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River CruiseRiver Cruise

The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

 
4.5 stars(72 reviews)
You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
£2,199 £1,799
Tour code
RHR25
Mobility Rating 1
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No Single Supplement

No Single Supplement subject to availability on selected departures. 

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Rail & Cruise

Experience a leisurely cruise, from the vibrant canals of Amsterdam and the medieval charm of Cologne to the picturesque Moselle Valley and the enchanting landscapes of the Rhine Gorge

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Romantic Rhine River from the North Sea to the Swiss Alps. As we cruise through France, Germany, and the Netherlands bound for Switzerland, we admire stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns, and incredible cities along the enchanting riverbanks.

Sail through the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with stunning castles, lush forests, and sprawling vineyards. Discover the sights of enchanting Strasbourg, the magical allure of the Black Forest, and the timeless elegance of Heidelberg.

Interested in this tour but haven't found a date that works for you?
You might also like our similar tour The Majestic Rhine: Switzerland to Amsterdam!

Unforgettable experiences

Romantic Rhine Gorge
Romantic Rhine Gorge
Sail through this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site with spellbinding castles, verdant forests, vineyard-clad slopes, and the dramatic Lorelei Rock.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg
Visit the ‘Jewel of Germany’ on a guided tour, delving into the highlights of this picturesque riverside city.
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim
Explore this charming city and the famous Drosselgasse, a quaint narrow alleyway lined with traditional pubs and wine cellars. While here, choose between a fabulous wine tasting or visit the marvellous Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.
Drachenfelsbahn cog railway
Drachenfelsbahn cog railway
Reach the summit of the majestic Drachenfels on the exhilarating Drachenfelsbahn cog railway to enjoy the splendid views.
Quintessential Dutch views
Quintessential Dutch views
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Amsterdam on a guided tour and canal boat trip, or uncover the idyllic towns of Edam and Volendam, renowned for their cheese heritage.
Cochem
Cochem
Discover the well-preserved, historic charms of Cochem’s Old Town surrounded by the beautiful Moselle Valley.
Cologne
Cologne
Discover the city’s cheerful streets and its Gothic cathedral, a timeless masterpiece.

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Itinerary

DAY1To Amsterdam where we board our luxurious ship

Our holiday begins this morning as we meet at London St Pancras. Aboard the Eurostar, we head to Amsterdam, where our magnificent ship awaits us. We're greeted onboard by our friendly crew and sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. Later this evening, we enjoy dinner accompanied by a wonderful performance from a traditional Dutch Sea Shanty choir - the perfect start to our cruise.

*If you would like to travel by air, view our Fly & Cruise option here.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2 Amsterdam canal boat cruise and optional visit to Volendam

Awaking on our floating hotel, we enjoy breakfast onboard before getting to know Amsterdam on a sightseeing canal boat cruise, soaking up stunning views of the city's picturesque canals and architecture.

Alternatively, take the optional excursion, visiting Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. As well as being famed for Dutch cheese, Volendam is a stunning old town, with traditional houses lining serene canals and a small harbour.

Later, we begin sailing to Cologne, embarking on our first relaxing cruise of the holiday and enjoying on board dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Excursions

DAY3Cultural Cologne and the wonderful Drachenfelsbahn

As we approach the striking city of Cologne this morning, admire the fantastic cityscape of magnificent bridges that span the river and the imposing Cathedral. After breakfast, a guided tour of the city introduces us to the joyful atmosphere of its streets and squares.

We admire the Romanesque townhouses before visiting the city's impressive Gothic cathedral which is the largest in Northern Europe. The intricate spires and magnificent stained glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark are captivating as we marvel at the grand architecture. Following lunch, we head for Königswinter to experience the Drachenfels railway.

This fabulous cog railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle - whose name translates to 'Dragon's Rock', inspiring many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. We experience wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany as we climb higher. After dinner we depart Königswinter and head for the serene waters of the Moselle river.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Lovely Cochem – the heart of the Moselle wine trade

During a morning of relaxed cruising, our luxurious ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River, passing the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley towards Cochem. This attractive town is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-coloured buildings and half-timbered houses, dominated by the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour where we admire the fairytale Reichsburg. In Cochem's Old Town, we find well-preserved sections of the ancient walls and a former monastery that now houses a cultural centre. Following the tour, there's time to explore the picturesque streets at leisure. The central square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.

We continue sailing after dinner on board as we journey back downstream towards Koblenz, where we leave the Moselle behind and rejoin the Rhine.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Picturesque Koblenz, the enchanting Rhine Gorge, and charming Rüdesheim

There's time at leisure this morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. We recommend strolling to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers where you'll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. We then begin sailing again and after lunch, enjoy a highlight of our cruising experience - drifting through the romantic Rhine gorge.

This section of the Rhine is renowned for its spectacular views and the best place to witness them is from the top deck of our ship. The riverbanks plunge deeper here, and we wind around bends surrounded by endless miles of lush green vineyards, ancient castles, and picturesque riverside towns. It's also one of the narrowest points of the river with one of the strongest currents.

As we sail, we hear the fascinating story of the legendary Lorelei Rock which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. This monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, and we hear of them as we sail by.

We then dock in captivating Rüdesheim where we travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the centre of the renowned wine town. Here there's a choice of excursions, each promising a delightful insight into the town. You could experience for yourself why the town is famous with a fantastic wine tasting, savouring the finest local varieties.

