Great Rail Journeys
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
8 daysfrom $2,937
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
Enjoy an all-inclusive river cruise on the Rhine, complete with five-star hospitality. Visit Cologne, Rudesheim, Amsterdam, Basel, Strasbourg and more.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus Amara (Basel/Rhine)
Boarding our luxurious ship in Basel
Meet at London St Pancras before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Continue by rail to Basel. On arrival, board the luxury cruise ship and are welcomed by the crew. Enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner in the panoramic restaurant and set sail on an overnight cruise on the Rhine.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Strasbourg)
Arrival in Strasbourg with optional Black Forest excursion
Sail into historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast. Choice of two excursions: a trip into the magical Black Forest (rolling hills, fairytale villages, dense forests and wildflower meadows) or a tour of Strasbourg visiting its striking cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Free afternoon to explore Strasbourg independently before returning to the ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Rüdesheim)
Exploring Speyer or Heidelberg
Wake to views of charming Speyer. Option to enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg including a visit to the magnificent ruined red sandstone castle, or explore Speyer independently including its UNESCO World Heritage cathedral. Return to ship for lunch, then scenic afternoon cruise passing Mainz and Wiesbaden before arriving in Rüdesheim.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: MS Amadeus Amara (Koblenz)
Through the magical Rhine Gorge from Rüdesheim
Travel through Rüdesheim aboard a land train. Choice of excursions: wine tasting of finest local varieties or visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet (Europe's largest collection of mechanical instruments). Afternoon sailing through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge with views of vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns, and the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz with time to explore, including Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: MS Amadeus Amara (Cologne)
Riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn
Morning of relaxed sailing north from Koblenz. Pass the highest cold-water geyser in the world near Andernach. After lunch, dock in Königswinter for a trip on the Drachenfels Cog Railway, passing Drachenburg Castle to the summit with panoramic views across the Rhine-Westphalia region. Continue cruise towards Cologne, arriving in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (en route to Netherlands)
Exploring Cologne and onwards to the Netherlands
Guided tour of Cologne introducing its squares and Romanesque townhouses. Visit the iconic cathedral (largest in northern Europe, UNESCO-listed, construction began 1248, rising more than 515 feet with spectacular twin spires). Return to ship for lunch, then set sail towards the Netherlands on an overnight cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Amsterdam)
Amsterdam or uncovering Volendam
Early morning sailing through the Lower Rhine into the Netherlands. Arrive in Amsterdam early afternoon for a canal sightseeing cruise. Alternatively, optional excursion to Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. Gala dinner onboard accompanied by the Dutch Sea Shanty Choir.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, disembark in Amsterdam and say goodbye to the crew. Make way to the railway station and head towards Brussels to catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras, arriving in London this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Amara
- Five-star service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- First & Standard Class rail options available
- Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day including a spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
- Superb excursions included
- Onboard Dutch Sea Shanty Choir performance
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Vacations By Railfrom $1,995
