AmaWaterways

Basel/Huningue

Switzerland

Western Europe

AmaStella

7-night from Basel to Amsterdam Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad. Timeless traditions remain intact-from the making of Kölsch, Cologne's legendary brew, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.

Amawaterways - 5%

EMBARKATION Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (D)

Basel

Colmar excursion OR Freiburg excursion OR Breisach wine country bike tour OR Black Forest* hike Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor's Colmar birthplace. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have "the most beautiful spire on earth." Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside or go to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles and quaint towns. (B,L,D) *Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Breisach

"The Gem of Alsace" tour OR Strasbourg bike tour Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the iconic UNESCO World Heritage "La Petite France" district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Strasbourg

"Romantic Heidelberg" excursion OR Heidelberg Philosopher's hike OR "Secrets of Speyer" tour Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Rüdesheimer Coffee Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim

Gondola ride and wine tasting OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour OR Vineyard hike Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising Exclusive festive celebration Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town's beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you'll enjoy an exclusive festive celebration. (B,L,D)

Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge, Lahnstein

Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour OR Cologne bike tour Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the 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. As an alternative, explore the historic and modern architectural styles on display across Cologne on a guided tour, including a special visit inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

Düsseldorf

Canal cruise tour OR Jordaan walking tour* Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jordaan tour. (B,L,D) *Depending on docking location, Jordaan Tour may not operate therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Amsterdam

DISEMBARKATION Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Enchanting Rhine

Return UK flights from London or Manchester and overseas transfers included^

Enchanting Rhine

Enchanting Rhine

Travel plan

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