8 DAYS RHINE RIVER CRUISE: AMSTERDAM TO BASEL

Embarkation in Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, a city of canals, culture, and creativity. Embark on your journey here, where you can visit landmarks like the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, explore galleries and theaters, or bike through scenic trails. Don’t miss the vibrant nightlife and unique coffee shops that make Amsterdam extraordinary.

Amsterdam Excursions
Today in Amsterdam, you have various exciting excursions to choose from.

Option A: Keukenhof Gardens (6h)
This half-day excursion takes you through picturesque Dutch countryside, past fields of flowers, to the world-famous Garden of Europe. Explore 79 acres of stunning gardens, featuring over 7 million blooms, including tulips, daffodils,

Option B: Discover Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Rijksmuseum (4h)
This half-day excursion begins with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, home to over 8,000 works of art. Established in 1798, the museum showcases the nation’s rich history and arts and features masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and others. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful cruise along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals, passing historic merchant mansions, churches, and 16th- and 17th-century warehouses. and hyacinths. For the perfect photo op, climb the iconic windmill surrounded by tulips for panoramic views of the stunning landscape.

Amsterdam to Utrecht
In Utrecht, immerse yourself in a historic city renowned for its beautiful architecture and lively student atmosphere. Discover landmarks like the Dom Tower and Rietveld Schröder House, explore cultural gems such as the Centraal Museum and Railway Museum, and browse the quaint boutiques and vintage shops.

Nijmegen Excursions
Arriving in Nijmegen, you have various exciting excursions to choose from.

Option A: Old Town Nijmegen Bike Tour (3h)
Explore the best of Old Town Nijmegen on an exciting 3-hour guided bike tour, taking in ancient landmarks of the Eastern Netherland city as well as its new riverside park. Your guide will share fascinating stories, including Nijmegen’s significance during WWII’s Operation Market Garden.

Option B: Nijmegen City Walk (2h)
Alternatively, discover the old town of one of Netherlands’ oldest cities through a 2-hour guided walking tour. Founded over 2,000 years ago, Nijmegen boasts historic sites like Valkhof Park with Charlemagne’s 8th-century palace ruins, the 16-sided Sint Nicolaas Chapel, the Grote Markt, and the City Hall.

Nijmegen to Cologne
Sail to Köln (Cologne), Germany’s fourth-largest city. Founded in 50 AD by the Romans, the city thrived through the Middle Ages and played a significant role in Germany’s industrial growth in the 19th century. Despite heavy damage during World War II, Köln’s historic sites, including the UNESCO-listed Köln Cathedral, were restored, preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Cologne Excursions
Today in Cologne, we explore the city through a variety of exciting excursions.

Option A: Cologne Chocolate Museum (2.5h)
From bean to bonbon, explore the fascinating world of chocolate through a delightful tour of the Cologne Chocolate Museum. Discover the history of cocoa and savor a variety of chocolate samples. End with a sweet treat – a chocolate fountain where a master chocolatier will serve you all the Lindt chocolate you can enjoy.

Option B: Cologne City Tour & Cathedral Visit (2.5h)
Stroll through Cologne’s historic Old Town on a 2.5-hour guided walking tour. Visit ancient markets, including the Hay Market and Fish Market, and see landmarks such as the Great St. Martin Church and the 900-year-old City Hall. Marvel at the towering Gothic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its wartime damage and restoration.

Option C: TimeRide – Cologne City Tour for Time Travelers (1.5h)
Experience Cologne like never before on this exciting guided walk equipped with mobile virtual reality (VR) glasses. Immerse yourself in 360-degree scenes from Cologne’s past; your expert guide will bring history to life, revealing what remains and what has been lost.

Cologne to Bonn to Remagen
Once the capital of western Germany, Bonn boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times. Key landmarks include Beethoven-Haus, the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, and Poppelsdorf Palace.

Historically significant for its role during World War II, Remagen once served as a crucial transportation and supply route for Allied forces, and is today a charming and peaceful city along the Rhine.

Remagen to Rudesheim
Sail to Rüdesheim, a town filled with historic buildings, winding streets, and surrounded by picturesque vineyards. With a history dating back to the Roman era, Rüdesheim has been shaped by various cultures and traditions and is renowned for its wine culture, especially its Riesling.

Rudesheim Excursions
In Rudesheim, you have various exciting excursions to choose from.

Option A: Abbey & Castle eBike Adventure (2.5h)
Embark on a storybook adventure with an easy electric bike guided tour along the Rhine, featuring lush vineyards, historic landmarks, and a Riesling-inspired picnic. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard and Johannisberg Castle, home to the world’s oldest Riesling vineyard; then savor a delightful picnic of pretzels, cheeses, olives, and Rheingau Rieslings.

Option B: Music & Sightseeing, the Rudesheim Way (2.5h)
Discover Rüdesheim’s unique blend of music and history via the charming Winzerexpress train and Siegfried’s extraordinary musical museum. Pass lush vineyards, the Niederwald Monument, and the historic Abbey of St. Hildegard, and step into a magical experience of a 15th-century knight’s residence filled with whimsical, self-playing musical instruments.

Option C: Rudesheim Cable Car Adventure & Rudesheimer Coffee (2.5h)
Soar above the Rhine Valley on a cable car ride to the iconic Niederwald Monument and visit Rüdesheim’s enchanting Old Town. End your visit with the ultimate treat – a rich Rüdesheimer coffee infused with Asbach brandy, topped with sweetened whipped cream with a sprinkle of chocolate.

