AmaWaterways
Enchanting Rhine
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, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote <i>A Tramp Abroad</i>. Timeless traditions remain intact-from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers, 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.
Booking Dates
05/16/2025 through 11/10/2026
Travel Dates
05/16/2025 through 11/25/2026
| Day 1 |
Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination. |
| Day 2 |
Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination. |
| Day 3 |
Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination. |
| Day 4 |
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Attractions in Lucerne besides the Chapel Bridge include the striking, rock-carved Lion Monument, the Swiss Museum of Transport (featuring a cinema, museum and planetarium) and the Jesuit Church, Lucerne which dates back to the 1600s and is adorned with murals. |
| Day 5 |
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Attractions in Lucerne besides the Chapel Bridge include the striking, rock-carved Lion Monument, the Swiss Museum of Transport (featuring a cinema, museum and planetarium) and the Jesuit Church, Lucerne which dates back to the 1600s and is adorned with murals. |
| Day 6 |
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Attractions in Lucerne besides the Chapel Bridge include the striking, rock-carved Lion Monument, the Swiss Museum of Transport (featuring a cinema, museum and planetarium) and the Jesuit Church, Lucerne which dates back to the 1600s and is adorned with murals. |
| Day 7 |
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Attractions in Lucerne besides the Chapel Bridge include the striking, rock-carved Lion Monument, the Swiss Museum of Transport (featuring a cinema, museum and planetarium) and the Jesuit Church, Lucerne which dates back to the 1600s and is adorned with murals. |
| Day 8 |
Basel is the global center of the pharmaceutical industry, but most travelers visit for the world-famous ART Basel festival, as well as the numerous art galleries, iconic architecture and museums. |
| Day 9 |
Basel is the global center of the pharmaceutical industry, but most travelers visit for the world-famous ART Basel festival, as well as the numerous art galleries, iconic architecture and museums. |
| Day 10 |
This quaint town on the Rhine is the gateway to the Black Forest and lies halfway between Freiburg and Colmar. As you walk the cobblestone streets, stop to sample local schnapps made from fermented pears or cherries and the distinctive smoky ham of this region. St. Stephan's Cathedral perches on a hillside and is the exquisite centerpiece of the town. |
| Day 11 |
This vibrant and picturesque city sits near the German border and is the 2nd most popular tourist city in France. Its historic city center is classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Stasbourg Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. If you plan to travel here from the end of November through the end of December, do not miss out on the Christkindelsmärik, one of the most famous Christmas markets throughout Europe. Nothing will spark holiday cheer more than a warming cup of vin chaud while gazing upon the magnificient Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber! |
| Day 12 |
Located south of Frankfurt on the banks of the Rhine River, Ludwigshafen is an industrial city in Germany popular for its art museums, parks, and nature preserves. |
| Day 13 |
This city in the Rhine Gorge is known for its winemaking, dramatic landscapes and 15-minute cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument (celebrating the German victory over France in 1871). Don't miss the Bavarian buildings and Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, which houses automated musical instruments. Wine lovers will also appreciate the Rheingau Wine Museum, where the exhibits focus on the craft of winemaking through the ages. |
| Day 14 |
This city in the Rhine Gorge is known for its winemaking, dramatic landscapes and 15-minute cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument (celebrating the German victory over France in 1871). Don't miss the Bavarian buildings and Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, which houses automated musical instruments. Wine lovers will also appreciate the Rheingau Wine Museum, where the exhibits focus on the craft of winemaking through the ages. |
| Day 15 |
