River Cruise Visiting Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg and Basel

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Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam

10 days | 4 countries | 8 cities

Sailing the Rhine feels like drifting through a living postcard—where vineyard-clad hills, medieval castles and riverside towns unfold with effortless charm. From Amsterdam’s canals to the Gothic grandeur of Cologne, the fairytale romance of the Middle Rhine and the Franco-German elegance of Strasbourg, this journey blends cultural discovery with long, languid moments on board. It’s a route where history lingers, landscapes captivate and every stretch of river tells a different story.

Day 1 – Amsterdam | Arrival & Canal Evenings

  • Arrive in Amsterdam and settle into your hotel in the heart of the Dutch capital
  • Begin your journey with a scenic canal cruise, gliding past gabled houses and illuminated bridges
  • Enjoy dinner on board, your first taste of Dutch flavours and river life
Amsterdam all set to enforce the highest tourist tax in Europe!
Amsterdam. Photo: iStock

Day 2 – Amsterdam | At Leisure

  • Spend the day exploring Amsterdam at your own pace
  • Wander along its iconic canals, visit world-class museums or linger in cosy cafés
  • Optional: Discover Amsterdam’s bohemian side on a foodie tour, sampling local favourites
  • Optional: Visit a traditional windmill and the fishing village of Volendam
  • Seasonal Optional: Experience the vibrant blooms of Keukenhof Gardens

Day 3 – Arnhem & Embarkation | Into the Rhine

  • Travel to Arnhem and uncover the story of Operation Market Garden
  • Visit the Airborne Museum and the historic “Bridge Too Far”
  • Board your river cruise ship and settle into your cabin
  • Begin your journey along the Rhine, as landscapes slowly shift beyond the deck
Suit Cabin
Suit Cabin

Day 4 – Cologne | Gothic Grandeur & Urban Edge

  • Arrive in Cologne, where history and contemporary culture meet
  • Choose your perspective of the city:
    • Included: Walking tour through the Old Town, culminating at the towering Cologne Cathedral
    • Included: Street art tour revealing the city’s creative undercurrent
  • Optional: Experience Cologne’s Kölsch beer culture in traditional brew houses
  • Optional: Visit the Michael Schumacher Private Collection

Day 5 – Koblenz & Middle Rhine | Castles & Legends

  • Sail to Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine at the Deutsches Eck
  • Explore the Old Town with a Local Specialist, uncovering layers of history
  • Visit Rheinstein Castle, perched dramatically above the river
  • Optional: Cycle along the Rhine, passing castles and riverside villages
  • Continue cruising through the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO-listed stretch of vineyards and storybook castles
Koblenz
Koblenz. Photo: iStock

Day 6 – Rüdesheim | Wine Country Charm

  • Cruise through the dramatic Middle Rhine Gorge
  • Arrive in Rüdesheim, a picturesque wine town of half-timbered houses
  • Enjoy a mini-train ride through the town, including the lively Drosselgasse
  • Optional: Hike through vineyards and sample regional wines with a Local Specialist

Day 7 – Speyer | Medieval Echoes

  • Step ashore in Speyer, rich in medieval heritage
  • Choose your experience:
    • Included: Walking tour along Maximilian Street, exploring historic landmarks and local treats
    • Included: Sustainable vinegar tasting at a traditional estate
  • Optional: Visit Heidelberg, with its romantic old town and castle ruins
Trafalgar reverie Classic Cabin
Classic Cabin

Day 8 – Strasbourg | Alsace Elegance

  • Arrive in Strasbourg, where French and German influences blend seamlessly
  • Explore the Old Town, including the Gothic cathedral and Petite France district
  • Optional: Venture into the Black Forest, known for its landscapes, traditions and folklore

Day 9 – Breisach | Countryside & Culinary Traditions

  • Cruise along the Upper Rhine, framed by the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains
  • Explore Breisach, a hilltop town overlooking the river
  • Enjoy a hosted lunch at Bohrerhof, a family-run farm serving fresh, seasonal produce
  • Optional: Visit the Alsatian village of Eguisheim, with its fairytale streets and vineyards
5 French Cities to Avoid the Paris Crowd
Strasbourg. Photo: iStock

Day 10 – Basel | Departure

  • Disembark in Basel after breakfast
  • Bid farewell to your crew and fellow travellers
  • Depart with memories shaped by the rhythm, beauty and quiet romance of the Rhine

About This Trip

  • On embarkation day, begin your journey with a welcome reception dinner, complete with sparkling wine and a personal introduction from your Captain, Experience Director and Experience Manager
  • Enjoy specially curated dinner menus on both your first and final evenings on board, designed to elevate the dining experience
  • Indulge in a traditional tea-time experience during a scenic afternoon sailing, as landscapes drift by
  • All lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water, making every meal a relaxed, all-inclusive affair
  • Conclude your journey with a farewell reception, raising a final glass of sparkling wine with fellow travellers
  • On land, experiences are led by English-speaking Local Specialists and knowledgeable hosts, bringing each destination to life
  • A curated selection of Optional Experiences allows you to personalise and deepen your journey
  • Audio headset systems are provided for seamless, immersive guided tours
  • Bicycles are available on board for independent exploration, offering a more intimate way to experience each stop

Interested to book your cruise? Click on the Get Quote button and share your details for us to get in touch with you.

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