Cruising the Romantic Rhine

Extraordinary personal attention, farm-to-table cuisine are among the defining characteristics of AmaWaterways, as are plush on-board amenities, award winning suites, expansive social spaces crowned with skylights and glass roofs, and an ambiance of boutique elegance.

An AmaWaterways river cruise is filled with an unparalleled range of amenities and services that exceed the expectations of the most discerning travelers.

Enjoy the AmaWaterways' Michelin-inspired cuisine, unlimited pours of fine wines and premium spirits, daily fitness and yoga classes, unlimited Wi-Fi, and use of bicycles in select destinations. Complimentary curated experiences ashore offer unmatched options for cultural enrichment and active adventure, plus with all shipboard and shore-side gratuities included there's nothing left to worry about. 

AmaWaterways dining is an inspired culinary experience created by their award-winning chefs, with modern and classic menu options featuring the freshest local ingredients when available.

All restaurants offer open seating, and provide you with a choice of venues for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You can participate in as much or as little of the offered activities and programs as they like, customizing your river cruise to your specifications.

Options include health and wellness (fitness centre, daily yoga & fitness classes, swimming pool), entertainment, and distinguished local lecturers.

A large part of the thrill of river cruising is the opportunity to tour the destinations and ports of call along the way. AmaWaterways provides you with numerous opportunities to discover authentic Europe, with a choice of adventures according to your preferred activity level.
Tour options will include morning, afternoon, and full-day programs, local expert escorts, small & personal group sizes, pre-reservations for tours, and bicycles for those who wish to explore on their own.

Post-Cruise Experience: 3-Nights in Switzerland 

We will start our journey in Basel, where we will disembark the AmaLucia.
We'll spend three nights enjoying the Alps, exploring Lucerne and Zurich, and eating delicious local (and rich!) Swiss food in a spectacular location that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This portion of our tour is still in the planning stages and is subject to change - it will be three spectacular nights in Switzerland. More to come!

Itinerary

November 2 - Canada - The Netherlands

Depart Canada on overnight flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands.

November 3 - Amsterdam

We’ll board the AmaLucia in the afternoon. Everyone has an image of Amsterdam. For some, it’s small boats gliding on the canals and locals two-wheeling on bikes to work and, as frequently, to meet friends for drinks. For others, it’s gabled buildings leaning, seemingly precariously, over cobbled streets and cozy taverns illuminated by candles. Still others imagine tulips in bloom and the paintings Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Each vision is even more beguiling when experienced in person.

November 4 - Amsterdam 

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. Or opt for a rare experience with a journey into the Netherland’s Floriade Expo* in Almere – very close to Amsterdam – which will feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, souvenirs and food stalls. (B,L,D)

November 5 - Cologne, Germany

Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces.Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, plus see other local sights. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

November 6 - Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. 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 Musical Instrument Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)




November 7 - Ludwigshafen

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three 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, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)

November 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 République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)




November 9 - Breisach, Germany

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside,or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

November 10* - Basel, Switzerland - Lucerne

Arrive in Basel, Switzerland 6:00 am / Disembark 

Meet & greet at Basel pier upon arrival and transfer by bus to Lucerne. Set against the backdrop of Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, Lucerne is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. Here you will enjoy a guided 2-hour walking tour. The old city features some of the oldest covered bridges in Europe, charming cobblestone streets, baroque churches and historic buildings decorated with lovely frescoes. Visit the luxurious Concert Hall on the lake shore and stroll across the Kapellbrücke bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Europe and a symbol of this beautiful city. We'll check into our hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure. (B) 

November 11* - Lucerne, Switzerland

Private excursion, Golden Roundtrip – Mt. Pilatus” (5,5h)

After our breakfast, we will travel by bus to Kriens for an exciting ride in a panoramic gondola and cable car to the Summit of Mount Pilatus (2132 m). From the terrace at the summit of Mount Pilatus you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and several lakes. Free time (2.5 hours) for a short walk at the summit and lunch (not included). To descend from Mount Pilatus board the steepest cog railway in the world (up to 48% inclination) to Alpnachstad. From here we return to Lucerne by boat (1.15 hours). This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner at the unique Stadtkeller restaurant, which is known for its good food, beer, music, and fun. (B, D)

November 12* - Lucerne - Zurich

Transfer to Zurich after breakfast. Discover the most beautiful corners of the city during a walking tour: the old town, the clock of the Church of St. Peter with the largest sphere of Europe, the world famous Bahnhofstrasse, the Limmatquai and the picturesque Guild houses. Visit the harbor and take in the beautiful views of the lake, the city, and the surrounding Alps.  Evening on our own. (B)


November 13* - Depart for Canada

Breakfast at our hotel before we depart Zurich for Canada. (B)




Meals code: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

* Post-tour details subject to change