The Middle Rhine
Rudesheim & Winzerexpress
Volendam & Edam with Cheese Tasting
Local Culture & Food
Explore one of the most spellbinding river systems in Europe with a cruise down the Rhine River in the luxurious AMADEUS Star 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.
Highlights
Amsterdam
Explore the Netherlands’ charismatic capital city, nicknamed “Venice of the North.” Marvel at how the city is shaped by water with 165 canals that make up the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canal Ring and experience it for yourself on an enchanting canal cruise. Take in its rich history during our guided tour, featuring sights of Dam Square, and the Royal Palace. We also visit the iconic Rijksmuseum, boasting nearly a millennium of Dutch art with a magnificent collection of 16th and 17th-century masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt.
- Day 1: Board the AMADEUS StarEmbarkation begins at 4:00 PM at the riverboat dock in Basel, Switzerland, with departure promptly at 5:00 PM. Settle into your accommodations aboard the AMADEUS Star for the next seven nights with all onboard meals included. Later, we gather for a Welcome Reception and dinner in a reserved dining space. Important arrival details: To ensure you don’t miss embarkation check-in, please plan for an hour to go through Customs at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) and approximately 30 minutes to transfer to the ship dock. If flying into Zurich (ZRH), there are no direct trains to Basel. You can take a 15-minute train ride to Zurich HB (main train station), then board another train for a 90-minute ride to Basel SBB station. From there, plan for a 15-minute taxi ride to the riverboat dock. The specific docking location details will be provided before departure.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 2: StrasbourgOur first port of call is Strasbourg, located on the French border with Germany and home to the 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 delightful canal cruise on the river, 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 set of three bridges and four towers from the 13th century. Later, relax on the sun deck or treat yourself to a massage as we sail to Germany.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3: Speyer & HeidelbergWe start our day docking in the beautiful town of Speyer. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the most noteworthy attractions, like the 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 that’s known for its Baroque narrow streets, picturesque red tiled roofs, and stunning 18th-century bridges. 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 RhineThis morning’s port is Rudesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Reingau wine region, especially known for its Rieslings. We board the Winzerexpress for a tram ride through the scenic Rhine Valley vineyards to a local winery and indulge in various regional flavors. Next, spend time strolling down the area’s charming alley, Drosselgasse, to see fabulous wineries, markets, and historic buildings. This afternoon, head to the ship’s top deck for spectacular views of castles and steep hillsides as we cruise the gorgeous Middle Rhine into the 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 during our exploration, then take a cable car ride above the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Dating back to 1000 AD, it houses the Koblenz State Museum with expansive, interesting exhibits and is one of Europe’s largest preserved fortresses.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Moselle River & CochemToday, we depart Koblenz and 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 the enchanting town of Cochem, known for its traditional half-timbered houses and wine culture dating back over a thousand years. Here, we visit medieval Reichsburg Castle, famously rebuilt in a fairytale style and perched on a rugged rock above the town. Admire its Renaissance and Baroque interior, then take in spectacular vistas of the Moselle Valley below.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: CologneOur 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, learn 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 many 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 dinner at the Captain’s Gala.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: Amsterdam, Volendam & EdamThis 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 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8: Disembark in AmsterdamSavor 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 7 nights aboard the AMADEUS Star with complimentary Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, port charges & taxes included
Attractions & Highlights
- Ports of call: Strasbourg, France; Speyer, Mannheim, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem & Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Strasbourg guided city tour & canal cruise
- Heidelberg guided walking tour feat. Heidelberg Castle
- Speyer guided walking tour
- Koblenz guided walking tour feat. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress by cable car
- Rudesheim wine tasting & vineyards
- The Middle Rhine & Moselle River scenic cruising
- Cochem guided walking tour feat. Reichsburg Castle
- Cologne guided walking tour feat. Kolsch tasting
- Amsterdam guided city tour & canal cruise
- Excursion to Volendam & Edam feat. cheese tasting
20 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Reception
- All meals & afternoon tea included aboard the ship
- Beverage package with all dinners
- Captain's Gala dinner
- Farewell Reception
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
*Land Only - Flights Not Included