8 Days
From $1,100

Rhine River Cruise - Friends & Family

Activity Level:

Active

20 Meals:

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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Explore one of the most spellbinding river systems in Europe with a cruise down the Rhine River in the luxurious AMADEUS Riva ship. Our opulent seven-night cruise includes ports of call in Strasbourg, France; Speyer, Mannheim, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, and Cologne, Germany; and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We also take in breathtaking sights along the Middle Rhine and Moselle River! Enjoy guided tours to view the best attractions in each city and a variety of included excursions, from canal cruises to wine, beer, and cheese tastings. While on board, enjoy gourmet meals – including dinners accompanied by beer, wine, or soft drinks, complimentary Wi-Fi, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, port talks, and more.

Things to know: Smart casual attire is appropriate for all meals. For dinner, we recommend slacks and a nice shirt or a casual dress (shorts are not permitted). Jackets and ties are optional. The Captain’s Gala is an appropriate time to dress up, if desired. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, they must be noted at the time of booking. Transfers between the ship dock and airport are not included. All gratuities to shipboard staff must be paid by cash or credit card at the end of the cruise; the recommended amount is 13 euros per guest, per day. Port charges and taxes are included. The electric current on the ship is 230 volts, 50 cycles. Outlets differ from those in North America, so an adapter is required. A voltage converter is only necessary if your device is not compatible with 230 volts. If your device tag states 110–230 volts, a converter is not required. AMADEUS vessels do not maintain services or facilities for children, so we cannot accommodate anyone under 8 years of age. All minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied and share a cabin with a responsible adult over the age of 21.

Trip overview may vary by departure. No other discount, coupons, or promotions may be applied when utilizing the Tour Discount.

Trip overview may vary by departure.

View All 2026 Departure Dates

Day 1: Board the AMADEUS Riva
Embarkation begins at 4:00 PM at the riverboat dock in Basel. Settle into your accommodations aboard our luxurious AMADEUS Riva for the next seven nights with all onboard meals included. After checking in, we have time to peruse the ship’s inviting amenities, from open-air decks to panoramic lounges. Tonight, we gather for a delicious Welcome Dinner, marking the beginning of an incredible journey filled with historic cities, riverside castles, and timeless European charm. Important arrival details: To ensure you don’t miss ship embarkation check-in, please allow up to 90 minutes to clear Customs and Immigration upon arrival at Zurich International Airport (ZRH). Nonstop trains operate frequently from ZRH to Basel, with an approximate travel time of 1.5 hours. The ship departs at 5:00 PM. Docking location details will be provided prior to departure.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Strasbourg
Our first port of call is Strasbourg, located on the French border with Germany and home to European Parliament. Settle into a comfortable motorcoach with a local guide for a city tour to view incredible architecture and the historic center, where we visit the famous Strasbourg Cathedral and the Grand Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our sightseeing continues with a canal cruise, featuring vistas of old half-timbered houses and a former mill in “Petite France.” We also see the Palais de Rohan, Council of Europe, and Ponts Couverts, a 13th-century set of three bridges and four towers. Later, sip on a glass of wine in the bar or treat yourself to a massage as we sail to Germany.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Speyer & Heidelberg
We start our day docking in the beautiful town of Speyer. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the most noteworthy attractions, like Speyer Cathedral, which dominates the landscape with its grand structure and beauty. Afterwards, there’s time to grab lunch and relax aboard the ship on our way to Mannheim. Once docked, we take a short drive to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Our time here includes an enchanting tour of Heidelberg Castle from the early 1200s, the country’s most popular castle ruin.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Vineyards & the Middle Rhine
This morning’s port is Rudesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the Reingau wine region – famous for its Rieslings. We board the Winzerexpress for a tram ride through the scenic Rhine Valley vineyards to a local winery and indulge in regional flavors. Next, wander down the area’s charming alley, Drosselgasse, to see fabulous wineries, markets, and historic buildings. Head to the ship’s top deck this afternoon for spectacular views of castles and steep hillsides as we cruise the gorgeous Middle Rhine into Rhine Gorge. Later in the day, we arrive at one of the oldest and most diverse cities in Germany, Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Marvel at the architecture of churches, castles, and palaces, then take a cable car ride above the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Dating back to 1000 AD, it houses the Koblenz State Museum and is one of Europe’s largest preserved fortresses.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Moselle River & Cochem
Today, we cruise through one of Germany’s most beautiful river valleys along the Moselle. Gaze upon vineyards, castles, and ruins dotting the rolling hillsides, with quaint villages and towns near the riverbanks. Our ship docks in enchanting Cochem, known for its traditional half-timbered houses and wine culture dating back over a thousand years. Enjoy a walking tour down the picturesque medieval streets to admire historic buildings, such as Reichsburg Castle, and learn how the town was almost completely destroyed in the 1600s while occupied by French troops.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Cologne
Our port of call today is 2,000-year-old Cologne. This cultural hub is a landmark of High Gothic architecture, with the extraordinary twin-spired cathedral being the most impressive example. On our guided walking tour, hear how the city was rebuilt after the World War II bombing and has since become an affluent area boasting numerous museums and art galleries, including masterpieces by Picasso. We also enjoy a tasting of Cologne’s famous beer, called Kolsch! Our cruise ship departs in the afternoon, allowing time for relaxation before this evening’s Captain’s Gala.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Amsterdam, Volendam & Edam
This morning, we embark on an incredible guided tour of Amsterdam and a quintessential canal cruise for unique views from the city’s waterway. Later, we board our motorcoach for an afternoon excursion to two charming fishing villages. Our first stop is Volendam, known for its vibrant harbor, distinctive music, and time-honored traditions, including authentic costumes that can still be seen today. A short drive out to the countryside brings us to a local cheese farm, where we learn the fascinating process of how Dutch cheese is made and sample some ourselves. Before returning to our ship, we also visit Edam, known for its cheese and Carillon tower. Stroll down its narrow cobblestone streets to appreciate the beautiful historic buildings and visit the Cheese Weighhouse. This evening, we celebrate with a Farewell Dinner and reflect on our journey on the Rhine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Disembark in Amsterdam
Savor one last breakfast, then bid farewell to our floating home before 9:00 AM. As the ship stays docked the night prior, you may depart earlier to accommodate flight times if needed. Please plan for 30-45 minutes for your travel time to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Sep 28 - Oct 5, 2026

Double

$1,100+

per person

Limited Availability

Solo

$2,200+

per person

Limited Availability

Final Payment Due

Sep 14, 2026

Book Now

Oct 12-19, 2026

Double

$1,100+

per person

Limited Availability

Solo

$2,200+

per person

Limited Availability

Final Payment Due

Sep 28, 2026

Book Now

All Accommodations

7 nights aboard the AMADEUS Riva with complimentary Wi-Fi

Attractions & Highlights

Ports of call: Strasbourg, France; Speyer, Mannheim, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem & Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Strasbourg guided city tour feat. canal cruise
Heidelberg guided walking tour feat. Heidelberg Castle
Speyer guided walking tour
Koblenz guided walking tour feat. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress by cable car
Rudesheim’s Winzerexpress feat. wine tasting
The Middle Rhine & Moselle River scenic cruising
Cochem guided walking tour feat. Reichsburg Castle* (subject to availability)
Cologne guided walking tour feat. Kolsch tasting
Amsterdam guided city tour feat. canal cruise
Excursion to Volendam & Edam feat. cheese tasting