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2026 Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles

Aug 22 - Sep 1, 2026

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Kate Newland

Kate's World Travel

kate@katesworldtravel.com

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Full Itinerary Daily Overview Pricing Documents

Overview

Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards and the stunning remnant of a world frozen over with glaciers as part of this Rhine River cruise fantasy. Embark your ship in Basel before crossing the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. You’ll also enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the river banks. Conclude your cruise by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true.

Trip Details

International Trip Tips

Tips for Visiting Europe

Immerse yourself in the local culture: Europe is incredibly diverse, so make an effort to understand and appreciate the unique customs, traditions, and way of life in each country you visit. Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations: While iconic c...

Europe Packing List

AmaWaterways Cruise Guide

Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles Destination Trip Guide

HKK

Day 1 · Sat, Aug 22 · Lake Como, Italy

Arrive in Lake Como, Italy

Arrive in Lake Como and check into your hotel.

Day 2 · Sun, Aug 23 · Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como

Be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize th...

Day 3 · Mon, Aug 24 · Lake Como

Lake Como - Bellagio

Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its c...

Day 4 · Tue, Aug 25 · Basel, Switzerland

Lake Como - Bellinzona

Check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, be treated to a Bellinzona orientation tour. Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles cruise. (B,D)

Embarkation Day Tips

About Your Cruise Line - AmaWaterways

At AmaWaterways, we craft immersive river journeys aboard our spacious, custom-designed ships. With heartfelt service and regionally inspired cuisine, we guide our guests through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, always with warmth, flexibility, and a spirit of authentic discovery. Embark on a different kind of trip with an AmaWaterways river cruise, with sailings on rivers around the world—from European classics like the Rhine and Rhône to adventurous locales along the Nile, Mekong,...

About Your Ship - AmaVenita

AmaVenita sails Europe’s rivers with twin-balcony staterooms, regionally inspired dining, and inviting spaces that create a warm, elegant setting between days of discovery.

Embarkation

Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles cruise. (B,D)

Basel

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - EMBARKATION. Embark your ship in Basel for your Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles cruise. (D) Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benef...

Day 5 · Wed, Aug 26 · Basel, Switzerland

Basel

BASEL. 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-centu...

Day 6 · Thu, Aug 27 · Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg

STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg 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 before walking throug...

Day 7 · Fri, Aug 28 · Ludwigshafen, Germany

Ludwigshafen

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM. 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 sandsto...

Rüdesheim am Rhein

Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Broms...

Day 8 · Sat, Aug 29 · Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

Rüdesheim am Rhein

RÜDESHEIM. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards and 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 t...

Lahnstein

Rhine Gorge, Germany

Day 9 · Sun, Aug 30 · Cologne, Germany

Cologne

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 Fischmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Gr...

Day 10 · Mon, Aug 31 · Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tastin...

Day 11 · Tue, Sep 1

Amsterdam – DISEMBARKATION

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

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