Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Your departure
DepartsSat 17 Jul 2027Basel
ReturnsSat 24 Jul 2027Amsterdam
Duration7 nights
ShipAmaSofia
From pp twin share$5,441
From pp solo share
AvailabilityAvailable
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Cruise Snapshot
7Nights
Eight-day Rhine river cruise through four countries with UNESCO World Heritage sites and forty castles
Sail through UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge with forty castles
Choose from guided tours, bike rides, hikes and special interest excursions
Visit Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Colmar and charming Alsatian villages
Trip Details
Departs
Sat 17 Jul 2027
Returns
Sat 24 Jul 2027
Embarks
Basel
Disembarks
Amsterdam
Ship
AmaSofia
Operator
AMA Waterways
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 brewing of Germany’s legendary beers, 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.
This river cruise journeys through Switzerland, Germany, France and Netherlands, calling at Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim, Monheim, Amsterdam and Amsterdam.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSofia.
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.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaSofia
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaSofia
Deck plans
4
AmaSofia · 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
Basel
Sat 17 Jul
BASEL – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise.
2
Breisach
Sun 18 Jul
BREISACH, GERMANY. 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. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike. through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards and exceptional biodiversity.
3
Strasbourg
Mon 19 Jul
STRASBOURG, FRANCE. 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.
4
Ludwigshafen
Tue 20 Jul
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM. 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. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you’ll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. 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. Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.
5
Rüdesheim
Wed 21 Jul
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN. 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, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.
6
Monheim
Thu 22 Jul
MONHEIM - DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY. Monheim is your gateway to the nearby city of Cologne, where you may join a guided tour of its 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. If you would like more time in Cologne, you may opt for a full-day excursion, which includes ample free time to explore independently. In the afternoon, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide.. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.
7
Amsterdam
Fri 23 Jul
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. Begin your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide to Amsterdam. During your afternoon in Amsterdam, you may embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
8
Amsterdam
Sat 24 Jul
AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Colmar excursion.
Kaiserstuhl hike.
Breisach wine country bike tour.
“The Gem of Alsace” tour.
Strasbourg bike tour.
“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSofia.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category CA
Category CB
Category D
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 17 Jul 2027 and 24 Jul 2027, subject to live availability.
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.
Ready to lock in?
Book this cruise
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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