AmaWaterways™ River Cruises

Overview Enchanting Rhine (Wine 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. Sample wines from France’s Alsace region while in Riquewihr, Freiburg and Strasbourg; and walk through the vineyards of Rüdesheim tasting the Rheingau’s Rieslings. 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 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.

Basel to Amsterdam

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Day 1

Basel

EMBARKATION

Welcome Aboard Wine Toast

Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a “Welcome Aboard” Wine Toast as you commence your wine-themed itinerary through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions. (D)

Day 2

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 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. Later in the afternoon, be treated to a special Alsatian wine tasting of some of the region’s most delicious and notable wine. Discover how the Vosges Mountains provide the Alsace with ideal wine making conditions, and as such, Alsatian wines are not only delightful on the palate, but they’re also highly praised for their fragrant aromas, ranging from bright and fruity to crisp and spicy. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Ludwigshafen

“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion

OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour

Rüdesheim

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheim 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 Schloss Johannisberg bike tour

OR Vineyard hike

Rhine Gorge

Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Lahnstein

Lahneck Castle Visit

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 a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D

Day 6

Cologne

“Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit

OR Kölsch Beer tasting

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*

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 Jordaan tour. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Amsterdam

DISEMBARKATION

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Basel to Amsterdam

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Day 1

Basel

EMBARKATION

Welcome Aboard Wine Toast

Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a “Welcome Aboard” Wine Toast as you commence your wine-themed itinerary through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions. (D)

Day 2

Breisach

Riquewihr and wine tasting

OR Freiburg and wine tasting

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

OR Black Forest excursion

Day 3

Strasbourg

“The Gem of Alsace” tour

OR Strasbourg bike tour

Alsatian wine tasting

Day 4

Ludwigshafen

“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion

OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour

Rüdesheim

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheim Coffee

Day 5

Rüdesheim

Gondola ride and wine tasting

OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour

OR Vineyard hike

Rhine Gorge

Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Lahnstein

Lahneck Castle Visit

Day 6

Cologne

“Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit

OR Kölsch Beer tasting

OR Cologne bike tour

Day 7

Amsterdam

Canal cruise tour

OR Jordaan Tour*

Day 8

Amsterdam

DISEMBARKATION

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Included Features Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise)

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
Computer for internet access
Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Wellness Activities 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
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala 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 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
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Exclusive Wine Cruise Enchanting Rhine Nov 18 - 25, 2019

Hosted by Nello & Danica Olivo, Owners of Nello Olivo Winery, Placerville, CA

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

About the Wine Region – The Rhine

Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise) At A Glance