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

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, we will be met by our local guide who will assist us 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, we will be transferred to Amsterdam port with assistance. Settle into our cabin and explore the range of facilities on board our MS Amadeus ship has to offer. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty welcome dinner.

This morning, we will depart Amsterdam and set sail towards Cologne. Here we have the opportunity to Ralax on board and watch the world go by as we gently discover the beautiful scenery this river has to offer. We will have a short stop in Utrecht en route to Cologne.

This morning, the ship will arrive into Cologne. Here, we will enjoy an included walking tour of the city where we 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, we will get a feeling for life in this city, both past and present. The afternoon is free for us to wander this beautiful city at our own pace.

This morning, we will have some free time to enjoy the boat and take in the passing landscape as we sail down the Rhine, onto the town of Cochem where we 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 offered today (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, we will arrive in Koblenz where we 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, we 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 we have had time to enjoy our visit at our own pace our ship leaves the harbour late in the evening towards Mannheim.

This morning our ship will be docked in Mannheim and from here we 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, we will 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. 

Today we 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, we can explore Strasbourg at our 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 we have had time to enjoy our visit to Strasbourg, our 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, we will meet with our 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 we will transfer to either Geneva or Zurich airport (date dependent) to fly home, with wonderful memories of your cruise along the Rhine.  

Please Note: For 30 September departure this will be 8-night duration. After disembarking the cruise on 07 October, we will have a Basel city tour before transferring onto Hotel Novotel Basel City where will stay for 1 night on BB basis. We will have the remainder of the day at leisure. On 08 October we will check out of the hotel and transfer to Zurich for our return flight home.