Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Christmas) (Amsterdam to Basel)

Discover fairytale castles underlaid with the winter holiday’s glow on this magical Rhine River cruise. Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll immerse yourself in the seasonal atmosphere of grand... Read MoreDiscover fairytale castles underlaid with the winter holiday’s glow on this magical Rhine River cruise. Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll immerse yourself in the seasonal atmosphere of grand city such as Cologne as well as charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. Glide through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like Christmas lights along the riverbanks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this Festive Delights itinerary is truly a holiday wish come true.

Starting at: $4,579

(Not Including Airfare)*

Enchanting Rhine (Beer Cruise) (Basel to Amsterdam)

Starting at: $4,579

(Not Including Airfare)*

Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Loyalty Cruise) (Basel to Amsterdam)

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From Germany’s glittery cities to the iconic canals of Amsterdam, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein... Read MoreExperience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From Germany’s glittery cities to the iconic canals of Amsterdam, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

Starting at: $4,579

(Not Including Airfare)*

Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Christmas Day Celebration) (Amsterdam to Basel)

Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From Germany’s glittery cities to the iconic canals of Amsterdam, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein... Read MoreExperience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From Germany’s glittery cities to the iconic canals of Amsterdam, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.

Starting at: $4,579

(Not Including Airfare)*

Rhine, Moselle & Switzerland - MS Geoffrey Chaucer

This river cruise showcases Switzerlands best bits combined with the picture-perfect Rhine and Moselle. Were talking chic cities, timber-framed towns, truly beautiful landscapes and the iconic Bernese Oberland. Embark on a classic journey through the Rhine valley, unravelling its most fascinating towns... Read MoreThis river cruise showcases Switzerlands best bits combined with the picture-perfect Rhine and Moselle. Were talking chic cities, timber-framed towns, truly beautiful landscapes and the iconic Bernese Oberland. Embark on a classic journey through the Rhine valley, unravelling its most fascinating towns and cities – not to mention incredible scenery – along the way.    Where two of Europe’s mightiest rivers, the Rhine and Moselle, converge, discover Koblenz where the past seeps from every ancient stone in its tangled streets. As we glide through the Rhine Gorge, brace yourself for Mother Nature at her most awesome – make sure you’ve got a front row lounger on the sun deck for the full effect.  Our adventure will uncover Speyer’s medieval charm, picture-perfect Rüdesheim and unlock Alsatian secrets in Strasbourgs old town. Just when you think the scenery couldnt get any better, enter the Black Forest, with its rolling forests, white-water rivers and waterfalls, whilst Titisee, nestled by a glistening lake, sets the perfect fairytale scene.   Chic Lucerne welcomes us with Swiss sophistication before a thrilling ascent by mountain railway reveals alpine scenery like you’ve never seen it before. And we’re not joking.   History buffs will revel in Cologne and Trier’s fascinating past whilst Boppard, the Rhine’s undisputed medieval crown jewel will blow your socks off whatever your penchant.  Get acquainted with Cochem’s cobbled canal paths, and Traben-Trarbach as we meander along the Moselle’s picturesque course.   This is a cruise crammed with new discoveries but fear not, you’ll still have plenty of time to unwind in five-star style on board and enjoy the ship’s luxurious facilities – along with the gastronomic delights of course!    Please note this cruise itinerary operates from Basel to Cologne.

