Great Rail Journeys
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
8 daysfrom $3,337
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
Enjoy a leisurely cruise from the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the Black Forest and Basel in Switzerland, sailing through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus Amara (Amsterdam)
To Amsterdam where we board our luxurious ship
Your holiday begins this morning as we meet at London St Pancras. Boarding the Eurostar, we head by rail to Amsterdam. On arrival in the Dutch capital, we're greeted onboard by our friendly crew and sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. There is time to unwind and familiarise yourself with the luxurious new surroundings and the ship's excellent facilities. Later this evening, we enjoy our first dinner together in the panoramic restaurant accompanied by a wonderful performance from a traditional Dutch sea shanty choir. A fly & cruise option is also available.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing)
Amsterdam canal boat cruise and optional trip to Volendam
Awaking on our floating hotel, we enjoy breakfast onboard before getting to know Amsterdam on a sightseeing canal boat cruise, soaking up stunning views of the city's picturesque canals and architecture. Alternatively, you could choose to join an optional excursion – a visit to Volendam and Edam, renowned for their cheese heritage. Later, we embark on our first relaxing cruise of the holiday, sailing through the Lower Rhine and enjoying an onboard dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Cologne)
Exploring the historic city of Cologne
Sailing this morning, we approach Cologne around lunchtime. After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour introducing us to its squares and Romanesque townhouses. The city's most iconic landmark is its impressive cathedral, the largest in northern Europe, a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece begun in 1248. Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner while moored in Cologne, with time to stroll along the river this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing towards Koblenz)
Riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn
Enjoy a morning of relaxed sailing as we leave Cologne and continue south along the Rhine, passing through Bonn. After lunch, we dock in Königswinter for a trip on the Drachenfels Cog Railway, rising high into the forests past the fairytale Drachenburg Castle to the summit with wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region. Departing Königswinter this evening, we begin sailing towards Koblenz and enjoy dinner on the way, with the chance to see the highest cold-water geyser in the world near Andernach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: MS Amadeus Amara (Rüdesheim)
Through the magical Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim
There's free time this morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. We recommend strolling to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Setting sail, we drift through the romantic Rhine Gorge after lunch – a UNESCO-listed section renowned for its spectacular views of vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns, including the legend of the Lorelei Rock. We dock in Rüdesheim and travel to the centre by land train, with a choice of excursions: wine tasting or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. After dinner, explore the town's cobbled streets including colourful Drosselgasse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing)
Along the Upper Rhine to Heidelberg and Speyer
Cruising towards the Upper Rhine, we arrive in Mannheim after breakfast. From here, we journey by coach to Heidelberg for a guided tour of the picturesque university town, including a visit to the magnificent ruined red sandstone castle. Back onboard, we sail to Speyer after lunch. Arriving later this afternoon, you can discover one of Germany's oldest cities at your own pace, including the 11th-century cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We enjoy dinner onboard ahead of a restful overnight sailing upstream.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing towards Basel)
Reaching Strasbourg and optional Black Forest excursion
Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there's a choice of two wonderful excursions: a trip into the magical Black Forest (Germany's largest nature park), or a city tour of Strasbourg visiting its striking cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After your excursion this afternoon, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our final cruise towards Switzerland.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. We make our way to Basel railway station and head towards Paris where we catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras. Arriving in London this evening, your Rhine cruise experience comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escort 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
- Amsterdam sightseeing canal boat cruise
- Guided tour of Cologne
- Drachenfels Cog Railway trip
- Guided tour of Heidelberg including castle visit
- Choice of excursions in Rüdesheim (wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet)
- Choice of excursions in Strasbourg (city tour or Black Forest trip)
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
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