2026 : Enchanting Rhine : 7- Night Cruise With 2 Nights Zurich, 2 Nights Lake Lucerne Pre-Cruise : Zurich to Amsterdam : ms AmaStella

Overview

CRUISE FROM : Basel to Amsterdam

Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad. Timeless traditions remain intact-from the brewing of Germany's legendary beers, to the making of Rudesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.

COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

RIVERS: Rhine

Enchanting Rhine

At A Glance

On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Included Features

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

    AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun-deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

    AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef's Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaine des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

    A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special interest tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

    Land Package

  • 2 nights hotel in Zurich at the Marriott Zurich (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the hotel in Zurich to Lucerne with scenic Lake Lucerne cruise and walking tour
  • 2 nights hotel in Lucerne at the Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar), including Lion Monument and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel in Lucerne to ship in Basel with highlights tour

    Detailed Itinerary

    Day 1 : ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
    Arrive in Zurich and check in to your hotel.

    Day 2 : ZURICH
    Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future-all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)

    Day 3 : ZURICH - LAKE LUCERNE
    Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lake Lucerne, where you'll enjoy a cruise across its tranquil waters. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the 'Queen of the Mountains.' Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your hotel. (B)

    Day 4 : LAKE LUCERNE
    Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)

    Day 5 : LAKE LUCERNE - BASEL - EMBARKATION
    Check out of your hotel and visit the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Later, head to Basel. Upon arrival in Basel, enjoy a highlights tour of Switzerland's third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel's glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th century patrician homes. Then enjoy free time for lunch on your own before the drive to the ship. (B,D)

    Day 6 : BREISACH, GERMANY
    Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor's Colmar birthplace. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

    Day 7 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
    Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage 'La Petite France' district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B,L,D)

    Day 8 : LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY - RUDESHEIM*
    Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you'll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-and the medieval Altportel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rudesheim* where you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

    *Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rudesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.

    Day 9 : RUDESHEIM - RHINE GORGE - LAHNSTEIN
    Your exploration of Rudesheim* continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rudesheim's vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you'll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

    *Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rudesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.

    Day 10 : DUSSELDORF
    As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Dusseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day's excursion. Explore historic Dusseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, or cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. Alternatively, kick up your feet with a German beer tasting, sampling the best local brews Dusseldorf has to offer. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings'the Magi' are believed to rest. (B,L,D)

    Day 11 : UTRECHT - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
    In the morning, explore charming Utrecht on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. Then, cruise to Amsterdam, which boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums. Enjoy a scenic cruise around this beautiful city before setting out on Amsterdam's famous canals. Embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam cafe. (B,L,D)

    **Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

    Day 12 : AMSTERDAM - DISEMBARKATION
    Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

  • Call (207) 873-9500 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18957024

    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Offer
    Offer valid through 3/31/2025
    Duration
    12 Days
    Cruise Ship
    ms AmaStella

    Click for more information on this ship.

    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Zurich  
    Day 2Zurich  
    Day 3Lake Lucerne  
    Day 4Lake Lucerne  
    Day 5Basel  
    Day 6Breisach  
    Day 7Strasbourg  
    Day 8Ludwigshafen  
    Day 9Lahnstein  
    Day 10Dusseldorf  
    Day 11Amsterdam  
    Day 12Amsterdam  
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    07/14/2026$5,289.00* (USD)Quote
    08/11/2026$5,389.00* (USD)Quote
    08/25/2026$5,689.00* (USD)Quote
    09/22/2026$6,689.00* (USD)Quote
    10/06/2026$6,589.00* (USD)Quote
    11/03/2026$6,189.00* (USD)Quote
    12/01/2026$5,289.00* (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer

    Notes:

    ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

    Port Charges (included in cruise price)$250 per person.

    Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.

    Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

    BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

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