Starting at: $4,769

(Not Including Airfare)*

Rhine, Moselle & Switzerland - MS George Eliot

This river cruise showcases Switzerlands best bits combined with the picture-perfect Rhine and Moselle. Were talking chic cities, timber-framed towns, truly beautiful landscapes and the iconic Bernese Oberland. Embark on a classic journey through the Rhine valley, unravelling its most fascinating towns... Read MoreThis river cruise showcases Switzerlands best bits combined with the picture-perfect Rhine and Moselle. Were talking chic cities, timber-framed towns, truly beautiful landscapes and the iconic Bernese Oberland. Embark on a classic journey through the Rhine valley, unravelling its most fascinating towns and cities – not to mention incredible scenery – along the way.    Where two of Europe’s mightiest rivers, the Rhine and Moselle, converge, discover Koblenz where the past seeps from every ancient stone in its tangled streets. As we glide through the Rhine Gorge, brace yourself for Mother Nature at her most awesome – make sure you’ve got a front row lounger on the sun deck for the full effect.  Our adventure will uncover Speyer’s medieval charm, picture-perfect Rüdesheim and unlock Alsatian secrets in Strasbourgs old town. Just when you think the scenery couldnt get any better, enter the Black Forest, with its rolling forests, white-water rivers and waterfalls, whilst Titisee, nestled by a glistening lake, sets the perfect fairytale scene.   Chic Lucerne welcomes us with Swiss sophistication before a thrilling ascent by mountain railway reveals alpine scenery like you’ve never seen it before. And we’re not joking.   History buffs will revel in Cologne and Trier’s fascinating past whilst Boppard, the Rhine’s undisputed medieval crown jewel will blow your socks off whatever your penchant.  Get acquainted with Cochem’s cobbled canal paths, and Traben-Trarbach as we meander along the Moselle’s picturesque course.   This is a cruise crammed with new discoveries but fear not, you’ll still have plenty of time to unwind in five-star style on board and enjoy the ship’s luxurious facilities – along with the gastronomic delights of course!    Please note this cruise itinerary operates from Cologne to Basel.

Starting at: $4,839

(Not Including Airfare)*

Legendary Rhine & Moselle with Photographer Juano Abreu

Itinerary also travels in reverse.

Starting at: $4,925

(Not Including Airfare)*

Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Smithsonian Journeys) (Amsterdam to Basel)

Experience the enchantment of some of Europe’s most beloved Christmas Markets on our Christmas Markets Along the Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, featuring AmaWaterways’ signature Holiday Cruise traditions on the most elegantly decorated ships on the rivers. Delight in the dazzling... Read MoreExperience the enchantment of some of Europe’s most beloved Christmas Markets on our Christmas Markets Along the Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, featuring AmaWaterways’ signature Holiday Cruise traditions on the most elegantly decorated ships on the rivers. Delight in the dazzling holiday lights of Amsterdam and sample local flavors in Utrecht and Düsseldorf. Take in spectacular views of the castle-laden Rhine Gorge and venture to hilltop castles that have guarded the river for centuries. Visit charming towns like Rüdesheim and Heidelberg, rich in holiday traditions and local crafts, and immerse yourself in the enchanting Christmas Markets of Cologne, Strasbourg and Colmar, stopping to enjoy seasonal treats and warming mulled wines. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours of the Rijksmuseum, the Roman ruins of Cologne, the Technik Museum in Speyer and even the European Parliament. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.

Starting at: $4,979

(Not Including Airfare)*

The Majestic Rhine with Photographer Gary Bogdon

Itinerary also travels in reverse.

Starting at: $5,045

(Not Including Airfare)*

The Rhine & Moselle (Southbound) 2025 - 11 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Basel

Your European river cruise vacation starts in marvelous Amsterdam where there is much to see! Discover the treasures of this colorful, historic city on a canal cruise through the elegant Grachten lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Explore the magnificent city of Cologne,... Read MoreYour European river cruise vacation starts in marvelous Amsterdam where there is much to see! Discover the treasures of this colorful, historic city on a canal cruise through the elegant Grachten lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Explore the magnificent city of Cologne, Germany, which spans both sides of the Rhine River, then visit Koblenz, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Explore the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages still standing! Take a guided walk through the delightful marketplace, see the renaissance-era Town Hall, and taste famed Moselle wines! Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, considered the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and see ancient castles standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit the charming Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim, and visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s Castle, towering magnificently over the city.

Continue your stunning European river cruise to Strasbourg, France, where a local expert will show you the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. At the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border sits Breisach—the gateway to Germany’s legendary Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Disembark your river cruise in Basel, Switzerland. Beauty, new discoveries, and delightful surprises are plentiful on your European river cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers!

Starting at: $5,049

(Not Including Airfare)*