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River CruiseRiver Cruise

The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

 
4.5 stars(81 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
£2,099 £1,999
Tour code
RHR26
Mobility Rating 1
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Enjoy a leisurely cruise from the pretty canals of Amsterdam, through the picturesque Moselle Valley and enchanting Rhine Gorge, to the Swiss city of Basel

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

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
Reach the summit of the towering Drachenfels on the heritage Drachenfelsbahn and enjoy panoramic views across the Rhine Valley.
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.
Discovering the beautiful Moselle town of Cochem
Discovering the beautiful Moselle town of Cochem
Explore the well-preserved riverside town of Cochem, at the heart of the Moselle Valley wine region and dominated by the fairytale Reichsburg Castle.
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.

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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 settle into your cabin.

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, 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

DAY3Arrival in Cologne and riding the scenic Drachenfelsbahn

On our approach to Cologne this morning, the city's bridges and imposing cathedral hone into view. When we arrive, a guided tour introduces us to its lively squares and Romanesque townhouses before a visit the city's impressive twin-spired cathedral, the largest in northern Europe. Standing in awe of this Gothic masterpiece, we also view the stained-glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark.

After lunch, we head for Königswinter to journey on the Drachenfels Cog Railway. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenburg Castle - whose name 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 after dinner, we begin sailing towards the winding Moselle River.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Exploring Cochem at the heart of the Moselle Valley

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
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 our cruise 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 charming Heidelberg for a guided tour. The university town is known for its pretty 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 and river.

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.

Following 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 Dutch tulip fields to Strasbourg and the Black Forest. Enroute, we have soaked up breathtaking scenery from our front-row seats, gliding through the stunning Rhine Gorge and along the meandering Moselle.

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 delightful 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

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.

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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 · 81 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (51)
  2. 4 stars
    (22)
  3. 3 stars
    (6)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

Peter Debnam

5 stars

Submitted 31/May

On board it was a 10/10 experience. The Manager, Rob Lippitt was outstanding along with the amazing 'waiting' staff at tables. The whole cruise on board was a 'slick performance'. Also you found some very effective and extremely knowledgeable local guides. However I would not book a cruise again as there were too many offboard trips in a single day or where we had a single trip it was too short. Take Cologne for example: We visited the beautiful Cathedral but then a brief visit to a bier cellar and back on board for lunch. We saw nothing else of the City! In fact Cologne could be excluded from this tour. Cochem was the best day with plenty of time to see everything. Koblenz was an early morning brief visit with hardly anything open before 10am yet we were sailing again at 11am! If you exclude Koblenz we would arrive at Rudesheim a lot earlier! At Rudesheim we saw the amazing Mechanical Music Museum after a tourist train ride of the vineyards we hadn't asked for leaving only about 45mins to see the town! Exclude Koblenz, problem solved. Heidelberg we were again rushed and only an hour's time to see the town, because we had to travel on to visit Speyer where there was little time to see much at all. Speyer could be left out of the tour! Strasbourg was lovely to see but little time here as we had to be back on board for lunch to give us time to travel on to Basel for our rail journey the next day. Now, here's the thing! The train from Basel to Paris went through - you've guessed it - STRASBOURG! A high number of fellow travellers thought that was ridiculous , we could have got a train from Strasbourg to Paris! The time spent cruising to Basel was unnecessary and could have been better spent having more time on the earlier trips. We were informed that this Year's organiser of this tour thought it best to give tourists 'tasters' of (several) towns on the Rhine. Sorry, big mistake - LESS WOULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH BETTER! Happy to be involved in any customer involvement in your future plans. Peter Debnam.

Collected by Trustpilot

Susan Doran

5 stars

Submitted 30/May

Very professional staff both Great Rail Journey's staff and those driving the boat, good food and drink. Visited beautiful towns and went through beautiful countryside. Great views from the boat. Other holidaymakers very friendly. Would like to go on another Great Rail Journey Boat Trip next year as this was such a great experience.

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Elaine Earley

5 stars

Submitted 25/May

Excellent trip except too many excursions an journey back exhausting everything else perfect

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D Spice

5 stars

Submitted 25/May

Can't fault anything' crew ,food ,trips all good.Only problem was watch went missing on luggage trip from our door to boat

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Jane Platt

5 stars

Submitted 23/May

It was great. Staff was fantastic and a lovely varied itinerary.

Collected by Trustpilot

Jane Platt
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Heaven Heaven

5 stars

Submitted 22/May

Amazing food and crew. Brilliant guides for our excursions. Made great friends.

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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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