2026 : Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps : 7- Night Cruise With 2-Nights Amsterdam Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Lake Como Post-Cruise : Amsterdam to Lake Como : ms AmaVenita

Overview

CRUISE FROM : Amsterdam to Basel

Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River cruise fantasy. Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it's off to Germany, where you'll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rudesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. Enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks. Cross the border into France's Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true.

COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

RIVERS: Rhine

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps

At A Glance

On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Included Features

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

    AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun-deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

    AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef's Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaine des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

    A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special interest tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

    Land Package

  • Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the purchase of cruise and land package; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare from AmaWaterways
  • 2 nights hotel in Amsterdam at the Barbizon Palace or Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Hotels (or similar), including walking tour, Zaanse Schans visit and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne with Basel city tour en route
  • 3 nights hotel in Como at the Hilton Lake Como (or similar), including city tour, cruise to Bellagio and daily breakfast
  • Services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager throughout your cruise and land stay

    Detailed Itinerary

    Day 1 : ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
    Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

    Day 2 : AMSTERDAM
    Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)

    Day 3 : AMSTERDAM - EMBARKATION
    Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)

    Day 4 : AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
    There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

    Day 5 : COLOGNE, GERMANY
    Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kolsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

    Day 6 : RHINE GORGE - RUDESHEIM
    Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards, or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

    Day 7 : LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY
    Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-and the medieval Old Gate, Altportel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. (B,L,D)

    Day 8 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
    Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique before walking through its iconic 'La Petite France' district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B,L,D)

    Day 9 : BASEL, SWITZERLAND
    Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland's third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel's glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you'll have the opportunity to see its Lion Monument - the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 - which Mark Twain described as 'the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.' You'll also see Lucerne's spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B,L,D)

    *Not combinable with other tours on this day.

    Day 10 : BASEL - DISEMBARKATION - BELLINZONA - LAKE COMO, ITALY
    Disembark the ship and transfer to Lake Como, Italy, stopping in Bellinzona, Switzerland along the way, where you will enjoy a brief tour and free time for lunch. Once in breathtaking Lake Como, nestled at the foot of the Alps, check into your hotel for the evening. (B)

    Day 11 : LAKE COMO
    Be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean's Twelve and Casino Royale. (B)

    Day 12 : LAKE COMO - BELLAGIO
    Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio's restaurants before returning to the boat. (B)

    Day 13 : LAKE COMO - RETURN FLIGHT
    Bid farewell to Lake Como and prepare for your flight home. (B)

  • Call 856-983-8110 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18957124

    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Offer
    Offer valid through 3/31/2025
    Duration
    13 Days
    Cruise Ship
    ms AmaVenita

    Click for more information on this ship.

    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Amsterdam  
    Day 2Amsterdam  
    Day 3Amsterdam  
    Day 4Amsterdam  
    Day 5Cologne  
    Day 6Rudesheim  
    Day 7Ludwigshafen  
    Day 8Strasbourg  
    Day 9Basel  
    Day 10Lake Como  
    Day 11Lake Como  
    Day 12Bellagio  
    Day 13Lake Como  
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    05/10/2026$6,999.00* (USD)Quote
    05/24/2026$6,999.00* (USD)Quote
    06/07/2026$6,999.00* (USD)Quote
    06/21/2026$6,999.00* (USD)Quote
    07/05/2026$5,999.00* (USD)Quote
    07/19/2026$5,999.00* (USD)Quote
    08/02/2026$5,999.00* (USD)Quote
    08/16/2026$6,199.00* (USD)Quote
    08/30/2026$7,399.00* (USD)Quote
    09/13/2026$7,399.00* (USD)Quote
    09/27/2026$7,399.00* (USD)Quote
    10/11/2026$7,299.00* (USD)Quote
    10/25/2026$6,999.00* (USD)Quote
    11/08/2026$6,899.00* (USD)Quote
    11/22/2026$6,799.00* (USD)Quote
    12/06/2026$5,999.00* (USD)Quote
    12/20/2026$6,799.00* (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer

    Notes:

    ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

    Port Charges (included in cruise price)$250 per person.

    Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.

    Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

    BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

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