSiena

From floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge to sunlight on the Sun Deck, AmaSiena surrounds guests with open, elegant spaces that let Europe’s rivers feel close at hand

Staterooms: 78

Passengers: 156

AmaViola

On AmaViola, life along the Danube, Rhine, Main, and Moselle flows seamlessly on board, from river-view staterooms and regionally inspired cuisine to an atmosphere as memorable as Vienna’s boulevards or the Rhine Gorge

Staterooms: 78

Passengers: 156

AmaStella

Cruise along Europe’s iconic rivers on the AmaStella, where intimate scale, attentive service, and elegant rooms and gathering places create a ship as memorable as the journey itself

Staterooms: 78

Passengers: 156

AmaFiora

Set to debut in 2027, AmaFiora will bring the beauty of the Rhine to life with elegant, twin-balcony staterooms, cuisine rooted in local flavors, and nightly entertainment in the lively Main Lounge.

Staterooms: 76

Passengers: 152

AmaSofia

Debuting Spring 2026, AmaSofia brings AmaWaterways’ signature warmth to the Rhine and Danube, inviting you to settle into twin-balcony comfort and savor every moment on the river

Staterooms: 76

Passengers: 152

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Captivating Rhine

“It was really fun. The people were quite lovely and pleasant. The cheese was outstanding and the wine was good, but we were in the middle of France, surrounded by half-timbered houses, eating cheese, so I couldn’t really complain!”

Katy H.

Captivating Rhine

“I’ve sailed the Rhine River three times now and been to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Cabinet every time. It was a totally different experience the third time when I experienced the museum through my new friends’ eyes.”

Kathy D.

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Captivating Rhine - Smithsonian Journeys

Highlights of your Smithsonian Journey

What's included with your cruise

Dates, Prices and Offers

Ships

Frequently Asked Questions

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Featured Stories

Why the Danube Gets Its Own Holiday

Dates, Prices and Offers

Captivating Rhine - Smithsonian Journeys

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Featured Stories

Why the Danube Gets Its Own Holiday

Dates, Prices and Offers

May 26, 2027Amsterdam to BaselAmaFioraSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:May 26, 2027 AmaFioraDirectionAmsterdam to BaselSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

June 19, 2027Amsterdam to BaselAmaFioraSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:June 19, 2027 AmaFioraDirectionAmsterdam to BaselSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

July 10, 2027Amsterdam to BaselAmaSofiaSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:July 10, 2027 AmaSofiaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

September 25, 2027Amsterdam to BaselAmaFioraSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:September 25, 2027 AmaFioraDirectionAmsterdam to BaselSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

May 06, 2028Amsterdam to BaselAmaFioraSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:May 06, 2028 AmaFioraDirectionAmsterdam to BaselSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

July 13, 2028Amsterdam to BaselAmaSienaSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:July 13, 2028 AmaSienaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

September 17, 2028Amsterdam to BaselAmaStellaSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:September 17, 2028 AmaStellaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

October 08, 2028Amsterdam to BaselAmaViolaSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:October 08, 2028 AmaViolaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: