Embark on our unforgettable Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. Journey through scenic landscapes, exploring historic cities, medieval castles, and culinary delights of the Netherlands, Germany and France on this special 7-night river cruise, part of AmaWaterways’ new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. Marvel at the scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than 40 castles cling to the riverbanks, and visit charming towns like Rüdesheim and Heidelberg, home to medieval castles and unique attractions. Travel via historic cities like Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Strasbourg, where you can enjoy local wines and culinary delights. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours to the world-renowned art collection of the Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum, the roman ruins of Cologne, the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the UNESCO-designated Neuf-Brisach Citadel. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Embark on our unforgettable Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. Journey through scenic landscapes, exploring historic cities, medieval castles, and culinary delights of the Netherlands, Germany and France on this special 7-night river cruise, part of AmaWaterways’ new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. Marvel at the scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than 40 castles cling to the riverbanks, and visit charming towns like Rüdesheim and Heidelberg, home to medieval castles and unique attractions. Travel via historic cities like Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Strasbourg, where you can enjoy local wines and culinary delights. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours to the world-renowned art collection of the Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum, the roman ruins of Cologne, the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the UNESCO-designated Neuf-Brisach Citadel. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Embark on our unforgettable Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. Journey through scenic landscapes, exploring historic cities, medieval castles, and culinary delights of the Netherlands, Germany and France on this special 7-night river cruise, part of AmaWaterways’ new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. Marvel at the scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than 40 castles cling to the riverbanks, and visit charming towns like Rüdesheim and Heidelberg, home to medieval castles and unique attractions. Travel via historic cities like Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Strasbourg, where you can enjoy local wines and culinary delights. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours to the world-renowned art collection of the Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum, the roman ruins of Cologne, the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the UNESCO-designated Neuf-Brisach Citadel. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Captivating Rhine (Smithsonian Journeys)
At A Glance
On our river 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 Special Interest 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.
Day 1 | Amsterdam | RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION |
|
Arrive in Amsterdam and board your beautiful river cruise ship. Gather on board for a festive welcome dinner. (Meals: D)
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
| | OR Rijksmuseum guided tour – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam |
|
Set out to discover Amsterdam’s famous canals on a private cruise. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s concentric canal system was built in the 16th and 17th centuries to create a new, expanded port city. Alternatively, join a guided tour of the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and other masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Later in the day, leave Amsterdam behind and cruise south to Utrecht, an important center of religion and trade during the Middle Ages. Get to know this charming town on a guided walking tour, sample Dutch beers on a tasting tour, or visit the fortress-like Castle de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands which is located just outside of the city. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 | Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting |
|
Follow the Rhine into Germany, where your first port of call is Düsseldorf. Explore this cultural hub on a walking tour followed by a tasting of Altbier, a Düsseldorf specialty; or see more of the city on a guided bike ride. Alternatively, travel to nearby Cologne and visit the historic sites of the enchanting Old Town, including a walk past the UNESCO-designated Dom Cathedral, or set out on a walking tour of the town’s many Roman sites and see ancient artifacts at the Belgian House. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Rüdesheim wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Take in stunning vistas of hilltop castles and timeless half-timbered villages as you glide through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, and enjoy a tasting of wines of the Rheingau, known for its Rieslings. Or soar high above the vineyards on a gondola ride to the Niederwald monument, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Rheingau from an aerial perspective. For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards around Rüdesheim or take a guided bike tour along the banks of the Rhine. After dinner, pay a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet to encounter a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or savor one of the town’s delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, a festive cocktail made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion with wine tasting |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path hike |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour with Technik Museum – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Dock in Ludwigshafen and choose from a range of excursions. Journey to Heidelberg, a beautifully preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley. Visit the enormous red sandstone Heidelberg Castle perched above town, and see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon wine cask that dates to the 18th century. Enjoy a wine tasting during your tour. You may instead opt for a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path to take in panoramic views of the city and its castle. Or head to Speyer to visit the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe or see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine and a space shuttle at the Technik Museum. Alternatively, ride a bike along the River Neckar to the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour with Alsatian wine tasting |
|
| | OR EU Parliament Visit – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Poised on the border of France and Germany—and considered part of each at different moments of its history—Strasbourg is a delightful blend of French and German culture. Get acquainted with this UNESCO-designated city through a variety of excursion options. Enjoy a tasting of Alsatian wines and take a walk through “La Petite France,” a storybook district of canals and half-timbered houses. You may instead choose a visit to the seat of the European Parliament (subject to availability) or a guided bike ride. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Breisach | Colmar walking tour with Bartholdi Museum – Smithsonian
Journeys Exclusive
|
|
| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
| | OR UNESCO Neuf-Brisach Citadel – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
From the port town of Breisach, set out on your choice of excursions to either the French region of Alsace or Germany’s Black Forest region. Step back in time in the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, where the historic center has changed little since the 16th century. On a walking tour, admire its colorful, half-timbered houses and tour the home of Auguste Bartholdi, the artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty. Alternatively, learn about the rich folklore of the Black Forest on a guided hike, or visit the Neuf-Brisach Citadel, a World Heritage-listed fortification considered the masterpiece of French military engineer Vauban. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8 | Basel | RIVER CRUISE DISEMBARKATION |
|
After breakfast, disembark in Basel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)
Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Walking Tour |
|
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (Meals: B)
Day 3 | Amsterdam | Zaanse Schans visit |
|
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. In the evening, gather on board for a festive welcome dinner. (Meals: D)
Day 4 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
| | OR Rijksmuseum guided tour – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam |
|
Set out to discover Amsterdam’s famous canals on a private cruise. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s concentric canal system was built in the 16th and 17th centuries to create a new, expanded port city. Alternatively, join a guided tour of the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and other masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Later in the day, leave Amsterdam behind and cruise south to Utrecht, an important center of religion and trade during the Middle Ages. Get to know this charming town on a guided walking tour, sample Dutch beers on a tasting tour, or visit the fortress-like Castle de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands which is located just outside of the city. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5 | Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting |
|
Follow the Rhine into Germany, where your first port of call is Düsseldorf. Explore this cultural hub on a walking tour followed by a tasting of Altbier, a Düsseldorf specialty; or see more of the city on a guided bike ride. Alternatively, travel to nearby Cologne and visit the historic sites of the enchanting Old Town, including a walk past the UNESCO-designated Dom Cathedral, or set out on a walking tour of the town’s many Roman sites and see ancient artifacts at the Belgian House. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Rüdesheim wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Take in stunning vistas of hilltop castles and timeless half-timbered villages as you glide through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, and enjoy a tasting of wines of the Rheingau, known for its Rieslings. Or soar high above the vineyards on a gondola ride to the Niederwald monument, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Rheingau from an aerial perspective. For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards around Rüdesheim or take a guided bike tour along the banks of the Rhine. After dinner, pay a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet to encounter a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or savor one of the town’s delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, a festive cocktail made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion with wine tasting |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path hike |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour with Technik Museum – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Dock in Ludwigshafen and choose from a range of excursions. Journey to Heidelberg, a beautifully preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley. Visit the enormous red sandstone Heidelberg Castle perched above town, and see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon wine cask that dates to the 18th century. Enjoy a wine tasting during your tour. You may instead opt for a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path to take in panoramic views of the city and its castle. Or head to Speyer to visit the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe or see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine and a space shuttle at the Technik Museum. Alternatively, ride a bike along the River Neckar to the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour with Alsatian wine tasting |
|
| | OR EU Parliament Visit – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Poised on the border of France and Germany—and considered part of each at different moments of its history—Strasbourg is a delightful blend of French and German culture. Get acquainted with this UNESCO-designated city through a variety of excursion options. Enjoy a tasting of Alsatian wines and take a walk through “La Petite France,” a storybook district of canals and half-timbered houses. You may instead choose a visit to the seat of the European Parliament (subject to availability) or a guided bike ride. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 9 | Breisach | Colmar walking tour with Bartholdi Museum – Smithsonian
Journeys Exclusive
|
|
| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
| | OR UNESCO Neuf-Brisach Citadel – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
From the port town of Breisach, set out on your choice of excursions to either the French region of Alsace or Germany’s Black Forest region. Step back in time in the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, where the historic center has changed little since the 16th century. On a walking tour, admire its colorful, half-timbered houses and tour the home of Auguste Bartholdi, the artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty. Alternatively, learn about the rich folklore of the Black Forest on a guided hike, or visit the Neuf-Brisach Citadel, a World Heritage-listed fortification considered the masterpiece of French military engineer Vauban. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 10 | Basel | RIVER CRUISE DISEMBARKATION |
|
From Basel, your journey continues with a transfer to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city. While in town, you will be treated to a local lunch before boarding the iconic Glacier Express for your transfer to Zermatt. This breathtaking panoramic train journey through the Swiss Alps offers unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges and picturesque villages. En route, you will be treated to an authentic Swiss dinner before arriving in Zermatt and checking in to your hotel for the evening. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 11 | Zermatt | Gornergrat Railway |
|
Experience a memorable journey on the historic Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Gornergrat's summit at 3,089 meters. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Once you reach the summit, enjoy free time to be awed by the iconic Matterhorn, explore the Matterhorn exhibition and savor local cuisine before returning to Zermatt at your own leisure. (Meals: B)
Day 12 | Zermatt | Transfer to Lucerne |
|
| Lake Lucerne | Lion Monument |
|
Begin your transfer to Lucerne with a morning train ride to Tasch and a comfortable coach transfer to Andermatt, where you will have free time for lunch. Afterwards, continue your coach transfer to Lucerne and visit the Lion Monument, a poignant rock relief commemorating Swiss Guards who perished during the French Revolution. After your visit, you will check into your hotel in Lucerne for the evening. (Meals: B,L)
Day 13 | Lucerne | Lucerne walking tour |
|
| | “Queen of the Mountains” excursion |
|
After breakfast, join a walking tour of Lucerne and explore its cobblestone streets and frescoed buildings. Then, set out on an intimate cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Impressive mountainous panoramas are the backdrop of this lake excursion, with sometimes snow-capped peaks looming over the city, some coming right to the edge of the lake. You will then ascend Mount Rigi on a cogwheel train ride. Known as “Queen of the Mountains,” Mount Rigi offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape, which you can take in as you explore at your leisure. Afterward, return to your hotel for a farewell reception. (Meals: B,L)
Day 14 | Zurich | Return flight home |
|
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Zurich for your return flight home.
Day 1 | Amsterdam | RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION |
|
Arrive in Amsterdam and board your beautiful river cruise ship. Gather on board for a festive welcome dinner. (Meals: D)
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
| | OR Rijksmuseum guided tour – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam |
|
Set out to discover Amsterdam’s famous canals on a private cruise. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s concentric canal system was built in the 16th and 17th centuries to create a new, expanded port city. Alternatively, join a guided tour of the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and other masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Later in the day, leave Amsterdam behind and cruise south to Utrecht, an important center of religion and trade during the Middle Ages. Get to know this charming town on a guided walking tour, sample Dutch beers on a tasting tour, or visit the fortress-like Castle de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands which is located just outside of the city. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 | Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting |
|
Follow the Rhine into Germany, where your first port of call is Düsseldorf. Explore this cultural hub on a walking tour followed by a tasting of Altbier, a Düsseldorf specialty; or see more of the city on a guided bike ride. Alternatively, travel to nearby Cologne and visit the historic sites of the enchanting Old Town, including a walk past the UNESCO-designated Dom Cathedral, or set out on a walking tour of the town’s many Roman sites and see ancient artifacts at the Belgian House. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Rüdesheim wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Take in stunning vistas of hilltop castles and timeless half-timbered villages as you glide through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, and enjoy a tasting of wines of the Rheingau, known for its Rieslings. Or soar high above the vineyards on a gondola ride to the Niederwald monument, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Rheingau from an aerial perspective. For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards around Rüdesheim or take a guided bike tour along the banks of the Rhine. After dinner, pay a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet to encounter a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or savor one of the town’s delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, a festive cocktail made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion with wine tasting |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path hike |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour with Technik Museum – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Dock in Ludwigshafen and choose from a range of excursions. Journey to Heidelberg, a beautifully preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley. Visit the enormous red sandstone Heidelberg Castle perched above town, and see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon wine cask that dates to the 18th century. Enjoy a wine tasting during your tour. You may instead opt for a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path to take in panoramic views of the city and its castle. Or head to Speyer to visit the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe or see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine and a space shuttle at the Technik Museum. Alternatively, ride a bike along the River Neckar to the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour with Alsatian wine tasting |
|
| | OR EU Parliament Visit – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Poised on the border of France and Germany—and considered part of each at different moments of its history—Strasbourg is a delightful blend of French and German culture. Get acquainted with this UNESCO-designated city through a variety of excursion options. Enjoy a tasting of Alsatian wines and take a walk through “La Petite France,” a storybook district of canals and half-timbered houses. You may instead choose a visit to the seat of the European Parliament (subject to availability) or a guided bike ride. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Breisach | Colmar walking tour with Bartholdi Museum – Smithsonian
Journeys Exclusive
|
|
| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
| | OR UNESCO Neuf-Brisach Citadel – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
From the port town of Breisach, set out on your choice of excursions to either the French region of Alsace or Germany’s Black Forest region. Step back in time in the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, where the historic center has changed little since the 16th century. On a walking tour, admire its colorful, half-timbered houses and tour the home of Auguste Bartholdi, the artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty. Alternatively, learn about the rich folklore of the Black Forest on a guided hike, or visit the Neuf-Brisach Citadel, a World Heritage-listed fortification considered the masterpiece of French military engineer Vauban. (Meals: B,L,D)
From Basel, your journey continues with a transfer to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city. While in town, you will be treated to a local lunch before boarding the iconic Glacier Express for your transfer to Zermatt. This breathtaking panoramic train journey through the Swiss Alps offers unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges and picturesque villages. En route, you will be treated to an authentic Swiss dinner before arriving in Zermatt and checking in to your hotel for the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Zermatt | Gornergrat Railway |
|
Experience a memorable journey on the historic Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Gornergrat's summit at 3,089 meters. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Once you reach the summit, enjoy free time to be awed by the iconic Matterhorn, explore the Matterhorn exhibition and savor local cuisine before returning to Zermatt at your own leisure. (B)
Day 10 | Zermatt | Transfer to Lucerne |
|
Begin your transfer to Lucerne with a morning train ride to Tasch and a comfortable coach transfer to Andermatt, where you will have free time for lunch. Afterwards, continue your coach transfer to Lucerne and check into your hotel for the evening. (B,L)
Day 11 | Lucerne | Lucerne Lake cruise |
|
| | “Queen of the Mountains” excursion |
|
After breakfast, head out for an intimate cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Impressive mountainous panoramas are the backdrop of this lake excursion, with sometimes snow-capped peaks looming over the city, some coming right to the edge of the lake. You will then ascend Mount Rigi on a cogwheel train ride. Known as “Queen of the Mountains,” Mount Rigi offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape, which you can take in as you explore at your leisure. Afterward, return to your hotel for a farewell reception. (B,L)
Day 12 | Lucerne | Return flight home |
|
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Zurich for your return flight home.