Compare The Enchanting Rhine by AMA Waterways

Day 1: Arrive In Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Embarkation

Meals: Dinner

Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour. Begin with a scenic canal cruise and see the tall narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge, and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WWII. Next, you’ll walk to Begijnhof, known for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and have some free time to explore. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour on which you’ll see the Royal Palace, Westerkerk and stop for photos at a Dutch windmill before returning to the ship. This afternoon depart for Germany.

Day 3: Cologne, Germany – Koblenz

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your guided tour of Cologne this morning includes the Old Town, Cathedral Square, and the city’s majestic Gothic cathedral. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to visit some of the local shops or have a coffee at a quaint café. This afternoon the ship cruises to Koblenz and moors overnight.

Day 4: Rüdesheim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, admiring its many castles and fortress ruins and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon you will arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim where you will have the option to take one of three excursions: wine tasting with a local vintner, a gondola ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, or a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to one of Germany's best wine regions. Later you’ll have free time to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous and charming street, a narrow passage lined with shops and taverns. This evening, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to a remarkable collection of old robotic and self-playing musical instruments, or join us for some Rüdesheimer Coffee. The ship sails overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Mannheim – Heidelberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Arrive in Mannheim, where you have a choice of one of three excursions this afternoon. Your first option is a half-day excursion to the historic university town of Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. Or, for your second option, enjoy a hike up the Philosopher's Path to a panoramic view point of Heidelberg. Your third option is a city tour of Speyer one of Germany’s oldest cities, is known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the medieval Altpörtel (Old Gate). This evening, the ship continues onward to Strasbourg, France.

Day 6: Strasbourg, France

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Capital city of France’s Alsace region, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. After arriving this morning, enjoy either a panoramic bus tour or guided bike tour that will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, explore on foot with a walking tour of the lovely “La Petite France” neighborhood, where you will see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. You also have the option of exploring Strasbourg on a guided hike that begins at the Orangery and makes its way to the cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish before the ship departs tonight.

Day 7: Breisach, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You have three exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town renowned for its historic architecture and for its Riesling wines. A second option is a tour of the beautiful towns of Breisach and Freiburg, where you will visit the historical city center and Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Your third choice is guided bike tour of Breisach that takes you through the Rheinau woods. Tonight, the ship cruises towards Switzerland.

Day 8: Basel, Switzerland - Disembarkation – Lucerne

Meals: Breakfast

Disembark after breakfast for a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. A longtime center for banking, commerce and trade, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite old homes. After free time for lunch on your own, depart for postcard-perfect lakeside city of Lucerne. You will visit the Lion Monument en route, a dramatic sculpture that honors the Swiss Guards who once protected the French kings. Arrive in Lucerne mid-afternoon and check into your hotel.

Day 9: Lucerne

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem. You will see some of the city’s lovely cobblestone streets, monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for Swiss-made watches, knives and delicious chocolates.

Day 10: Lucerne – Zurich

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, take a leisurely cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, here you will board a motor coach for a scenic drive through the countryside, passing Alpine Lakes and small villages. You will stop in one, Brunnen, where you will have a chance to explore and try local cuisine. Later arrive in Zurich, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. (B)

Day 11: Zurich

Meals: Breakfast

Your morning city tour of Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, includes Grossmünster Abbey (which offers exceptional views of Zurich), St. Peter (which boasts the world’s largest church clock face), Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster Abbey, home to five world-famous Chagall windows. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the town on your own.

Day 12: Depart Zurich

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home.