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Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam

River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel

River Cruise Visiting Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg and Basel

Voyage through the heart of Europe on a Rhine River Cruise, where history, culture and riverside landscapes meet – along with plenty of good times along the way. You’ll explore Amsterdam’s canals, stand beneath the towering spires of Cologne Cathedral and stroll through Strasbourg’s old town. Cruise through the romantic Middle Rhine, surrounded by steep Riesling vineyards, medieval castles and half-timbered towns. On board Trafalgar Verity, you’ll enjoy lively evenings, share stories over regional wines and soak up the ever-changing scenery. From the Netherlands to Switzerland, this river cruise brings the best of the Rhine to you.

Travel: 10 days, 4 countries and 8 cities
Ship: Trafalgar Verity
Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 8 Dinners
CONTACT AN AGENT

HIGHLIGHTS

  • On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
  • Dinners on your first and last day on board feature a special menu
  • Tea time during one special afternoon sailing
  • Lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water
  • Farewell reception with sparkling wine
  • Land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts
  • Optional Experiences are available to complement and complete your travel experience
  • Audio headset systems are provided on land guided tours
  • Bicycles are available for on-land use at your leisure

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Itinerary

Arrive in the vibrant Dutch capital and check in to your hotel before heading out for a memorable first evening. Get your first taste of river life with a canal cruise and dinner with your fellow travellers, Experience Director and Experience Manager.

Iconic Experience:

Canal Cruise with Dinner

Glide through the heart of Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the city’s historic bridges, gabled townhouses and illuminated waterways. From the water, see the city from a fresh perspective as you savour dinner on board, enjoying local flavours and the company of new friends against a backdrop of picture-perfect sights.

Today is yours to experience Amsterdam as you like. Wander along scenic canals, explore world-class museums or soak up the local atmosphere in a cosy cafe. For something extra, join an Optional Experience and taste your way through the Jordaan district on a foodie tour or visit a traditional windmill in Volendam. On select seasonal departures you can opt to explore the colourful blooms of Keukenhof Gardens.

Uncover the story of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation of WWII, aimed at securing key bridges in the Netherlands. Visit the Airborne Museum in Hartenstein and see the “Bridge Too Far,” where British paratroopers fought a heroic but ill-fated battle. This afternoon, board the Trafalgar Verity, your Rhine River Cruise ship. Settle in and explore the ship as you begin your journey along the legendary Rhine.

Included experiences

Visit the Airborne Museum

Discover the Allies’ Operation Market Garden at the Airborne Museum at Hartenstein, the former British Airborne Division headquarters during the Battle of Arnhem. Through artefacts, personal stories and immersive exhibits, uncover the fight for Arnhem and the “Bridge Too Far.” Later, visit the bridge itself, a key site in this WWII operation.

Your first night on the Lower Rhine takes you through the Rhine Plain and past North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s historic heart of industry. Dock in Cologne after a night cruising the Rhine and step ashore. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist to explore the historic streets and see the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece over 600 years in the making. Or see a different side of the city on a Street Art tour, uncovering the alternative creative scene. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience and sample local brews on a Cologne Beer Experience, or visit the Michael Schumacher Private Collection, a must for motorsport fans.

Included experiences:

Discover Cologne

Get to know Cologne on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. Wander through the historic streets and see the towering Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece. Learn about the city’s past and take in the vibrant atmosphere of its charming Old Town.

Tour the Street Art of Cologne

Beyond its historic landmarks, Cologne is bursting with creativity. Wander through vibrant neighbourhoods decorated with bold murals and thought-provoking graffiti. Discover how Cologne’s street art scene has turned urban spaces into an ever-evolving open-air gallery.

Sit back and take in the scenery on your Rhine River cruise, as you begin to cruise through the Middle Rhine, a region straight out of a fairy tale, famous for its hillside vineyards and storybook castles. You’ll also sail past Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Moselle meets the Rhine, marked by the grand monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I. On land, join a Local Specialist in Koblenz before cruising to Boppard. Later, explore Rheinstein Castle, perched high above the river. You can explore further with an optional bike ride along the Rhine, passing charming villages and historic castles along the way.

