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2027 Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles

Aug 27 - Sep 9, 2027

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Your Advisor

Kate Newland

Kate's World Travel

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kate@katesworldtravel.com

7173069393

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

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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AmaWaterways Cruise Guide

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


Welcome to Milan

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

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


Explore Milan

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...

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


Arrive at Lake Como

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...

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


Explore Lake Como

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...

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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.

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Embarkation

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

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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,...

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About Your Ship - AmaSerena

Whether enjoying cocktails in the Main Lounge or a quiet moment in the library, AmaSerena balances social connection and personal retreat with elegant dining and scenic views.

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Basel

12:00AM

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...

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Day 6 · Wed, Sep 1 · Basel, Switzerland


Basel

12:00AM

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...

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Day 7 · Thu, Sep 2 · Strasbourg, France


Strasbourg

12:00AM

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...

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Day 8 · Fri, Sep 3 · Ludwigshafen, Germany


Ludwigshafen

12:00AM

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...

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Rüdesheim am Rhein

12:00AM

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...

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


Rüdesheim am Rhein

12:00AM

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...

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Lahnstein

12:00AM

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Rhine Gorge, Germany

12:00AM

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Day 10 · Sun, Sep 5 · Cologne, Germany


Cologne

12:00AM

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...

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Day 11 · Mon, Sep 6 · Amsterdam, Netherlands


Amsterdam

12:00AM

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...

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Day 12 · Tue, Sep 7 · Amsterdam, Netherlands


Amsterdam

12:00AM

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 ...

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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...

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Day 13 · Wed, Sep 8 · Amsterdam, Netherlands


Amsterdam

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

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