Option D: Vineyards, Wine Tasting & Eberbach Monastery by Land Rover (3.5h)
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the Rheingau vineyards via a chaffuered landrover, visiting the Johannisberg and Vollrads Castles for exclusive wine tastings paired with snacks. Conclude your tour at Eberbach Monastery, a 12th-century former Cistercian abbey made famous by the film In the Name of the Rose.

Rudesheim to Mannheim to Speyer
Sail to Mannheim, a modern city located in the southwestern part of Germany. Explore the city’s stunning architecture, such as the Mannheim Palace, the Luisenpark, and the Mannheimer Wasserturm. You will also pass by Speyer, another historically rich city in Germany.

Speyer to Strasbourg
Arrive in Strasbourg, located in northeastern France along the Ill River. Known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage; explore landmarks like the Strasbourg Cathedral, the Petite France district, and the Palais Rohan.

Strasbourg Excursions
In Strasbourg, choose from various exciting excursions to explore the city.

Option A: Strasbourg Bike (3h)
Discover the charm of Strasbourg on a delightful 3-hour guided bike tour: cycling through the lush Parc de l’Orangerie, discovering the European Quarter, home to the EU Parliament and Council of Europe buildings, and visiting the bustling Place de la République. Marvel at the towering Gothic splendor of the 1000-year-old Strasbourg Cathedral before concluding your ride along the tranquil Canal du Rhône au Rhin.

Note: This tour covers approximately 9.3 miles (15 km). Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for biking.

Option B: Strasbourg Panaromic Tour & Canal Cruise (4h)
Alternatively, explore the charms of Strasbourg by land and water on this half-day canal boat cruise and walking tour. Take the scenic boat ride through the enchanting Petit France district, part of the Grand Île UNESCO World Heritage Site, before joining an expert guide for a walking tour of the city’s most picturesque highlights.

Option C: Strasbourg and its Cathedral (4h)
Strasbourg’s iconic 1,000-year-old cathedral is the highlight of this enlightening tour, capped off with a tasting of authentic Alsatian wine and tarte flambée. In this panoramic tour, discover the main highlights of Strasbourg City, before enjoying a delightful sampling of regional flavors.

Option D: Charms of Obernai (4h)
Discover the enchanting beauty of Alsace on this half-day guided excursion to the medieval village of Obernai. Journey along the scenic Alsace Wine Route by coach to this storybook destination, and stroll Obernai’s cobblestone streets lined with 13th-century half-timbered houses.

Strasbourg to Breisach
Sail overnight to Breisach, a town located near the French border with a rich history dating back to Roman times. The town’s highlight is St. Stephan’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture from the 13th century. Breisach is also renowned for its wine production and is famous for white and sparkling wines.

Breisach Excursions
Arriving in Breisach, you will have various exciting excursions to choose from.

Option A: Riquewihr Village Walk & Wine Tasting (4h)
Uncover the magic of Alsace on this half-day journey to Riquewihr, known as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Stroll through enchanting streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses, vine-clad walls, and historic courtyards, and discover the 13th-century Dolder Tower, the Thieves’ Tower, and the Winemaker’s House. Conclude your visit with a tasting of Alsace’s famed Rieslings and other local wines.

Option B: Wonders of Breisach With Wine Cellar Experience (2.5h)
Embark on an uplifting adventure through Breisach, blending history, breathtaking views, and sparkling wine. Explore Breisach’s city center and Stephansmünster cathedral, before ascending to the upper town for sweeping vistas of the Kaiserstuhl mountains and the Black Forest. Conclude your journey at a historic sparkling wine cellar founded in 1838 by the Geldermann family, to savor a glass of their exquisite bubbly.

Option C: Half-Day Trip to Freiburg (4.5h)
Explore the medieval charm of Freiburg on this guided walking tour. Visit the stunning Freiburg Minster and admire the colorful Merchants’ Hall, before wandering Freiburg’s Old Town with its unique mosaic cobblestones and Bächle gutters. See the Old Town Hall and Münsterplatz, and enjoy some free time sampling local specialties like grilled bratwurst, Gutedel wine, and Black Forest cherry cake.

Option D: Black Forest Hike to the Ravenna Gorge (4.5h)
Challenge yourself with a guided hike to the stunning Ravenna Gorge in the Upper Black Forest, passing narrow footbridges, old mills, rapids, and waterfalls along the way. The 2.5-mile (4 km) hike features moderately difficult terrain with steep stairs and ladders, and offers breathtaking views of the Höllental. Afterward, return to Hofgut Sternen to enjoy a slice of Black Forest cherry cake or browse for a handcrafted cuckoo clock.

Note: This excursion includes a 50-minute bus ride each way and requires good fitness for the hike.

Option E: Breisach & Beyond on Two Wheels (3.5h)
Explore the scenic Breisach countryside via bike, riding through charming medieval wine villages like Burkheim, Bischoffingen, Oberrotweil, and Achkarren. Enjoy stunning views of the Kaiserstuhl mountains, covering approximately 17 miles (27 km) over 3.5 hours. Be sure to wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Disembarkation in Basel
Your journey concludes in Basel, a city at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany, and France. Known for its rich history, vibrant art scene, and the famous Basel Minster, this city also has a strong pharmaceutical industry and is home to the world-renowned Carnival. As your cruise comes to an end, you will disembark here, having experienced the charm of Basel.