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2027 Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles

Aug 27 - Sep 9, 2027

Your Advisor

Kate Newland

Kate's World Travel

kate@katesworldtravel.com

7173069393

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

Northward Bound: A Journey Through the Heart of Europe

1. Book "The Last Supper" Months Out (Milan) If you want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, you must book tickets at least 2–3 months in advance. They sell out instantly. For the best views of the city, buy a "Rooftop Access" ticket for t...

The Rhine & Beyond: Your Local Language Guide

🇮🇹 Italian (Milan & Lake Como) Italian is melodic and expressive. Use it with a smile. Buongiorno (Bwohn-jor-noh) – Good morning / Good day. Per favore (Pehr fah-voh-reh) – Please. Grazie mille (Graht-zee-eh mee-leh) – Thank you very much. Dov'è i...

European Adventure Packing List

Essential Documents & Money Passport & ID: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Travel Insurance: Coverage for health, belongings, and any trip interruptions is a must. Credit Cards & Local Currency: Euros f...

European Journey: From Milan to Amsterdam

Destination Overview Embark on a captivating journey through some of Europe's most enchanting cities, starting in the fashion capital of Milan and winding your way to the vibrant canals of Amsterdam. This itinerary offers a blend of cultural richn...

AmaWaterways Cruise Guide

Day 1 · Fri, Aug 27 · Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Welcome to Milan

Aug 27

Arrive in Milan Arrive in Milan and check into your hotel.

Day 2 · Sat, Aug 28 · Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Explore Milan

Aug 28

Marvel at Milan's architecture Discover Milan’s elegance on a guided stroll through its historic heart. Enjoy a visit to the Duomo, marveling at its Gothic interiors and ascending to the breathtaking rooftop terraces, and explore the majestic Sfor...

Day 3 · Sun, Aug 29 · Lake Como, Italy

Arrive at Lake Como

Aug 29

Explore the natural beauty of Lake Como This morning, you will depart Milan for Lake Como. When you arrive, 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...

Day 4 · Mon, Aug 30 · Lake Como, Italy

Explore Lake Como

Aug 30

Stroll along Lake Como 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 v...

Day 5 · Tue, Aug 31 · Basel, Switzerland

Begin your journey

Start your journey on the Rhine River Check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, you will stop in Lucerne for a short orientation tour and free time for lunch. Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship.

Embarkation

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

About Your Cruise Line - AmaWaterways

With over two decades of experience on the world’s rivers, our family-owned and operated company has remained focused on what we do best: providing our guests with innovative and unforgettable travel experiences. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart, every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share.

About Your Ship - AmaSerena

AmaSerena is a regal river ship accommodating both guests who wish to socialize with kindred cruisers and those seeking private rejuvenation. Twin-balcony staterooms maximize scenic views with amenities that include Entertainment-On-Demand, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and more.

Basel

Aug 31

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 6 · Wed, Sep 1 · Basel, Switzerland

Basel

Sep 1

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 7 · Thu, Sep 2 · Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg

Sep 2

STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming stree...

Day 8 · Fri, Sep 3 · Ludwigshafen, Germany

Ludwigshafen

Sep 3

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

Sep 3

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 9 · Sat, Sep 4 · Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

Rüdesheim am Rhein

Sep 4

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

Sep 4

Rhine Gorge, Germany

Sep 4

Day 10 · Sun, Sep 5 · Cologne, Germany

Cologne

Sep 5

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 Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Gre...

Day 11 · Mon, Sep 6 · Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam

Sep 6

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 12 · Tue, Sep 7 · Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam

Sep 7

AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B) Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention ...

Disembarkation

Disembark from your ship, then enjoy a visit to Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century villag...

Day 13 · Wed, Sep 8 · Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam

Sep 8

Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)