Destination:
France,
Germany,
Netherlands,
Switzerland,
Duration:
8 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period:
May 2028 - October 2028
Gallery
5+ Gallery Photos
7-night from Amsterdam to Basel
Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Discover Breisach, rising above the vineyards of the Rhine and serving as your gateway to the Black Forest. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and legendary German beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.What's Included
- Board your luxurious ship in Amsterdam, and use your ample amount of time to explore the city before evening briefings, cocktails, and dinner.
- Step into centuries of history at Slot Zuylen, a castle first built around 1250 and shaped by generations that followed. A significant renovation in the mid-17th century transformed the castle. This, along with smaller changes over the centuries have created a rich tapestry of architectural styles, evident as you move through its rooms and corridors. Beyond the walls, the gardens offer a more peaceful, quieter retreat. Together, the castle and its gardens make Slot Zuylen a place where history feels layered, lived in, and very much alive.
- Follow the Rhine into Germany and arrive in Düsseldorf, a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and architecture. Take a guided walking tour of the city and enjoy a tasting of Altbier, the local specialty, or cover more ground on a guided bike ride. Or, venture to nearby Cologne to explore its enchanting Old Town on foot, marvel at the UNESCO-listed Dom Cathedral, or discover the city’s Roman history with a walking tour that includes the Belgian House and its fascinating artifacts.
- Glide through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, admiring hilltop castles and charming half-timbered villages. Stop in Rüdesheim to sample Rheingau wines, famous for their Rieslings, or take a gondola ride above the vineyards to the Niederwald Monument for breathtaking views. For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the Rhine. In the evening, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet to marvel at self-playing musical instruments or enjoy Rüdesheimer coffee, a festive blend of brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.
- Arrive in Ludwigshafen and select from a variety of excursions. Visit Heidelberg, a beautifully preserved medieval city, and explore its towering red sandstone castle and the enormous 49,000-gallon Great Vat, with a wine tasting included. For a more active adventure, hike the Philosopher’s Path for panoramic city views. Alternatively, journey to Speyer to admire Europe’s largest Romanesque cathedral or discover vintage cars, a submarine, and a space shuttle at the Technik Museum. Cyclists can enjoy a scenic ride along the River Neckar to the charming medieval town of Ladenburg.
- Straddling the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is a charming mix of both cultures. Savor Alsatian wines and wander through the storybook canals and half-timbered houses of “La Petite France.” Alternatively, visit the European Parliament or explore the city on a guided bike ride.
- From Breisach, choose your adventure in either the French Alsace region or Germany’s Black Forest. Stroll through the enchanting 16th-century streets of Colmar, admire its colorful half-timbered houses, and visit the home of Auguste Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. For a more active or historic option, hike through the Black Forest or explore the UNESCO-listed Neuf-Brisach Citadel, a masterpiece of military engineering.
- Begin your journey home
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Amsterdam
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Day 2 - Amsterdam
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Day 3 - Düsseldorf
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Day 4 - Scenic Cruising
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Day 5 - Ludwigshafen
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Day 6 - Strasbourg
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Day 7 - Breisach
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Day 8 - Basel
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Dates & Pricing
Select your preferred date or enquire
Why book with RACT Travel?
Travel Partner
AmaWaterways is a premier river cruise line offering luxurious journeys through Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Known for exceptional service and innovative ship designs, they provide unforgettable travel experiences