A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways

Take to the mighty Rhine River, cruising from one fascinating city to the next and discovering medieval villages, wine regions, and culinary delights as you make your way from the Netherlands to Germany and France. 

Starting at: $4,449 Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 1-888-928-0216
 AMA Waterways river ship on the Rhine. Credit: AMA Waterways
AMA Waterways river ship on the Rhine. Credit: AMA Waterways
 Typical scene in Amsterdam
Typical scene in Amsterdam
 The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
 Vermeer's <i>Woman Reading a Letter</i>. Credit: Netherlands Tourism Bureau
Vermeer's Woman Reading a Letter. Credit: Netherlands Tourism Bureau
 Rembrandt's <i>The Night Watch</i> at the Rijksmuseum. Credit: Netherlands Tourism Bureau
Rembrandt's The Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum. Credit: Netherlands Tourism Bureau
 City of Cologne, showcasing the High Gothic cathedral
City of Cologne, showcasing the High Gothic cathedral
 Biking past the cathedral in Cologne. Credit: AMA Waterways
Biking past the cathedral in Cologne. Credit: AMA Waterways
 A tasting of Cologne's signature beer. Credit: AMA Waterways
A tasting of Cologne's signature beer. Credit: AMA Waterways
 The medieval town of Rüdesheim, located along the Rhine
The medieval town of Rüdesheim, located along the Rhine
 Hiking to a castle in Rüdesheim. Credit: AMA Waterways
Hiking to a castle in Rüdesheim. Credit: AMA Waterways
 Vineyards overlooking the Rhine. Credit: AMA Waterways
Vineyards overlooking the Rhine. Credit: AMA Waterways
 The German university town of Heidelberg, along the Neckar River
The German university town of Heidelberg, along the Neckar River
 The delightful Alsatian city of Strasbourg, France
The delightful Alsatian city of Strasbourg, France
 The French city of Strasbourg
The French city of Strasbourg
 The Black Forest
The Black Forest
 AMA Waterways ship on the Rhine. Credit: AMA Waterways
AMA Waterways ship on the Rhine. Credit: AMA Waterways

The Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel

8 days from $4,449

A cruise offering from Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways

Take to the mighty Rhine River, cruising from one fascinating city to the next and discovering medieval villages, wine regions, and culinary delights as you make your way from the Netherlands to Germany and France. 

or Call 1-888-928-0216

Overview

Follow the Rhine through four countries on a river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, taking in beautiful scenery and gliding into the heart of captivating cities. Marvel at the Rhine Gorge, where castles and timeless villages dot the steep riverbanks, and explore charming medieval towns like Colmar and Heidelberg. Delve into history and architecture in Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Strasbourg, and sample local flavors from Utrecht to Alsace. Along the way, enjoy your choice of excursions: see Dutch masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum, discover the Roman relics in historic Cologne, tour the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, and go for a hike in Germany’s Black Forest.

Highlights Include:

  • Holland: Glide through the canals of Amsterdam on a private cruise and experience the charms of Utrecht on a guided walk or a tasting tour.
  • Historic German Cities: Discover the legacy of the Romans on an archaeological tour of Cologne, venture to the castle above Heidelberg, and choose to visit the World Heritage-listed cathedral of Speyer.
  • Rhine Gorge: Take in the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge and enjoy wine tasting or a bike ride in the Rheingau wine region during a stop in Rüdesheim.
  • Alsace: Experience the delights of Strasbourg on a guided tour or bike ride, and opt to explore the Alsatian gem of Colmar.

2026 Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Arrive in Amsterdam and board the ship, then gather on board for a festive welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2 — Amsterdam/Utrecht

Set out to discover Amsterdam’s famous canals on a private cruise. Now a World Heritage site, the city’s concentric canal system was built in the 16th and 17th centuries to create a new, expanded port city. Or tour the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and other masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Later in the day, leave Amsterdam behind and sail south to Utrecht, an important center of religion and trade during the Middle Ages. Get to know this charming town on a guided walking, sample Dutch beers on a tasting tour, or visit the fortress-like Castle de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands which is located just outside of the city. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Dusseldorf or Cologne, Germany

Follow the Rhine into Germany, where your first port of call is Dusseldorf. Explore this cultural hub on a walking tour followed by a tasting of Altbier, a Dusseldorf specialty; or see more of the city on a guided bike ride. Alternatively, travel to nearby Cologne and visit the historic sites of the enchanting Old Town, including the World Heritage-listed Cologne cathedral, or set out on a walking tour of the town’s many Roman sites and see ancient artifacts at the Belgian House. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim

Take in stunning vistas of hilltop castles and timeless half-timbered villages as you sail through the Rhine Gorge, a World Heritage site. Stop in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, and enjoy a tasting of wines of the Rheingau, known for its Rieslings. Or soar high above the vineyards on a gondola ride to the Niederwald monument, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Rheingau from an aerial perspective. For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards around Rüdesheim or take a guided bike tour along the banks of the Rhine. In the evening, pay a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet to encounter a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or savor one of the town’s delights, Rüdesheimer kaffe, a festive cocktail made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Heidelberg or Speyer

Dock in Ludwigshafen and choose from a range of excursions. Journey to Heidelberg, a beautifully preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley. Visit the enormous red sandstone Heidelberg Castle perched above town, and see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon wine cask that dates to the 18th century. Enjoy a wine tasting during your tour. You may instead opt for a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path to take in panoramic views of the city and its castle. Or head to Speyer to visit the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe or see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine, and a space shuttle at the Technik Museum. Alternatively, ride a bike along the River Neckar to the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Strasbourg, France

Poised on the border of France and Germany—and considered part of each at different moments of its history—Strasbourg is a delightful blend of French and German culture. Enjoy a tasting of Alsatian wines and take a walk through “La Petite France,” a storybook district of canals and half-timbered houses. You may instead choose a visit to the seat of the European Parliament (subject to availability) or a guided bike ride. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Breisach

From the port town of Breisach, set out on your choice of excursions to either the French region of Alsace or Germany’s Black Forest region. Step back in time in the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, where the historic center has changed little since the 16th century. On a walking tour, admire its colorful, half-timbered houses and tour the home of Auguste Bartholdi, the artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty. Alternatively, learn about the rich folklore of the Black Forest on a guided hike, or visit the Neuf-Brisach Citadel, a World Heritage-listed fortification considered the masterpiece of French military engineer Vauban. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Basel, Switzerland

After breakfast, disembark in Basel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

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