Holland, Germany, France & Switzerland
Classical Rhine
Amsterdam to Basel in tulip season — Cologne, the Moselle, the Rhine Gorge and Strasbourg.
Holland, Germany, France & Switzerland
Amsterdam to Basel in tulip season — Cologne, the Moselle, the Rhine Gorge and Strasbourg.
Cruise line
Amadeus River Cruises
Length
8 days
Departs
3 May 2027
Route
Amsterdam → Basel
From
$3,309 per person
The route
Eight days against the current, beginning among the canals of Amsterdam in tulip season and ending in Basel. Between them: Cologne and its cathedral, a day on the Moselle at Cochem, the castles and the Lorelei of the Romantic Middle Rhine, Speyer, and Strasbourg’s Petite France.
Day by day
Embarkation from 4:00 PM
Arrival & Embarkation
Arrive in Amsterdam and board the ship this afternoon, with time to settle in before dinner. Tonight, a Shanty Choir performs on board as we begin the cruise.
The ship remains in Amsterdam overnight, so we won’t actually leave the city until tomorrow morning.
Canals & Amsterdam
This morning, explore Amsterdam by land and water, seeing the historic canal houses, bridges and neighborhoods that give the city its character. The tour includes a canal cruise, one of the best ways to see the heart of Amsterdam.
Rather than returning to Amsterdam, the excursion ends in Utrecht, where we’ll rejoin the ship and begin cruising toward Germany.
Cathedral, Old Town & the Rhine
Arrive in Cologne late this morning for a walking tour through the Old Town and a visit to the city’s famous Gothic cathedral, whose twin spires dominate the skyline.
In the afternoon, there’s a guided e-bike ride along the Rhine, passing the waterfront, parks and newer parts of the city before returning to the ship.
Castles & the Moselle Valley
This afternoon we arrive in the Moselle Valley, one of the prettiest stretches of the cruise, with terraced hillsides rising steeply from the water and small villages tucked along the river.
Explore Cochem’s half-timbered Old Town before heading uphill to Reichsburg Castle, perched high above the river with views across the whole valley.
The Romantic Rhine
Begin in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, with a walking tour through the historic center.
Then comes one of the highlights of the cruise: sailing through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This UNESCO-listed stretch of river is lined with terraced slopes, medieval towns and castles perched high above the water. We’ll also pass the legendary Lorelei Rock.
Later, explore Rüdesheim and its narrow lanes before visiting the unusual Music Cabinet Museum, filled with historic mechanical musical instruments. Back on board, the evening continues with live classical music.
Heidelberg & Speyer
From Mannheim, choose how you’d like to see Heidelberg.
The classic excursion visits the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Neckar River, followed by time in the historic Old Town. Or, for something more active, hike the Philosophers’ Way for panoramic views across Heidelberg and the river valley.
Later, explore Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, including its enormous Romanesque imperial cathedral, and sample a traditional German pretzel before returning to the ship.
Petite France & the Canals
This morning we’re in France.
Explore Strasbourg’s Petite France, where canals wind between half-timbered houses and narrow streets, before seeing the city’s magnificent Gothic cathedral.
A canal boat cruise on the Ill River gives us another view of Strasbourg, moving from the historic center toward the city’s more modern European quarter.
Tonight, celebrate the final evening of the cruise with a gala dinner on board.
Disembarkation after breakfast
Arrive in Basel this morning, where the cruise ends after breakfast.
Itinerary, ports and included excursions as published by Amadeus River Cruises for the 2027 season. Times and calls can change with river conditions. Operator’s page · Ask me about this sailing