Experience the Rhine and Cologne River Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel)

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be met by your local guide who will assist you in the transfer to Amsterdam port. An Amsterdam canal cruise will be provided en-route. (dependent on flight times) Highlights will include the city’s many canals and dancing houses, its beautiful bridges, the Central Station and much more.

After some time at leisure, you will be transferred to Amsterdam port with assistance. Settle into your cabin and explore the range of facilities on board your MS Amadeus ship has to offer as you set sail along the Rhine River. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty welcome dinner.

Today, there will be an optional 'Holland Waterland with Volendam, Edam and cheese tasting' excursion in which you may partake if you wish (payable locally). If you remain on board, discover the beauty of the Dutch waterways as you sail towards Utrecht. 

During the early afternoon, you will cruise along the scenic Rhine River and arrive in the picturesque Dutch town of Utrecht for a short stop.

This morning, the ship will arrive into Cologne. Here, enjoy an included walking tour of the city where you can explore the surroundings of the famous Cathedral and the Old Town. In the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town and in the busy squares, such as the Old Market or the Hay Market, you will get a feeling for life in this city, both past and present. The afternoon is free for you to wander this beautiful city at your own pace.

This morning, you will have some free time to enjoy the boat and take in the passing landscape as you sail down the Rhine, onto the town of Cochem where you will arrive in the early afternoon.

In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises - Eifel and Hunsrück - lies the old town of Cochem. There will be an optional walking tour and wine tasting this afternoon (payable locally). The magnificent Reichsburg Castle, situated on a precipitous rock high above the town, dominates the landscape. The town of Cochem itself is a sight worth seeing; highlights include its narrow streets and twisty alleys, the lovingly restored half-timbered houses with the typical slate roofs, the historical market-place, medieval town gates, churches and walls. 

Early this morning, you will arrive in Koblenz where you will have an included guided walking tour of the city. Koblenz is one of the most beautiful and oldest towns in Germany, with over 2,000 years of history. On the guided walk through the romantic streets between the St. Castor Basilica and the Liebfrauenkirche (the Church of our Beloved Lady) you will discover the most important sights of Koblenz. This tour would not be complete without a visit to the Emperor Wilhelm Memorial at the famous German Corner and the town’s landmark, the Schängel Fountain at the Town Hall. At the end of the walk you will reach the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers and the ropeway of Koblenz.

Later in the day, you will arrive in the romantic town of Rüdesheim, surrounded by gentle sloping vineyards and famous for its local wine, brandy and specialty coffee (careful - the local coffee and brandy are married in the "Rüdesheimer Kaffee" concoction!). After you have had time to enjoy your visit on your own, your ship leaves the harbour late in the evening towards Mannheim.

On this morning, your ship will be docked in Mannheim and from there you will be taken on an included excursion to Heidelberg. Heidelberg is a world famous university city on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the Castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone is now in ruins. However, it is arguably the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall.

Following lunch on the boat, sail to Speyer. Speyer is one of Germany’s oldest cities which is located along the banks of the Rhine, in the Rhineland-Palatinate state of southwest Germany. The 11th century Imperial Cathedral of Speyer is one of Germany's largest and most important. Its crypt contains the tombs of eight German emperors and kings as well as several bishops. Speyer was also a centre for Jewish scholarship in the medieval period. You will depart Speyer around 19.30 on this day. 

The ship will arrive into the French city of Strasbourg, which lies just across the German border, west of the Rhine. An optional walking tour of the city will be offered by Lueftner Cruises in the morning (payable locally). Alternatively, you can explore Strasbourg at your own pace with the use of the complimentary Travel Department shuttle taking in the city’s highlights, including its famous 15th Century cathedral, with its impressive spire and medieval astronomical clock.

After you have had time to enjoy your visit on your own, your ship leaves the harbour after mid-day, just in time to enjoy a fabulous lunch on board and savour the first-class culinary delights as you sail the picturesque Rhine River towards Basel.

Enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner on board while the ship travels towards Basel 

It is time to say goodbye to your Amadeus ship after a full week of delights. After breakfast, you will meet with your local guide and be transferred to Basel city centre for a guided tour and some free time to explore at your own pace. (dependent on flight times) 

This afternoon you will transfer to either Geneva or Zurich airport (date dependent) to fly home, with wonderful memories of your cruise along the Rhine.