Rhine & Moselle Fairytales
Pages from fairytales come to life as you find inspiration along the fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, with fascinating scenery of Europe’s steepest vineyards lining its shores. Encounter some of the prettiest towns of the Alsace—Strasbourg and Riquewihr—that blend their German and French heritage into one enchanting masterpiece. Cochem and Bernkastel, towns that grew up below a castle, give you a sense of what it was like to live during the Middle Ages. Visit Trier, once known as the second Rome as no other city in Germany has so many monuments from Roman times; and Koblenz, where history meets at two rivers. Bygone grandeur of a different kind can be found at Mannheim’s glorious Baroque Palace. Colorful canals and glistening lakes, hilltop towns and majestic alps, mighty fortresses and storied castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey through time.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Lahnstein, Cochem, Wasserbillig, Bernkastel and Rüdesheim.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaCerto, AmaStella and 5 sister ships.
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.
- 11 Mar 2028 – 22 Mar 2028
from $7,069 pp twin share * - 29 Mar 2028 – 09 Apr 2028
from $7,069 pp twin share * - 15 Apr 2028 – 26 Apr 2028
from $7,963 pp twin share * - 22 Apr 2028 – 03 May 2028
from $7,963 pp twin share * - 28 Apr 2028 – 09 May 2028
from $8,251 pp twin share * - 30 Apr 2028 – 11 May 2028
from $8,251 pp twin share * - 03 May 2028 – 14 May 2028
from $8,365 pp twin share * - 10 Jun 2028 – 21 Jun 2028
from $8,651 pp twin share * - 24 Jun 2028 – 05 Jul 2028
from $8,651 pp twin share * - 22 Jul 2028 – 02 Aug 2028
from $7,501 pp twin share * - 02 Sep 2028 – 13 Sep 2028
from $9,226 pp twin share * - 16 Sep 2028 – 27 Sep 2028
from $9,226 pp twin share * - 14 Oct 2028 – 25 Oct 2028
from $8,795 pp twin share * - 28 Oct 2028 – 08 Nov 2028
from $8,795 pp twin share * - 04 Nov 2028 – 15 Nov 2028
from $7,201 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Step aboard your ship in Amsterdam and settle in for your Rhine & Moselle Fairytales cruise. This evening, gather for your Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 – Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM. Begin your cruise with a guided canal tour through Amsterdam’s waterways, followed by a visit to the historic Begijnhof. Or, choose a culinary-focused walk that weaves past canals, narrow bridges, and gabled houses while you sample Dutch specialties.
Day 3 – Cologne
COLOGNE, GERMANY. Join a guided tour through Cologne’s enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Day 4 – Lahnstein
LAHNSTEIN. Arrive in Lahnstein, where medieval fortresses overlook the meeting of the Rhine and Lahn Rivers. Choose from several excursions including a guided tour of Burg Lahneck Castle, known for its dramatic hilltop setting; a cable car ride with panoramic river views; a hike to Burg Lahneck Castle; or bike along the “Two Rivers” route for a scenic, active experience.
Day 5 – Cochem
COCHEM. Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle.
Day 6 – Wasserbillig
WASSERBILLIG. Explore the German town of Trier—known as the “Rome of the North”—on a guided tour featuring its Roman landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alternatively, join a guided hike up to Petrisberg Hill for sweeping views of the area.
Day 7 – Bernkastel
BERNKASTEL. Bernkastel will enchant you as you walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Day 8 – Rüdesheim
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Spend the morning in Rüdesheim with a choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride over the vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal Monument followed by a Riesling tasting; opt for a vineyard hike; or bike through the Rheingau wine region.
Day 9 – Ludwigshafen
LUDWIGSHAFEN. Today, you’ll have the choice of several excursions. Visit Heidelberg for views of its hilltop castle and medieval lanes; tour the gardens at Schwetzingen Palace with over 800 exhibits; join a hike along the Philosopher’s Path; or bike to the charming town of Ladenburg and glide past its half-timbered architecture.
Day 10 – Strasbourg
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. See Strasbourg’s blend of French and German influences on a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-designated Petite France district, with its timber-framed houses and charming canals. Or, explore the city on a guided bike tour that includes Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 11 – Breisach
BREISACH, GERMANY. After arriving in Breisach, you can choose from several different ways to explore the Alsace and Black Forest region. Step back in time with a tour of the charming, medieval village of Riquewihr, known for its preserved 16th-century streets and Dolder Gate. Then visit a local winery for a tasting of Alsatian wines. Opt to take an excursion to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral with a beautiful pire, followed by a tasting at a regional winery. For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a hike through the volcanic landscapes and vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl region; or bike through Breisach’s surrounding wine country.
Day 12 – Basel
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. After breakfast, disembark and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your flight home.
Highlights
- Included Amsterdam canal cruise and Cologne walking tour
- Choice of excursions including bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours
- Stay aboard AmaWaterways river ships AmaCerto and AmaStella
Pages from fairytales come to life as you find inspiration along the fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, with fascinating scenery of Europe’s steepest vineyards lining its shores. Encounter some of the prettiest towns of the Alsace—Strasbourg and Riquewihr—that blend their German and French heritage into one enchanting masterpiece. Cochem and Bernkastel, towns that grew up below a castle, give you a sense of what it was like to live during the Middle Ages. Visit Trier, once known as the second Rome as no other city in Germany has so many monuments from Roman times; and Koblenz, where history meets at two rivers. Bygone grandeur of a different kind can be found at Mannheim’s glorious Baroque Palace. Colorful canals and glistening lakes, hilltop towns and majestic alps, mighty fortresses and storied castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey through time.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Lahnstein, Cochem, Wasserbillig, Bernkastel and Rüdesheim.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaCerto, AmaStella and 5 sister ships.
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
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
- Scenic Cruising in/out of Amsterdam.
- Cologne Walking Tour & Kolsch.
- Cologne Guided Bike Tour.
- Burg Lahneck visit.
- Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and Cable Car Ride to Koblenz.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaCerto, AmaStella and 5 sister ships.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA+
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 12 days and 11 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 11 Mar 2028 and 15 Nov 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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