River Cruise Itinerary

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

1. Day 1
   Mon, Oct 21, 2024

   AMSTERDAM ''' EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (D)
2. Day 2
   Tue, Oct 22, 2024

   AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. 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
   Wed, Oct 23, 2024

   COLOGNE, GERMANY. Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the 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 K''lsch beer. As an alternative, explore the historic and modern architectural styles on display across Cologne on a guided tour, including a special visit inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   Thu, Oct 24, 2024

   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 Instrument Cabinet 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
   Fri, Oct 25, 2024

   LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. 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
   Sat, Oct 26, 2024

   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
   Sun, Oct 27, 2024

   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). . *Not combinable with other tours on this day.
8. Day 8
   Mon, Oct 28, 2024

   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)
• 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 Krasnapolsky Hotels (or similar), including walking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfast
• Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne with Basel city tour en route
• 3 nights hotel in Como at the Hilton Lake Como (or similar), including city tour, cruise to Bellagio and daily breakfast
• 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

Health and Safety Protocols for AmaWaterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers