Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (Taste of Christmas)
Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards and the joy of the holiday season as part of this all-encompassing Rhine River cruise and land fantasy. Start by spending time in Italy’s vibrant Milan and beautiful Lake Como. Continue on to Basel to board your elegantly decorated ship before crossing the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. You’ll also enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks. Conclude your cruise by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich
This river cruise journeys through Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands, calling at Basel, Basel, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam and Amsterdam.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSerena.
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.
- 21 Nov 2028 – 28 Nov 2028
from $5,031 pp twin share * - 19 Dec 2028 – 26 Dec 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Basel
EMBARKATION – BASEL, SWITZERLAND. Arrive in Basel and settle into your cabin, docked where the city’s charm and riverside beauty will welcome you.
Day 2 – Basel
BASEL – LAKE LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. Discover Basel, Switzerland’s vibrant cultural hub where history and modernity meet. Explore the city’s medieval town hall, colorful market square, and elegant 18th-century homes on a guided walking or bike tour that spans three countries—Switzerland, France, and Germany. Alternatively, spend the day in Lucerne exploring its medieval towers, or stay local to visit a Swiss winery, tour the historic Wildegg Castle, or enjoy a scenic hike to its hilltop grounds.
Day 3 – Strasbourg
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Experience the unique blend of French and German charm in Strasbourg, a city where cultures meet. Explore the storybook district of La Petite France with its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, and admire the magnificent Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame and its famous astronomical clock. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride through the city and the scenic Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 4 – Ludwigshafen
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM. Start your day in Ludwigshafen, your gateway to discovery. Explore Heidelberg’s iconic castle and charming Old Town, visit historic Speyer and its grand cathedral, or cycle to medieval Ladenburg. Later, sail to Rüdesheim to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or enjoy the town’s famous Rüdesheimer coffee.
Day 5 – Rüdesheim
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE. Enjoy the beauty of Rüdesheim with a wine tasting or a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal for sweeping vineyard views. Active travelers can hike or bike along the Rhine before cruising through the breathtaking UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge to Lahnstein for an exclusive evening visit to Lahneck Castle.
Day 6 – Cologne
COLOGNE, GERMANY. Cruise to Cologne and explore its enchanting Old Town on a guided tour, visiting landmarks like the Cologne Rathaus, the 12th-century Fischmarkt, and the Great St. Martin Church. Conclude with a taste of the city’s signature Kölsch beer, or opt for an active bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Day 7 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. Cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals, or savor local flavors on a guided tour that winds past gabled houses, narrow bridges, and houseboats, with a tasting of Dutch specialties at a grand café.
Day 8 – Amsterdam
Begin your journey home. Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
Highlights
- Extensive lineup of included tours on every river cruise
- Choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours
- Sailing aboard the AmaWaterways ship AmaSerena with multiple stateroom categories
Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards and the joy of the holiday season as part of this all-encompassing Rhine River cruise and land fantasy. Start by spending time in Italy’s vibrant Milan and beautiful Lake Como. Continue on to Basel to board your elegantly decorated ship before crossing the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. You’ll also enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks. Conclude your cruise by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich
This river cruise journeys through Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands, calling at Basel, Basel, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam and Amsterdam.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSerena.
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.
Inclusions
- Basel City Tour.
- Three Countries Bike Tour.
- Lucerne Excursion.
- Klus 177 Wine Tasting.
- “The Gem of the Alsace” Tour.
- Strasbourg Bike Tour.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSerena.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 21 Nov 2028 and 26 Dec 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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