Stunning landscapes and rich history come together in the Rhine Valley. Stretching through Germany, this region is known for its winding river, steep vineyard-covered hills, and medieval castles that seem straight out of a fairy tale. Visitors are drawn to the valley not only for its breathtaking views but also for its fascinating stories that echo through the centuries. One of the highlights of the Rhine Valley is its collection of castles. From the imposing Marksburg Castle in Braubach to the romantic ruins of Rheinfels Castle, each fortress tells a story of centuries-old traditions. These castles often host guided tours. The picturesque town of Bacharach is a charming stop along the way. Wine culture thrives in the Rhine Valley, especially with its world-famous Riesling wines. The region’s steep slopes and favorable climate create ideal conditions for grape growing, and visitors can enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards or festivals like the Rhine in Flames, where fireworks light up the riverbanks. Paired with traditional German dishes like bratwurst or hearty Sauerbraten, the culinary scene here is both flavorful and memorable. The Rhine Valley’s scenic walking and cycling paths wind through forests, vineyards, and riverside towns. The Lorelei Rock, a legendary spot along the river, is steeped in folklore about a siren said to have lured sailors to their doom. The views from the rock are spectacular, offering a panoramic perspective of the valley’s beauty. |
| Day 16 |
Lahnstein is located at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Lahn. Situated between the tranquil Lahn Valley and the bustling energy of the Rhine, Lahnstein has developed a unique character and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors. Learn about the myths that surround Burg Lahneck (Lahneck Castle), visit one of the oldest hydropower plants in Germany (built in 1906), or take advantage of one of the many boat tours to simply enjoy the sites. |
| Day 17 |
This cultural capital and university city holds more than 2,000 years of history and is the cultural hub of Germany. Marvel at the gorgeoust twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views, or lose yourself in one of Colonge's many museums for a few hours. Cologne boasts of having most pubs per person in Germany, so make sure you sit down for a refreshing regional Kölsch beer during your travels! |
| Day 18 |
The commercial and cultural center for the Ruhr region on the Rhine River, Duseldorff is also the site of the Felderhof Cave where Neanderthal man was found in 1856. |
| Day 19 |
Utrecht, a charming city in the Netherlands, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Dominated by its striking Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, Utrecht invites visitors to climb its 465 steps for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. This iconic landmark, part of the Dom Church, is a remnant of the medieval era, reflecting Utrecht’s rich historical tapestry. The city’s picturesque canals, lined with unique wharfs and charming cafes, create an enchanting atmosphere. Utrecht’s Old Canal, with its distinctive lower-level quays, is a favorite spot for a leisurely stroll or a boat tour. The canals are a remnant of the city's medieval waterway system and provide a scenic backdrop for exploring Utrecht’s vibrant neighborhoods. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate Utrecht’s diverse museums and galleries. The Centraal Museum showcases a wide range of exhibits from contemporary art to historic artifacts, including works by the famed Utrecht Caravaggisti. Additionally, the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the innovative De Stijl movement with its groundbreaking architecture and design. For an optimal visit, consider coming in spring or early autumn when the weather is mild and the city’s cultural events are in full swing. |
| Day 20 |
Amsterdam, the 17th century capital of Holland, is often called the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous, boat-navigable canals. Truly rich in history, the oldest part of this populous, multicultural city is Sloten, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Apart from the canals, attractions in Amsterdam include the Van Gogh Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience, the Anne Frank House, and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Nightlife abounds as well, with many visitors drawn to its vibrant network of nightclubs, theaters and festivals. Starting in 2014, the city has undergone an urban renewal effort, focused on expanding the city center and involving the construction of artificial islands. This is a one-of-a-kind city that begs to be explored by bicycle or boat tour! |
| Day 21 |
Amsterdam, the 17th century capital of Holland, is often called the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous, boat-navigable canals. Truly rich in history, the oldest part of this populous, multicultural city is Sloten, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Apart from the canals, attractions in Amsterdam include the Van Gogh Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience, the Anne Frank House, and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Nightlife abounds as well, with many visitors drawn to its vibrant network of nightclubs, theaters and festivals. Starting in 2014, the city has undergone an urban renewal effort, focused on expanding the city center and involving the construction of artificial islands. This is a one-of-a-kind city that begs to be explored by bicycle or boat tour! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
11/14/26 - 11/25/26 |
Starting At $5,009 |
Get A Quote |
Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change
