Destination:
France,
Germany,
Luxembourg,
Netherlands,
Switzerland,
Duration:
12 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period:
March 2028 - November 2028
Gallery
5+ Gallery Photos
11-night from Amsterdam to Basel
Pages from fairytales come to life as you find inspiration along the fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, with fascinating scenery of Europe’s steepest vineyards lining its shores. Encounter some of the prettiest towns of the Alsace—Strasbourg and Riquewihr—that blend their German and French heritage into one enchanting masterpiece. Cochem and Bernkastel, towns that grew up below a castle, give you a sense of what it was like to live during the Middle Ages. Visit Trier, once known as the second Rome as no other city in Germany has so many monuments from Roman times; and Koblenz, where history meets at two rivers. Bygone grandeur of a different kind can be found at Mannheim’s glorious Baroque Palace. Colorful canals and glistening lakes, hilltop towns and majestic alps, mighty fortresses and storied castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey through time.What's Included
- Step aboard your ship in Amsterdam and settle in for your Rhine & Moselle Fairytales cruise. This evening, gather for your Welcome Dinner.
- Begin your cruise with a guided canal tour through Amsterdam’s waterways, followed by a visit to the historic Begijnhof. Or, choose a culinary-focused walk that weaves past canals, narrow bridges, and gabled houses while you sample Dutch specialties.
- Join a guided tour through Cologne’s enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
- Arrive in Lahnstein, where medieval fortresses overlook the meeting of the Rhine and Lahn Rivers. Choose from several excursions including a guided tour of Burg Lahneck Castle, known for its dramatic hilltop setting; a cable car ride with panoramic river views; a hike to Burg Lahneck Castle; or bike along the “Two Rivers” route for a scenic, active experience.
- Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg 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.
- Bernkastel will enchant you as you walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. (B,L,D)
- Spend the morning in Rüdesheim with a choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride over the vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal Monument followed by a Riesling tasting; opt for a vineyard hike; or bike through the Rheingau wine region.
- Today, you’ll have the choice of several excursions. Visit Heidelberg for views of its hilltop castle and medieval lanes; tour the gardens at Schwetzingen Palace with over 800 exhibits; join a hike along the Philosopher’s Path; or bike to the charming town of Ladenburg and glide past its half-timbered architecture.
- 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.
- 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. Then visit a local winery for a tasting of Alsatian wines. Opt to take an excursion to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral with a beautiful pire, followed by a tasting at a regional winery. 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.
- After breakfast, disembark and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your flight home.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Amsterdam
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Day 2 - Amsterdam
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Day 3 - Cologne
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Day 4 - Lahnstein
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Day 5 - Cochem
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Day 6 - Wasserbillig
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Day 7 - Bernkastel
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Day 8 - Rüdesheim
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Day 9 - Ludwigshafen
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Day 10 - Strasbourg
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Day 11 - Breisach
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Day 12 - 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