Alternatively, you could visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet and discover Europe's largest collection of finely tuned mechanical instruments, from antique music boxes to miniature pianos. After dinner this evening there's time to explore the town's cobbled streets at your own pace and see the charming half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and enticing wine bars in the Drosselgasse alley.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Traditional Heidelberg and Lovely Speyer

During breakfast we arrive in the city of Mannheim and from here we journey by coach to charming Heidelberg for a guided tour. The picturesque university town is known for its lovely Old Town and stunning riverfront which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests, river, and cityscape.

Back onboard, we begin sailing to Speyer after lunch. Arriving later this afternoon, you can discover the city at your own pace. There's a beautiful Old Town and among the highlights is the city's cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner and a restful overnight sailing upstream.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7The enchanting Black Forest or striking Strasbourg

Sailing into to the enchanting city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there's a choice of two wonderful excursions. The first is a magical trip into the Black Forest, to witness stunning fairytale panoramas. Experience the beauty of Germany's largest nature park filled with rolling hills, picturesque villages, dense forests, and meadows dotted with wildflowers. As you explore this fairytale setting, you'll learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg, where you'll discover its fascinating history, admire its grand architecture and experience its unique character. The city sits on the French-German border and blends the best of the two cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. On our tour, we visit the cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district.

Following your excursion this afternoon, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our final cruise towards Switzerland, enjoying the wonderful vistas enroute.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Excursions

DAY8Homeward bound

After breakfast, we dock in Basel where it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our wonderful crew. We make our way to the railway station and head towards Paris where we catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras. Here, we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Info - Travel Options

We offer a Standard Class and First Class rail options for departures on this tour. You can find out which class each departure is by clicking on the information button in the pricing grid. (Look for S - Standard Class and F - First Class)

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

What’s included on the tour?

Trains & Ships

More information on the different trains and ships that are used on this tour.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Star Cabin DS | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Suites - Upper Deck

Travel in luxury and style when you choose one of our Deluxe Suites. Our largest en-suite cabins, at 26.4 square metres, a walk-out balcony, walk-in wardrobe an river-view lounge area.

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MS Amadeus Star Cabin A1 | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Upper Deck

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 17.5 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Star Cabin B1 | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Middle Deck

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 17.5 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Star Cabin C1 | Great Rail Journeys
Classic Stateroom - Lower Deck

Our Classic Staterooms offer quality, and elegance with space to relax in comfort at the end of the day. And we recognise the importance of having somewhere inviting to retire to after an engaging day of cruising or excursions. These 16 square metre en-suite cabins offer a wide picture window and large walk-in wardrobe.

Find out more

Enhance your holiday

London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

Read more

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

Read more

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets

Reviews

4.5 stars4.5 / 5 · 72 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (45)
  2. 4 stars
    (19)
  3. 3 stars
    (6)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

Christopher Jay

5 stars

Submitted 20/May

Above and beyond our expectations. The service, trips out, outbound and homeward bound journeys, luggage handling everything went without any problems.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Christopher, Thank you for your review. I'm delighted to hear the tour went above and beyond your expectations and that everything ran smoothly. We hope to welcome you again soon! Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

david

5 stars

Submitted 20/May

Absolutely fantastic trip. Loved every minute. From fabulous food to staff and wonderful tour operators it was great

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi David, Thank you for your review. I'm really glad to hear you loved your trip with us. We hope to welcome you again! Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

M Shirley

5 stars

Submitted 20/May

It was a brilliant relaxing holiday. Terrific food and wonderful service

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Mr Shirley, Thank you for your review. I'm really happy to hear that the tour matched your expectations and that the food and service were terrific. We hope you can join us again in the future! Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Dominic Boyce

5 stars

Submitted 20/May

Superb ship, great food, fabulous crew and wonderful scenery. Great Rail Journeys staff were enthusiastic and professional throughout.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Dominic, Thank you for your review. I'm glad to hear all these aspects of your holiday were positive and that you enjoyed the scenery on the trip. We hope to welcome you on a trip with us again soon! Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Richard Hewes

5 stars

Submitted 20/May

I have always wanted to do a river cruise It was more than I expected

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Richard, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I'm glad to hear that your river cruise on the Rhine exceeded your expectations. We hope to see you again in the future! Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr Stephen Sell

5 stars

Submitted 13 Oct 2024

We enjoyed our riverboat cruise with Great Rail. Unlike most operators who opt for air travel to the cruise Great Rail appreciate that the journey is part of the holiday and don't insist on lengthy coach transfers to the boat if you choose to go by Rail. The Amadeus Imperial that Great Rail charter is a very comfortable riverboat with good cabins and pleasant and helpful staff. The food is plentiful and very tasty. Although the cruise started in Amsterdam and uses Dutch canals to reach the Rhine this part of the journey was still interesting particularly when our excellent captain Tom negotiated the massive locks - an experience in itself. I was amazed at the amount of freight carried on the Rhine but unlike a previous reviewer I found this interesting and it didn't detract from the lovely scenery along the Rhine. The earlier stretches of the journey were quite leisurely and I see that in 2025 this has been addressed by adding an extension along the Moselle to Cochem and a finish in Basel, without the unattractive overnight mooring in Strasbourg amongst the shipping containers. However for us this stop did mean we were able to enjoy both the lovely excursion into the Black Forest and still explore Strasbourg on our own in the afternoon.

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr Stephen Sell
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River Cruise Holidays 2026

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Experience the magic of cruising along some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways. Glide serenely along the romantic Rhine, explore the blue Danube or meander through the enchanting Douro Valley. With our river cruises, you’ll drift through beautiful landscapes and historic towns.

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