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. 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.
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.
Call for a catalog! Many dates and itineraries available.
Read our blog about AMAWaterways “Cruising in the Lap of Luxury.”
Award Winning AmaWaterways
With the highest-rated ships in Europe according to the third edition of Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe & the USA, AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades, including 2018 AFAR and USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best River Cruise Line,” as well as 2018 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks for “Vest River Cruise Line for Active Cruisers.”
“AmaWaterways spends considerable more on high-quality food ingredients and wine and hotel crew service training than any other river cruise company.” – Douglas Ward, Berlitz River Cruising Europe
Now is the perfect time to start planning your 2021 vacation! Early booking discounts may be available.
Call for Cabin Availability & Pricing | 2021 PRICING (based on double occupancy)* |
---|---|
Cruise Only From (category E) depending on date selected from | $4,099 ** |
Additional 2 nights Lucerne & 2-nights Zurich from | $1,600 |
Port charges | $196 |
Travel Protection | Call for quote |
Deposit | $400 |
Final balance due | June 18, 2021 |
SAVE $250 | Booking discount for this date – cabins limited. |
$100 Privilege Rewards | Past AMA guest discount (if applicable). |
* Call for single supplement; some cruises may waive single supplement. |
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 0: DEPART USA (overnight flight)
Board your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland (IFM)
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND (optional pre-cruise)
Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel. Spend your day exploring this beautiful town.
Day 2: ZURICH, SWITZERLAND (optional pre-cruise)
Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future–all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)
Day 3: ZURICH / LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND (optional pre-cruise)
Head out of your hotel and head off on a scenic drive past alpine lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Lucerne’s beauty and charm is unrivaled. You’ll discover this beauty on a walking tour. Aftewards, you’ll check into your hotel. (B)
Day 4: LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND (optional pre-cruise)
The iconic Lion Monument, which you’ll visit, was sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)
Day 5: LUCERNE / BASEL, SWITZERLAND / EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Before boarding the ship, you’ll go on a highlights tour of the city. (B, D)
Day 6: BREISACH, GERMANY
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. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B, L, D)
Day 7: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Capital city of France’s Alsace region, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. After arriving this morning, enjoy a panoramic tour that will take you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage site the lovely “La Petite France” neighborhood, where you will see the Gothic cathedral 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. (B, L, D)
Day 8: LUDWILGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RUDESHEIM
Ludwilgshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidlberg, the perfectly preserved midieval city nested in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelerg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th century 49,000-gallon wine casket. For a more active adventurer while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe–a UNESCO World Heritage Site–and the medieval Old Gate, Altportel. Later in the day, sail to Rudesheim whee you can visit Siegfred’s Mechanical Musical instrument Museum or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rudesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B, L, D)
Day 9: RUDESHEIM / RHINE GORGE / LAHNSTEIN
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 the many castles to Lahnstein, where you’ll visit Lahneck Castle (B,L,D)
Day 10: COLOGNE, GERMANY
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 Kolsch beer an reibekuchen mit apfelmus–potato pancakes served with applesauce. (B, L, D)
Day 11: AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
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 Jewish Heritage tour. The ship moors overnight in Amsterdam. (B, L, D)
Day 12: DISEMBARKATION / Depart AMSTERDAM
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. Ask about adding additional nights in Amsterdam to your tour. (B)