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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale.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 Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

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

Illustration of The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

Vacations By Rail's eight-day Rhine river cruise sails from Amsterdam through four countries, ending in Basel with onward rail options to Zurich. You board the five-star MS Amadeus Amara in Amsterdam, then spend seven nights cruising and exploring historic German and Dutch cities, the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, and picturesque wine-growing valleys. The itinerary mixes relaxed days afloat with guided shore excursions: a walking tour of Cologne and its Gothic cathedral, a ride on the Drachenfels Cog Railway to panoramic views, wine tastings in Rudesheim, a tour of Heidelberg's red sandstone castle ruins, and your choice of a Black Forest excursion or Strasbourg city exploration. All meals, evening drinks, transfers, and major excursions are included, and an escorted Tour Manager and Cruise Director accompany you throughout. The trip suits couples seeking all-inclusive river travel, luxury travellers wanting fine dining and excellent service, and anyone with limited mobility who prefers a stationary ship base and guided outings.

What to know before you look closer

  • Arrival and departure flights are not included; the package includes transfer options from Basel or Zurich airports on Day 8.
  • Day 1 is unguided arrival: you make your own way to Amsterdam's waterfront to board the ship.
  • Travel insurance is optional and sold separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: ship

    To Amsterdam to board our luxurious ship

    Arrive in Amsterdam and make your own way to the waterfront to board the ship. Welcome cocktail, then the first dinner onboard with a performance from a Dutch sea shanty choir.

  2. Day 2overnight: ship

    Amsterdam canal boat cruise and optional trip to Volendam

    A sightseeing canal boat cruise of Amsterdam, or an optional excursion to Volendam and Edam for their cheese heritage, then the first cruise of the trip along the Lower Rhine.

  3. Day 3overnight: ship (Cologne)

    Exploring the historic city of Cologne

    Arrive in Cologne for a guided tour including the Gothic cathedral and a local beer tasting, then dinner while moored overnight in Cologne.

  4. Day 4railovernight: ship

    Riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn

    Sail past Bonn to Konigswinter for the Drachenfels Cog Railway to the summit, passing Drachenburg Castle, then sail toward Koblenz past the Andernach cold-water geyser.

  5. Day 5overnight: ship

    Through the magical Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim

    Free morning in Koblenz including Deutsches Eck, then sailing through the Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei Rock to Rudesheim, with a choice of a wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.

  6. Day 6overnight: ship

    Along the Upper Rhine to Heidelberg and Speyer

    Arrive in Mannheim and continue by coach to Heidelberg for a guided tour including its red sandstone castle, then sail to Speyer to explore its 11th-century cathedral at leisure.

  7. Day 7overnight: ship

    Reaching Strasbourg with an optional Black Forest excursion

    Choice of a trip into the Black Forest or a guided city tour of Strasbourg including its cathedral and La Petite France district, then the final cruise toward Switzerland.

  8. Day 8rail

    Traveling home

    Disembark after breakfast and begin travels home, either transferring to Basel's airport to fly home or riding the train to Zurich's airport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3In Cologne, a guided tour of the Gothic cathedral and a local beer tasting, then dinner while moored overnight in the city.
  • Day 4Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railway to the summit with views of Drachenburg Castle and the Rhine Valley below.
  • Day 5Sailing through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing the Lorelei Rock and choosing between wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet in Rudesheim.
  • Day 6Guided tour of Heidelberg including its red sandstone castle ruins, followed by a sail to Speyer to explore its 11th-century cathedral.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Amara
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise 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
  • Arrival and departure flights

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. All rail and coach travel throughout the tour is included, plus a ride on the Drachenfels Cog Railway from Konigswinter to the summit.
What is the ship and what services are included onboard?
You sail on the MS Amadeus Amara, a five-star ship. The package includes all breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, drinks with dinner every night, a gala dinner, complimentary Wi-Fi, and guided excursions at each port.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. An experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team escorts you throughout the entire eight days.
Which cities does the cruise visit?
The cruise departs Amsterdam and visits Volendam, Cologne, Konigswinter, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Speyer, and Strasbourg before ending in Basel, with onward travel to Zurich.
What is the activity level?
Mobility Rating 1. Excursions include guided city walking tours and a cog railway ride, but the ship-based itinerary keeps strenuous activity to a minimum.
How much does the cruise cost?
From USD 2,195 per person for the eight-day cruise. Arrival and departure flights are not included.

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