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 - Fly
Enjoy a leisurely fly-cruise holiday, sailing from the canals of Amsterdam, through the Moselle Valley and enchanting Rhine Gorge, to the Swiss city of Basel
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Amsterdam)
Flight to Amsterdam and boarding our luxurious ship
Meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers at London Heathrow ahead of a flight to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport. On arrival, transfer to the ship where you are greeted by the Amadeus crew with a welcome cocktail. Time to unwind, familiarise yourself with the surroundings and settle into your cabin. Enjoy the first dinner together in the panoramic restaurant accompanied by a performance from a traditional Dutch sea shanty choir.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing)
Amsterdam canal boat cruise and optional trip to Volendam
Enjoy breakfast onboard before a sightseeing canal boat cruise of Amsterdam, soaking up stunning views of the city's picturesque canals and architecture. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. Later, embark on the first relaxing cruise of the holiday, sailing through the Lower Rhine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Cologne)
Exploring the historic city of Cologne
Sail towards Cologne, arriving around lunchtime. After lunch onboard, embark on a guided tour of the city's squares and Romanesque townhouses. Visit the iconic cathedral, the largest in northern Europe, a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece begun in 1248. Marvel at its ornate carvings and stained-glass windows before a local beer tasting. Return to the ship for dinner moored in Cologne.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing to Koblenz)
Riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn
Enjoy a morning of relaxed sailing south along the Rhine, passing through Bonn. After lunch, dock in Königswinter for a trip on the Drachenfels Cog Railway, passing the fairytale Drachenburg Castle and ascending to the summit for wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region. Depart Königswinter this evening sailing towards Koblenz, passing 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
Free time in the morning to explore Koblenz, including a stroll to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. After lunch, drift through the romantic Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage site, hearing the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Dock in Rüdesheim and travel to the centre by land train. Choose between a wine tasting or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. After dinner, explore the town's cobbled streets including Drosselgasse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing)
Along the Upper Rhine to Heidelberg and Speyer
Arrive in Mannheim after breakfast, then journey by coach to Heidelberg for a guided tour of the Old Town, riverfront and the magnificent ruined red sandstone castle. Return onboard and sail to Speyer after lunch. Explore one of Germany's oldest cities at your own pace, including the 11th-century cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to the ship for dinner ahead of an overnight sailing upstream.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing to Basel)
Reaching Strasbourg and optional Black Forest excursion
Sail into historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast. Choose between 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. Return to the ship for lunch and begin the final cruise towards Switzerland.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8
Homeward bound
After breakfast, disembark and say goodbye to the crew. Transfer to Basel airport and fly back to London Heathrow.
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
- Flights from London Heathrow to Amsterdam and Basel to London Heathrow
- Regional departures available
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day including a spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Superb excursions included
- Amsterdam sightseeing canal boat cruise
- Guided tour of Cologne
- Beer tasting in 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)
- Welcome cocktail on boarding
- Traditional Dutch sea shanty choir performance on first evening
- Nightly entertainment onboard
- Fitness centre, massage facilities, shuffleboard, giant chess, wine bar and Amadeus Club access
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Optional excursion to Volendam and Edam
- London hotel (available as optional extra)
- UK rail connections (available as optional extra)
