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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam

Rhine river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam on a five-star ship

Illustration of The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam

Great Rail Journeys operates The Majestic Rhine, an eight-day escorted river cruise that begins with Eurostar travel from London St Pancras through Paris to Basel, Switzerland. From there, you board the five-star MS Amadeus Amara for a seven-night journey downstream through four countries to Amsterdam. The itinerary blends leisurely days aboard ship with guided shore excursions: a tour of Cologne's Gothic Cathedral on Day 6, an ascent of the Drachenfels Cog Railway on Day 5 with views across the Rhine-Westphalia region, optional wine tastings in Rüdesheim, and a choice between the Black Forest and Strasbourg's UNESCO-listed La Petite France quarter on Day 2. All meals, evening drinks, and most excursions are included. The ship spends each night anchored at a different river town, so you wake to new scenery without unpacking. A gala dinner with the Dutch Sea Shanty Choir marks the final evening before your return to London via Brussels.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of £2,499 covers the cruise package; Eurostar rail tickets from London to Paris and Brussels to London are booked separately.
  • Single supplement is £3,699, nearly 1.5 times half the double-occupancy price, reflecting high demand on premium river cruises.
  • Many excursions are optional; some days offer alternative choices (Black Forest or Strasbourg city, Heidelberg or Speyer), so your final experience depends on which you select.

Day by day

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Afternoon sailing through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge with views of hilltop castles, vineyards, and the Lorelei Rock legend.
  • Day 5Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railway past Drachenburg Castle to the summit for panoramic views across the Rhine-Westphalia region.
  • Day 6Guided tour of Cologne Cathedral, the largest in northern Europe, with twin spires rising more than 515 feet.
  • Day 7Gala dinner onboard accompanied by the Dutch Sea Shanty Choir on the final evening in Amsterdam.

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.

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included in the price?
The from-price covers the seven-night cruise, all onboard meals and drinks, and excursions. Eurostar rail from London St Pancras to Paris and from Brussels back to London is booked separately.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the eight days.
What trains and heritage railways are included?
The tour includes Eurostar (London to Paris outbound, Brussels to London return), the Drachenfels Cog Railway (Königswinter to Drachenfels summit), and the Medemblik Steam Train in the Netherlands heritage railway.
What ship is used?
The seven-night cruise is aboard MS Amadeus Amara, a five-star vessel.
When does this tour depart?
Great Rail Journeys offers three departures: May 2027, June 2027, and July 2027.
What meals and drinks are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided each day, plus a drinks package with dinner every night. A gala dinner with the Dutch Sea Shanty Choir is included on the final evening aboard ship.

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