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River CruiseRiver Cruise

The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

 
4.4 stars(150 reviews)
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
202620272028
Duration
8 days
From per person
£2,199
Tour code
RHR27
Mobility Rating 1
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Enjoy a leisurely cruise from the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the Black Forest and Basel in Switzerland, sailing through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands to Switzerland on a luxury river cruise.

Sail through four countries, admiring stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns and historic cities lining the picturesque banks of this incredible river. Marvel at 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 attractive Strasbourg, the magical landscapes of the Black Forest and timeless German cities including Heidelberg on the way.

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

Setting sail on a five-star Amadeus ship
See Europe from a new perspective onboard our exquisite chartered ship. With first-class service, inclusive meals and drinks packages, and all excursions included, you’re free to relax and marvel at breathtaking scenery as we sail.
Admiring views of the romantic Rhine Gorge
Admiring views of the romantic Rhine Gorge
Sail through this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with hilltop castles, verdant forests and vineyard-clad slopes, and discover the legends of the Lorelei Rock.
Visiting Heidelberg, the ‘Jewel of Germany’
Visiting Heidelberg, the ‘Jewel of Germany’
Delve into the history of this picturesque riverside city a guided tour, marvelling at the ruins of a red sandstone castle that towers over this renowned university city.
Uncovering picturesque Rüdesheim
Uncovering picturesque Rüdesheim
Choose between a wine tasting or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet on an exploration of this charming village, famed for its quaint Drosselgasse alley.
Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railway
Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railway
Ascend to the summit of the towering Drachenfels mountain while riding on the heritage Drachenfels Railway to soak up panoramic views across the Rhine Valley from the top.
Soaking up quintessential Dutch views
Soaking up quintessential Dutch views
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Amsterdam on a sightseeing canal boat trip, or opt to visit the idyllic towns of Edam and Volendam, renowned for their cheese heritage.
Exploring the German city of Cologne
Exploring the German city of Cologne
Discover the city’s bustling streets and squares, as well as its famous cathedral, a twin-spired Gothic masterpiece that took more than 600 years to complete.

Step Inside Your Luxurious Ship

Enticing Onboard Amenities
Enticing Onboard Amenities
With nightly entertainment on board, a fitness centre, massage facilities, shuffleboard, giant chess, a wine bar, the exclusive Amadeus Club, and included meals, each journey can be as lively – or as leisurely – as you wish.
Chef-prepared Cuisine
Chef-prepared Cuisine
Each meal is an occasion to savour during your Rhine cruise, with locally inspired breakfast and lunch offerings, sumptuous four-course dinners with complimentary drinks, and a splendid captain’s gala to conclude your voyage.
Attentive Service
Attentive Service
As you journey along the romantic Rhine, enjoy impeccable service from a professional and courteous crew, always available to assist, replenish your beverages, and make your cruise as relaxing as possible.
Comfortable Cabin Choices
Comfortable Cabin Choices
Whether you select a Deluxe Suite on the Upper Deck, a Deluxe Stateroom on the Upper or Middle Decks, or a Classic Stateroom on the Lower Deck, each cabin provides an idyllic retreat on the water.
Noteworthy Destinations
Noteworthy Destinations
A rich tapestry of heritage and culture awaits along the Rhine, with ports of call ranging from vibrant cities and historic landmarks to breathtaking natural landscapes – including the Rhine Gorge, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1To Amsterdam where we board our luxurious ship

Your holiday begins this morning as we meet at London St Pancras. Boarding the Eurostar, we head by rail to Amsterdam.

On arrival in the Dutch capital, we're greeted onboard by our friendly crew and sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. There is time to unwind and familiarise yourself with the luxurious new surroundings and the ship's excellent facilities.

Later this evening, we enjoy our first dinner together in the panoramic restaurant accompanied by a wonderful performance from a traditional Dutch sea shanty choir - the perfect start to a fantastic cruise down the Rhine.

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

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Amsterdam canal boat cruise and optional trip 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, you could choose to join an optional excursion - a visit to Volendam and Edam. These two historic towns are renowned for their cheese heritage, which can be uncovered on a guided tour. 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 embark on our first relaxing cruise of the holiday, sailing through the Lower Rhine and enjoying an onboard dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Excursions

DAY3Exploring the historic city of Cologne

Sailing this morning, we can enjoy the views this morning as we approach Cologne. Arriving around lunchtime, the city's bridges and imposing cathedral hone into view.

After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour which introduces us to its squares and Romanesque townhouses. This German city sits beside the Rhine and was founded as a military camp by the Romans who named it Colonia, which is from where the modern term 'colony' is derived. The city's most iconic landmark is its impressive cathedral, the largest in northern Europe. Construction of this UNESCO-listed edifice began in 1248 to house relics of the Three Wise Men. Rising more than 515 feet with spectacular twin spires, this Gothic masterpiece is the most visited attraction in Germany. There's time here to stand in awe and marvel at its ornate carvings and stained-glass windows.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner while moored in Cologne. Staying here overnight, you could stroll along the river this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn

Enjoy a morning of relaxed sailing as we leave Cologne and continue south along the Rhine, passing through Bonn enroute to our first destination.

