AMAWATERWAYS
8 Days | Enchanting Rhine
Northbound

BASEL TO AMSTERDAM

Day 1 | Basel, Switzerland. Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2 | Breisach or Colmar, France. Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, enjoy your drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Your tour will include a stop at a cuckoo clock factory. As an alternative, choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” During your city tour, you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses; the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns; canals and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine cellar visit and wine tasting, where you will enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. (B,L,D)

Day 3 | Strasbourg. Speyer, Germany. Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. Enjoy a canal cruise of this picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. Then take a walking tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobbled streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the afternoon, a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled) will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and Place de la Republique. (B,L,D)

Day 4 | Speyer. Heidelberg. This afternoon, arrive in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for the Speyer Cathedral, many churches and the Altpörtel (old gate) with a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a city tour of medieval Speyer or half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. As an alternative, a guided bike tour is also available in Speyer (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

Day 5 | Rudesheim. Koblenz. After breakfast, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This historic museum houses one of the greatest collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to 20th centuries. Afterwards, enjoy wine tasting with a local winery. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. This afternoon, you will cruise to 2,000-year-old Koblenz, located on the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. After dinner, your Cruise Manager will lead a walk through this charming town. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | Cologne. Arrive in Cologne this morning, where you will enjoy a walking tour of Old Town and Cathedral Square. You will visit the spectacular 13th-century Gothic cathedral whose twin spires are amongst the tallest in Europe. Afterwards, you will have free time to linger in the cathedral, browse the many nearby shops or perhaps enjoy a glass of Kölsch, Cologne’s famous beer. Return to the ship for lunch and some free time in the afternoon to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 7 | Amsterdam, Holland. After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the great landmarks of Amsterdam including a photo stop at a Windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | Amsterdam. Disembark. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

NORTHBOUND ITINERARY 8 DAYS | BASEL TO AMSTERDAM