Included experiences:

Koblenz Orientation

Stand at German Corner, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. You’ll see the statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I, a symbol of German unity. Wander through the Old Town, passing historic churches, lively squares and baroque buildings, don’t miss the Spitting Boy Fountain, a playful nod to Koblenz’s sense of humour.

Explore Historic Rheinstein Castle

Perched 90 metres above the Rhine on a rocky outcrop, this Romantic-era fortress offers views over the Rhine and surrounding vineyards. Step inside to explore its historic halls and towers, a glimpse into Germany’s castle heritage and medieval past.

Your Rhine River cruise continues as you cruise through the Middle Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving in Rüdesheim, a wine-making town known for its half-timbered houses. Take a mini-train tour to get acquainted with the area, then enjoy time to explore. You can choose to join an Optional Experience vineyard hike, winding through scenic trails with beautiful views alongside.

Included experiences:

Ride Through Rüdesheim on a Mini-Train

Board a mini train for a relaxed ride through Rüdesheim, passing the Drosselgasse with its half-timbered houses and wine gardens. It’s a great way to get your bearings before enjoying some free time to explore the town at your own pace.

This morning, step ashore in Speyer, a town with deep medieval roots. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist for a walking tour along Maximilian Street, passing baroque townhouses and visiting a medieval church. Discover the 11th-century Jewish community, including its ritual baths and enjoy some local treats. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a private vinegar estate near Speyer, where you’ll enjoy a tasting and learn all about its sustainable production. Why not join an Optional Experience to Heidelberg? You’ll walk through its charming old town, cross the Old Bridge and visit the striking Heidelberg Castle.

Included experiences:

Tour the Medieval Sights of Speyer

Walk down Maximilian Street, once laid out by Roman soldiers and now a bustling promenade lined with baroque townhouses. Explore the medieval church and uncover the remains of an 11th-century Jewish community, including its ritual baths. Along the way, see the former mint, Holy Trinity Church and sample some delicious local treats.

Learn About Vinegar Production at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof

Discover a unique side of the Palatinate wine region with a vinegar tasting at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof. Using premium wines and traditional methods, the Wiedemann family crafts artisanal vinegars with herbs and fruits, all produced sustainably with natural materials. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting eco-friendly farming and artisanal craftsmanship.

Step ashore in Alsace, where French and German influences mix in this region rich with history. With a Local Specialist by your side, explore Strasbourg’s old town, where you’ll see its impressive cathedral and the charming Petite France district. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience into the Black Forest, known for its scenic landscapes, fairytale villages and traditional crafts.

Included experiences:

Tour Strasbourg Old Town

Drive past the European Parliament and Council of Europe, before you explore Strasbourg’s cultural heart with a Local Specialist. Wander through charming streets and see how history and modern politics mix in this fascinating city.

Cruise south of Strasbourg, along the Rhine River, marking the border between Germany and France. Drift through the Upper Rhine Plain, nestled between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains, and take in the stunning scenery along the way. Step ashore and begin your day with a tour of Breisach, a historic town overlooking the Rhine, known for its colourful houses and centuries-old cathedral. Then, join the Bohrer family at Bohrerhof for a Be My Guest experience with lunch on their family farm, where they grow seasonal produce using traditional methods. Enjoy a meal made with fresh ingredients straight from their fields, a true taste of their land and heritage. In the afternoon, you can take an optional visit to an Alsatian village for a journey filled with half-timbered houses and scenic vineyards.

Included experiences:

See the Sights of Breisach

Discover Breisach, a historic town perched above the Rhine, known for its colourful houses and rich past. Take in its impressive cathedral, stroll through charming streets and learn about its unique blend of French and German influences.

Lunch with the Bohrer Family at Bohrerhof Farm

Sit down to a homegrown meal at Bohrerhof, a family-run farm in the Rhine plain. For generations, the Bohrer family has carefully cultivated their produce, staying true to their farming traditions. As you enjoy a lunch made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, you’ll get a real taste of their farm and the heritage behind it.

Your scenic river cruise comes to an end as you disembark in Basel. Bid farewell with “fair winds and fond memories” to your Experience Director and Experience Manager, crew and fellow cruise companions, until you cruise again.

Itinerary was accurate at time of posting.

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