After lunch, we dock in Königswinter for a holiday highlight, a trip on the Drachenfels Cog Railway. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenburg Castle - the name of which translates as 'Dragon's Rock' and has inspired many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. Travelling to the summit, we can admire wonderful views across the rolling hills of the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

Departing Königswinter this evening, we begin sailing towards Koblenz and enjoy dinner on the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the highest cold-water geyser in the world that erupts up to heights of nearly 200 feet on the approach to Andernach.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Through the magical Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim

There's free time 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 Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Setting sail, we encounter a highlight of the holiday after lunch as we drift through the romantic Rhine Gorge. This UNESCO-listed section of the river is renowned for its spectacular views. Winding around bends surrounded by miles of vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns, we also hear the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Soaring almost 500 feet out of the water, this monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, including the tale of a siren whose song has enchanted passing sailors.

We dock in Rüdesheim and travel to the centre of this renowned wine town by land train. Here, there's a choice of excursions. You could savour Rüdesheim's most famous produce with a tasting of the finest local varieties of wine or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. After dinner, you're free to explore the town's cobbled streets, including colourful Drosselgasse.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Along the Upper Rhine to Heidelberg and Speyer

Cruising towards the Upper Rhine, we arrive in the city of Mannheim after breakfast. From here, we journey by coach to Heidelberg for a guided tour. The picturesque university town is known for its lovely Old Town and 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 one of Germany's oldest cities at your own pace. There's a beautiful Old Town and among the highlights is the 11th-century cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most important landmarks of the Holy Roman Empire.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner onboard ahead of a restful overnight sailing upstream.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7Reaching Strasbourg and optional Black Forest excursion

Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there's a choice of two wonderful excursions. The first is a trip into the magical Black Forest to witness stunning views. Germany's largest nature park filled with rolling hills, fairytale villages, dense forests and wildflower meadows. On an exploration of this idyllic setting, you'll learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg. Alsace is now in France but was once part of Germany. The grand architecture of its main city reflects this blend of the two cultures. On the tour, we visit its striking cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district. Home to tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages, this pretty area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled streets, flower-lined canals and beautiful half-timbered houses.

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

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Excursions

DAY8Homeward bound

The changing landscapes of the Rhine have been revealed on this journey from Amsterdam and the idyllic Dutch countryside to Strasbourg and the Black Forest. Enroute, we have soaked up breathtaking scenery from our front-row seats, gliding through the stunning Rhine Gorge between Koblenz and Rüdesheim.

After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. We make our way to Basel railway station and head towards Paris where we catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras. Arriving in London this evening, your Rhine cruise experience comes to an end.

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

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

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.

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Trains & Ships

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

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

Travel the rivers in the utmost comfort and style when you choose to stay in one of our incredible Deluxe Suites. These cabins are larger than the others on board, at 26.4 square metres, and come with additional touches that add just that extra touch of opulence, including private walk-out balconies and lounge areas.

Find out more
MS Amadeus Amara Cabin A1 | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Upper Deck

Discover the perfect balance of luxury and relaxation when you choose to stay in one of our Deluxe Staterooms. Offering 17.5 square metres, these cabins offer plenty of room to ensure a comfortable experience, with a drop-down panoramic window to take in the river views.

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

Discover the perfect balance of luxury and relaxation when you choose to stay in one of our Deluxe Staterooms. Offering 17.5 square metres, these cabins offer plenty of room to ensure a comfortable experience, with a drop-down panoramic window to take in the river views.

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

Designed with both style and practicality in mind, our 16 square metre Classic Staterooms offer a peaceful and well-equipped space for your journey, offering an inviting space to relax and unwind after an engaging day of cruising or excursions.

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

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 150 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (89)
  2. 4 stars
    (42)
  3. 3 stars
    (13)
  4. 2 stars
    (2)
  5. 1 star
    (4)

Martin Petty

5 stars

Submitted 3/Jun

First class facilties and organisation - a great holiday. I use my PC for somethings, tablet for others and phone for the remainder so finding that the wi-fi needed to be connected and disconnected becasue of the limit of 2 was tedious. The day in Cologne probably had too much packed into it.

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr Bernard Sproul

5 stars

Submitted 3/Jun

Great ship, great food & crew. Would not do the cheese & clog trip a waste of time. Again Gare de Nore hell especially at 30+ degrees.

Collected by Trustpilot

Terry Knight

5 stars

Submitted 3/Jun

Excellent service on the ship from friendly and helpful staff, excellent food and an excellent ship. We had no issues at all during our trip and felt very well looked after.A relaxing holiday which we would recommend to family and friends.

Collected by Trustpilot

Ronald Salt

5 stars

Submitted 3/Jun

Great cruise plus good ship with excellent food and wine Rail travel good apart from delays in Paris

Collected by Trustpilot

customer

5 stars

Submitted 3/Jun

Very well organised with excellent catering and housekeeping onboard

Collected by Trustpilot

Laurence Oates

5 stars

Submitted 3/Jun

Excellent boat, food, arranged tours, and all-round experience.

Collected by Trustpilot

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