Rhine & Moselle Delights - Smithsonian Journeys

This Rhine and Moselle cruise crosses four countries, from Germany's Black Forest to Amsterdam's canals, with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts offering historical insight throughout. Highlights include an EU Parliament tour in Strasbourg and a Roman ruins walk in Cologne, alongside Bernkastel, Cochem and vineyard hikes above the Rhine and Moselle.

Duration10 nights

RiversRhine, Moselle

CountriesFrance, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland

Duration10 nights

RiversRhine, Moselle

CountriesFrance, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland

Step aboard your ship in Basel and settle in for the start of your Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise. This evening, gather for your Welcome Dinner.

After arriving in Breisach, you can choose from several different ways to explore the Alsace and Black Forest region. Step back in time with a tour of the charming, medieval village of Riquewihr, known for its preserved 16th-century streets and Dolder Gate. Opt to take an excursion to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral with a beautiful pire. For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a hike through the volcanic landscapes and vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl region; or bike through Breisach’s surrounding wine country.

See Strasbourg’s blend of French and German influences on a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-designated Petite France district, with its timber-framed houses and charming canals. Or, explore the city on a guided bike tour that includes Parc de l’Orangerie.

Spend the morning exploring the region around Ludwigshafen. Visit Heidelberg for views of its castle and medieval streets, tour the opulent Mannheim Baroque Palace, or stroll the extensive gardens of Schwetzingen Palace. For an active option, hike the Philosopher’s Path for panoramic views of Heidelberg.

Continue your time in Rüdesheim with your choice of excursions: take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Monument followed by a Riesling tasting; hike through the town’s vineyards; or bike along the Rhine to Schloss Johannisberg.

Arrive in Bernkastel, a charming small town in the middle of Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region. Here, you can join a guided walking tour through its colorful Old Town, followed by a tasting of local Moselle wines. Active travelers may choose a bike ride along the shores of the Moselle River or a hike up to the ruins of Landshut Castle.

Explore the German town of Trier—known as the “Rome of the North”—on a guided tour featuring its Roman landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alternatively, join a guided hike up to Petrisberg Hill for sweeping views of the area.

Visit Reichsburg Castle and learn about its long history before joining a walking tour of Cochem’s narrow cobblestone streets. For a more active option, hike up to the castle or bike along the Moselle River.

Take a guided walking tour through Cologne’s Old Town, including landmarks such as the Cologne Rathaus, Fishmarkt, and Great St. Martin Church, ending with a tasting of Kölsch beer at a local tavern. Active guests can choose a guided bike tour along the Rhine and through the Stadtgarten.

Spend the day in Amsterdam with a canal cruise followed by a visit to the Begijnhof, known for its medieval buildings. Or, take a culinary-focused walk past the city’s canals, gabled houses, and narrow bridges, tasting Dutch specialties along the way.

After breakfast, disembark and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your flight home.

Itinerary

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Dates, Prices and Offers

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

Port Charges (included in cruise price)

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare. Please see terms below for details.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please ask your travel agent 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 AUD, cruise-only, include port fees and gratuities, 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

AmaPrima

Following Europe’s legendary rivers, AmaPrima sails past castle-studded hillsides and vineyard valleys

Staterooms: 81

Passengers: 162

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

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