Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Captivating Rhine

Extensive included tours with choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours
Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships with multiple stateroom categories
Canal cruise tour, walking tours, beer and wine tastings included in itinerary

$8,647 pp twin share

7 nights

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City Escapes: Dutch & Belgian Waterways

Captivating Rhine (Christmas Time) - route map

When & how much

Choose your departure

8 departures

Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

Eight-day river cruise through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland with guided tours and activities included

Cruise through UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge with vineyard-clad hills and castles
Visit Strasbourg, Colmar, Heidelberg and other fabled towns with guided walks and bike tours
Taste local specialities including Rüdesheimer coffee, German beer and wine from Rhine vineyards

Trip Details

Departs: Sat 24 Oct 2026
Returns: Sat 31 Oct 2026
Embarks: Amsterdam
Disembarks: Basel
Ship: AmaViola
Operator: AMAWaterways

Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and legendary German beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.

This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach and Basel.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLucia, AmaSiena and 2 sister ships.

On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

$8,647

pp twin share

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Life in transit

AmaViola

Details · AmaWaterways

AmaViola

Deck plans: 4

AmaViola · Deck plans

Piano Deck

Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Amsterdam
Sat 24 Oct
AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Captivating Rhine cruise.
2
Amsterdam
Sun 25 Oct
AMSTERDAM. Step into centuries of history at Slot Zuylen, a castle first built around 1250 and shaped by generations that followed. A significant renovation in the mid-17th century transformed the castle. This, along with smaller changes over the centuries have created a rich tapestry of architectural styles, evident as you move through its rooms and corridors. Beyond the walls, the gardens offer a more peaceful, quieter retreat. Together, the castle and its gardens make Slot Zuylen a place where history feels layered, lived in, and very much alive.
3
Düsseldorf
Mon 26 Oct
DÜSSELDORF. As a leading hub for German culture, commerce and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you may explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. 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.
4
Rüdesheim
Tue 27 Oct
RHINE GORGE - RÜDESHEIM. Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.
5
Ludwigshafen
Wed 28 Oct
LUDWIGSHAFEN. 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 enjoy 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg.
6
Strasbourg
Thu 29 Oct
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
7
Breisach
Fri 30 Oct
BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. 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. Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity.
8
Basel
Sat 31 Oct
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Canal cruise tour.
Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam.
Walking Tour.
Beer Tasting tour.
Slot Zuylen Visit.
Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLucia, AmaSiena and 2 sister ships.

Stateroom categories available

Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category CA
Category CB
Category D

City Escapes: Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals stateroom

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 15 Oct 2026 and 31 Dec 2026, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.

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Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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