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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · River Cruise

The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam

Eight-day Rhine river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam through four countries.

Illustration of The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam

Vacations By Rail's eight-day Majestic Rhine cruise combines river travel with rail connections from Zurich through Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, ending in Volendam. The journey centers on seven nights aboard the five-star MS Amadeus Star, with escorted guidance from a Tour Manager and Cruise Director team. Days unfold at a relaxed pace, alternating between cruising past UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge scenery, German castles, and vineyards, and docking for guided tours of medieval cities such as Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and Cologne. Day 5 highlights a ride on the Drachenfels Cog Railway from Konigswinter to a summit with panoramic Rhine Valley views. Amsterdam's canal cruise and an optional excursion to the Dutch cheese villages of Volendam and Edam close the tour. All meals, drinks with dinner, and major excursions are included. This suits luxury-seeking couples and travelers who prefer escorted comfort with minimal walking, as well as those valuing wellness and accessibility.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange your own to and from Zurich.
  • The final hotel is the ship for seven nights; Day 8 includes only breakfast before you depart to the airport.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the quoted price and must be purchased separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: ship

    Boarding our luxurious ship in Basel

    Fly into Zurich, then continue by included rail ticket to Basel to board the ship. Welcome cocktail and dinner in the panoramic restaurant, then an overnight cruise on the Rhine.

  2. Day 2overnight: ship

    Arrival in Strasbourg with optional Black Forest excursion

    Choice of an excursion into the Black Forest or a guided tour of Strasbourg, including its cathedral and the La Petite France district, with a free afternoon to explore independently.

  3. Day 3overnight: ship

    Exploring Speyer or Heidelberg

    Choice of a guided tour of Heidelberg, including its ruined red sandstone castle, or exploring Speyer independently. Afternoon cruise past Mainz and Wiesbaden, arriving in Rudesheim.

  4. Day 4railovernight: ship

    Through the magical Rhine Gorge from Rudesheim

    A land train through Rudesheim, with a choice of a wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, then sailing through the Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei Rock to Koblenz.

  5. Day 5railovernight: ship (overnight in Cologne)

    Riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn

    Relaxed morning sailing past Andernach's cold-water geyser, then docking in Konigswinter for the Drachenfels Cog Railway to the summit, passing Drachenburg Castle, before continuing to Cologne for an overnight stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: ship

    Exploring Cologne and onward to the Netherlands

    A guided tour of Cologne including its UNESCO-listed cathedral, then sailing toward the Netherlands overnight, the tour's fourth and final country.

  7. Day 7overnight: ship

    Amsterdam or uncovering Volendam

    Sailing through the Lower Rhine into the Netherlands, arriving in Amsterdam for a canal sightseeing cruise, or an optional excursion to Volendam and Edam for their cheese heritage. Gala dinner onboard with a Dutch sea shanty choir.

  8. Day 8

    Traveling home

    After breakfast, the cruise ends and you make your way to the airport for the onward journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Fly into Zurich, take the included rail ticket to Basel, and board MS Amadeus Star for a welcome cocktail and dinner in the panoramic restaurant.
  • Day 4Sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, past the Lorelei Rock and the ruined castles that line the river.
  • Day 5Ride the Drachenfels Cog Railway to the summit from Konigswinter, passing Drachenburg Castle and enjoying panoramic views of the Rhine Valley.
  • Day 6Tour Cologne's UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral and medieval old town before sailing overnight toward the Netherlands.
  • Day 7Join a canal sightseeing cruise through Amsterdam or take an optional excursion to Volendam and Edam for their cheese heritage, followed by a gala dinner with a Dutch sea shanty choir.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Star
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

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 train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes a Standard Class rail ticket from Zurich to Basel on Day 1, all rail and coach travel throughout the tour, and the Drachenfels Cog Railway on Day 5.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the eight days.
Which ship and what is included onboard?
The MS Amadeus Star, described as a five-star ship. Included are seven nights onboard, all breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, a drinks package with dinner every night, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a gala dinner with a Dutch sea shanty choir.
What are the main cities visited?
Basel (boarding), Strasbourg, Speyer, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Konigswinter, Cologne, Amsterdam, and Volendam.
What excursions are included?
Guided tours of Strasbourg and Cologne, a choice of Black Forest excursion or Strasbourg tour on Day 2, a choice of Heidelberg or Speyer on Day 3, a land train and wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet in Rudesheim, the Drachenfels Cog Railway, and a canal cruise in Amsterdam or optional Volendam and Edam visit.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 1, indicating minimal walking; most days are spent on the ship with optional excursions at key ports.

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