CRUISING THE ENCHANTING RHINE
When cruising the Rhine River,
you sail through four amazing countries!
With the fabulous rooftop pools, jacuzzies, and wellness programs—plus the exquisite cuisine and delicious cocktail drinks available around-the-clock—it’s tempting to many to never leave an AMA Waterways ship. But as much as AMA takes pride in their impeccable service, we know that the main reason travelers choose a river cruise is because of the adventure—the amazing, breathtaking stops along the way. With that in mind, the countries you’ll explore with AMA Waterways on the Rhine are historic, romantic and truly awe-inspiring.
AMA Waterways has a great selection of tours in each port. Not only do they have different tours, but they have tours for active folks and what they describe as “gentle walkers”. These tours see the sights, but in a more leisurely pace. With 25 incredible river cruise options throughout Europe, it can be a tough decision…but we know that you will find the right balance that fits your budget, taste, and sense of adventure.
Do you want to spend more of your time in Switzerland, Germany or France? What about the Netherlands? With the pre and post-cruise options, you can experience an extra day or two before or after your cruise. Let’s take a closer look at the destinations on the Rhine River and you’ll see why people who choose AMA Waterways keep coming back for more.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most pristine countries in the world and is beautiful any time of year. It’s known for its snowy mountain caps in the winter and lush green hills in the summer. You can take a scenic train ride through the Alps or travel the Rhine by ship. Either way, Switzerland will have you wondering if you’ve walked straight into a fairytale.
Many river cruises on the Rhine start or end in Basel, a city known for its love of art and museums. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the country and is centered around a market square, making it perfectly easy to tour.
Because of its location, situated right between France and Germany, two countries which have significantly influenced Swiss culture, Basel is very culturally diverse. Enjoy this melding of cultures as you dine alfresco at a cafe along the banks of the Rhine.
But why stop with Basel when there’s so much more of Switzerland to see. Why not take a trip to Lucerne or Zurich.
Lucerne is the ideal pitstop on your trek through Switzerland. Wandering through its majestic streets, you’ll encounter a city dotted with beautiful bridges, cafes and chocolate shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Imagine you and your companion sitting at an outdoor café having a traditional meal, sipping a glass of wine and taking in the view of Lake Lucerne. A summer evening in Lucerne will make you never want to leave. Let’s book a ride on Lake Lucerne while we’re at it!
The banking capital and economic hub of Switzerland, Zurich melds its pre-medieval roots with modern-day business and entertainment.
In addition to its world-class shopping venues, there is plenty of sight-seeing to do.
From the Hauptbahnhof—Switzerland’s largest railway station—you can catch a train and be on a crisp, glistening mountain peak in a matter of minutes. You can also explore the city’s incredible rivers and magnificent lake, which has superior water quality for swimming. Whether its fine dining or hiking trails up Uetliberg, the perfect adventure is waiting for you in Zurich.
France
Parlez-vous français? Non? Well, no worries. A good translation app can do wonders to help you navigate the luscious countryside of France, and its mouthwatering cafes and menus. For its food, wine, and historic sights, you love this country for all the right reasons.
Wine and France go hand-in-hand. The French have perfected the art of great food, such as the buttery croissant to the famous French onion soup. Whether you’re stopping at a bakery in the morning for a fresh croissant and cafe au lait, a light lunch of a croque monsieur or a full 3-course French dinner, you will not be disappointed.
Book a Rhine River cruise with AMA Waterways and you’ll stop in Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region and a charming city for a day trip. A great way to spend some time is a shore excursion to the Cave des Hospices https://www.vins-des-hospices-de-strasbourg.fr/en/for a wine tour and light beverage during the afternoon.
If wine tasting isn’t your thing, there is no shortage of other soothing activities in Strasbourg. The Parc de l’Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle and the botanical gardens are all equally serene places for an afternoon walk or bike ride.
Are you looking for modern stores, local boutiques or street markets? You can find them all in Strasbourg. Most of Strasbourg’s old town is centered on Grande Île, an island in the middle of the city.
Christmas markets in Strasbourg are some of the most popular in Euope and you can visit them on your Christmas Market Cruise with AMA Waterways. Make your way to the southwest corner of the Grande Île to Un Noël en Alsace to browse Christmas decor. While you are in Strasbourg during the holiday season, enjoy a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm along the way.
Germany
Traveling to Germany usually takes tourists to Berlin, Munich and other metropolitan areas. On a river cruise with AMA Waterways, however, you’ll experience a whole new side of the country—one that is more traditional and inviting.
Cruising down the Rhine, you’ll see cultural hubs as well as quaint cities you may not otherwise experience. Rüdesheim and Cologne both offer a variety of entertainment including local musicians and museums, providing for a well-rounded German experience.
Rüdesheim is a charming little city on the Rhine known for its production of Reisling wine. The first thing you’ll notice here is the beautiful combination of history and modern winemaking. Cobblestone streets and medieval-style castles lie just outside the vineyards and tasting rooms of Rüdesheim. Sit at one of the small cafes and sip the famous Rudesheimer coffee, a blend of brandy, sugar cubes and coffee.
During the stop in Rüdesheim, you can also choose between Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, a gondola ride or a wine tasting hike through the vineyards.
One wonderful way to spend time here is to take the cable car over the vineyards, up to the Niederwald monument and then stop at the local shops on the way back to the ship.
A 2,000-year-old city, Cologne is best known for its colorful rows of houses and its famous Christmas markets. In contrast to the small-town charm of Rüdesheim, Cologne is a much larger city and cultural hub of this area of Germany.
Where Rüdesheim is medieval and rustic, Cologne is more Gothic and modern. Visible from the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Its two towers are still some of the largest peaks in the city.
The stop in Cologne offers the options of a Holy City walking tour and cathedral visit, Kölsch Beer tasting or Cologne bike tour.
You say you haven’t had enough chocolate? in Cologne you can visit the Chocolate Museum for just one more taste. https://www.schokoladenmuseum.de/en/
The Netherlands
What better way to end your Enchanting Cruise than right in the heart of the Netherlands- Amsterdam.
A city known for its red-light district and overall carefree way of life, Amsterdam offers an incredible array of cultural experiences. Cruising one of the world’s most elaborate canal systems will show you much of the beauty this city has to offer.
If you prefer to observe the canals by land, you can opt for a tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, which boasts trendy cafes, eateries, and shops. After grabbing a coffee, head to one of the many historical landmarks in this part of town. The Anne Frank House is located just outside Jordaan and across from the historical Westerkerk Cathedral where Rembrandt was buried in 1669. Since this is such a popular place to visit, obtaining tickets in advance is recommended. It’s a very moving and sober experience.
The people in the Netherlands are truly some of the kindest and friendly people in Europe. Described as modest, direct and very prompt, don’t be surprised by how welcomed you feel in this city.
While Amsterdam isn’t famous for its food, this is one of the most pleasant surprises you will encounter.
If you’re craving something with a pinch of salt, we would recommend Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kibbeling (deep-fried fish) or snert (split pea soup).
After dinner, enjoy a variety of different sweets including Dutch licorice, poffertjes (puffy pancakes) or stroopwafels (remember to eat them hot and gooey).
You will find more peculiar shops and art displays in Amsterdam than almost anywhere else in the world. From stores with cows on the ceiling to mouse mansions and displays dedicated entirely to tulips, entertainment in Amsterdam lies around every corner.
These are just a few of the amazing destinations on a Rhine River cruise. Which country is calling your name?
Contact Unique Journeys and explore the possibilities. Each itinerary and season has it’s own charm; so you can’t go wrong. You can only have the trip of a lifetime. Start planning today!
About the Business
