10 Nights Rhine & Moselle Delights: Basel to Amsterdam

Type of Vessel

Inspired by classic ocean yachts, the AmaSerena introduced in 2015, provides a distinctive river cruise experience. Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms range in size from 160-290 sq. ft. or indulge even more in one of the suites at 300 sq. ft. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Basel, Switzerland – Embarkation: Embark your ship in Basel, Switzerland and meet your fellow passengers on board.

Day 2 | Breisach, Germany: Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. 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.

Day 3 | Strasbourg, France: Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic “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. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie.

Day 4 | Ludwigshafen, Germany & Rudesheim, Germany: You have several choices of morning excursions. Explore the glorious Mannheim Baroque Palace, one of Europe’s largest. Prefer to visit the town Mark Twain wrote about in “A Tramp Abroad,” then join a tour to perfectly preserved Heidelberg. Alternatively, visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance. Wander through the gardens with more than 100 sculptures and admire an assortment of whimsical buildings. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.

Day 5 | Rudesheim, Germany: 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. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River; or hike to Ehrenfels Castle, idyllically situated in the midst of the vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles.

Day 6 | Treier, Germany & Bernkastel, Germany: In Trier, Germany’s oldest city, discover such sights as the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths and Basilica of Constantine on a city tour. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River. Later in the day, set sail along the scenic Moselle en route to Bernkastel, where you’ll visit a local winery for a special tasting.

Day 7 | Bernkastel, Germany: Located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region, an area that’s been cultivating wine for over 500 years, Bernkastel will enchant you. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the shores of the Moselle River; and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. During the afternoon, enjoy scenic sailing along the Moselle.

Day 8 | Cochem, Germany & Kolbenz, Germany: Visit the Reichsburg Castle, an integral part of the town’s history followed by a walking tour along Cochem’s narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses. For a more active excursion, go on a biking tour along the Moselle River. As an alternative excursion, you can visit one of Europe’s oldest working mustard mills where you will sample Cochem’s famous mustard. Later in the day, sail to Koblenz, and join a walking tour through the picturesque Old Town.

Day 9 | Cologne, Germany: Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and Reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with apple sauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.

Day 10 | Amsterdam, Netherlands: View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, join the Jordaan District tour or the Jewish Heritage tour. The Jordaan District tour begins at the Westerchurch and takes you past the Noordermarkt, the Karthuizerhof and the “9 streets”; afterwards, you’ll stop in a local café for a hot beverage and Dutch apple pie. The Jewish Heritage tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum chronicling the history of the Jewish community in Amsterdam.

Day 11 | Amsterdam, Netherlands: Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home.

Guest Services

Amenities include personalized service from Cruise Manager during cruise and land programs and complimentary Wi Fi access.

Food and Dining

AmaWaterways was invited to be a member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs – a prestigious international culinary society – and with good reason. The expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional Western offerings. This is the only river cruise line that has The Chef’s Table, an intimate specialty restaurant where you can watch the chef prepare a lavish dinner right in front of you. Each meal is specially paired with premium local reds and whites from Europe’s renowned wine regions, with new selections each night. There’s also sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast, menu service during lunch, as well as delicious tapas and snacks in the Main Lounge between meals.

Onboard Activities/Events

Soak up some rays or take a dip in the refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as you pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can complete your look by getting your hair styled in the salon.
Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or contemporary piano favorites, you will enjoy an eclectic schedule of onboard entertainment every night.

Shore Excursions

Every year, the staff seek out new opportunities for guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination.
The beauty of Europe doesn’t just lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breathtaking things to be seen when you venture out into nature. That’s why we’ve designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations. Here are some examples of hiking opportunities.
This is the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centers. Whether you feel like joining one of the exclusive guided bike tours, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise.

Staterooms or Cabins

Most of the staterooms on this fleet feature not just one, but two private balconies — a French balcony and a full outside balcony. Together, they provide a unique panoramic view of the beautiful sights along the river and maximize the natural light coming in. With twin balconies, you can enjoy the river however you like.
All staterooms feature in-room temperature control, a deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads, large wardrobe with a full-length mirror, hairdryer, safety deposit box, telephone, flat screen TV, On Demand system that provides complimentary TV as well as movies and music, mini fridge, complimentary bottled water replenished daily, and a desk and chair.
Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower.

Spa

After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.

Fitness

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.