Overview

River Cruise Itinerary

2 nights Amsterdam, 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, 2 nights in Lucerne and 2 nights in Zurich

1. Day 1
   Thu, Mar 18, 2021

   ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS ''' EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (D)
2. Day 2
   Fri, Mar 19, 2021

   AMSTERDAM. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'''ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
3. Day 3
   Sat, Mar 20, 2021

   COLOGNE, GERMANY. Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany'''s most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany'''s oldest town hall, plus see other local sights. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous K''lsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Mar 21, 2021

   RHINE GORGE - R''DESHEIM. Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of R''desheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town'''s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town'''s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried'''s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town'''s special delights, R''desheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
5. Day 5
   Mon, Mar 22, 2021

   LUDWIGSHAFEN. Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four 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 enjoy 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 Old Gate, Altp''rtel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. (B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   Tue, Mar 23, 2021

   STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg 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 R''publique before walking through its iconic '''La Petite France''' district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cath''drale de N''tre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'''Orangerie. (B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   Wed, Mar 24, 2021

   BASEL, SWITZERLAND. Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland'''s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel'''s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you'''ll have the opportunity to see its Lion Monument ''' the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 ''' which Mark Twain described as '''the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.''' You'''ll also see Lucerne'''s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Thu, Mar 25, 2021

   BASEL, SWITZERLAND ''' DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Basel and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Inclusions

• 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 Cha''ne des R''tisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs 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
• Land Program
• 2 nights hotel in Amsterdam at the Barbizon Palace or Grand Hotel Kransnapolsky Hotels (or similar)
• 3 nights hotel in Como at the Hilton Lake Como (or similar)
• Daily breakfast
• City tours and excursions
• Portage service
• Services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager throughout your cruise and land stay
• Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the purchase of cruise and land program; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare from AmaWaterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers