11 Nights Rhine & Moselle Fairytales: Amsterdam to Basel

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 | Amsterdam, Netherlands – Embarkation: Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship.

Day 2 | Amsterdam, Netherlands: The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise. Tall narrow homes along the water, the beautiful wooden Skinny Bridge and the Anne Frank House are a few of the highlights you will see. You’ll then walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings and followed by panoramic city tour. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

Day 3 | Cologne, Germany: Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. 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 4 | Lahnstein, Germany: Because of its strategic importance on the Rhine, Lahnstein was heavily fortified. Many old gates and towers still demonstrate its importance in the Middle Ages. You’ll discover this is a common theme throughout the region. You have a choice to visit one of the region’s medieval castles; or alternatively, you can take a cable car across the Rhine where you can discover Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, overlooking the Rhine and Moselle rivers. For those seeking a more active adventure, explore the area on the "Two rivers bike tour," which takes you along both the Rhine and Moselle rivers; or go on hike around Lahnstein.

Day 5 | Cochem, Germany: Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle, situated high above the town, and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided hike to the castle. Or for a different adventure, explore the Bundesbank Bunker to get a closer look at this mysterious Cold War era bank vault.

Day 6 | Trier, Germany: In Trier, Germany’s oldest city, you will discover such sights as the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths and Basilica of Constantine. 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. Hear the history, secrets and stories of the bishops and barbarians who have crossed through this famed gate that dates back to 180 A.D. You also have the choice to go on a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River.

Day 7 | Bernkastel, Germany: Bernkastel, located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region, an area which has been cultivating wine for over 500 years, will enchant you. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit. 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.

Day 8 | Rudesheim, Germany: Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Wine connoisseurs will want to go on a walking tour through the vineyards where you’ll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations. Or choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum 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.

Day 9 | Ludwigshafen, Germany: Discover a grand Baroque palace, one of Mark Twain’s favorite European towns or one of the most whimsical gardens in the Europe on choice of excursions. Relieve a bygone era on an excursion to the Mannheim Baroque Palace, one of Europe’s largest. Prefer to fall in love with one of Mark Twain's favorite towns, then join a tour to perfectly preserved Heidelberg. For those who love a bit of whimsy, visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance.

Day 10 | Strasbourg, France: Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, enchants offering 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 before walking 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 the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.

Day 11 | Breisach, Germany: Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr. Having survived WWII without being damaged, this charming medieval hamlet looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and surrounding vineyards 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 12 | Basel, Switzerland – Disembarkation: Disembark after breakfast.

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.