Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Your departure
DepartsTue 29 Dec 2026Amsterdam
ReturnsTue 5 Jan 2027Basel
Duration7 nights
ShipAmaSerena
From pp twin share$7,447
From pp solo share
AvailabilityAvailable
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Cruise Snapshot
7Nights
A seven-night river cruise through the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, with included tours and excursions along the Rhine
Canal cruise through Amsterdam's many waterways
Cologne Old Town tour with Kolsch beer tasting
Scenic sailing through the UNESCO Rhine Gorge
Trip Details
Departs
Tue 29 Dec 2026
Returns
Tue 5 Jan 2027
Embarks
Amsterdam
Disembarks
Basel
Ship
AmaSerena
Operator
AMAWaterways
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.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Basel and Basel.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSerena.
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 transportsAmaSerena
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaSerena
Deck plans
4
AmaSerena · 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
Tue 29 Dec
AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise.
2
Amsterdam
Wed 30 Dec
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.
3
Cologne
Thu 31 Dec
COLOGNE, GERMANY. 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, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church 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.
4
Rüdesheim
Fri 1 Jan
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.
5
Ludwigshafen
Sat 2 Jan
LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four 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 pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops.
6
Strasbourg
Sun 3 Jan
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
Basel
Mon 4 Jan
BASEL, SWITZERLAND. Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne to explore its medieval towers. In the afternoon, for guests who have not chosen the full-day Lucerne excursion, visit a local winery to sample Swiss wines, tour Wildegg Castle, a fortress built by the Habsburgs in the early 13th century that features a 3,300 square meter garden, or embark on an exhilarating hike to the castle. Not combinable with other tours on this day.
8
Basel
Tue 5 Jan
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Basel and prepare for your flight home.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Canal cruise.
Scenic cruising.
Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting.
Cologne bike tour.
Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising.
Wine tasting.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSerena.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category C
Category D
Category E
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales 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 29 Dec 2026 and 05 Jan 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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