Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals 2025 Start Basel, End Amsterdam (13 destinations)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Basel
Duration
15 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a 15-day grand tour that takes you through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of traditional sightseeing and active excursions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. From the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr to the bustling city of Düsseldorf, from the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge to the world-famous Rijksmuseum, and from the medieval harbor town of Hellevoetsluis to the religious center of Utrecht, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy local delicacies, taste world-renowned wines, and explore iconic landmarks as you journey through these captivating countries. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guides, this tour promises an unforgettable European adventure.

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Included

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)

Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations

Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area

Bottled water replenished daily

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All onboard dining in a variety of venues

Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients

The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant

Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner

Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast

Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks

Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

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AmaStella or similar

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AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes

Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages

Internet and Wi-Fi access

Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track

Fitness room, massage services and hair salon

Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar

Daily entertainment including cultural performances

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination

Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options

Bike tours and hikes

Special Interest Tours

Knowledgeable guides

Personal headset for easy exploration

Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

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Knowledgeable guides

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Destinations

Dordrecht - city in NetherlandsDordrecht
Brugge - region in BelgiumBruges
Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
Gorinchem - neighborhood in NetherlandsGorinchem
Utrecht - city in NetherlandsUtrecht
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel
Photo of aerial view of the city ,Rheinturm and Media Harbour district in Dusseldorf city in Germany.Dusseldorf
Rotterdam - city in NetherlandsRotterdam
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
Antwerp - region in BelgiumAntwerp
Brussels, Grand Place in beautiful summer sunrise, BelgiumBrussels
Photo of aerial view of the historic city center of Freiburg im Breisgau from famous old Freiburger Minster in beautiful evening light at sunset, Germany.Freiburg im Breisgau
Cologne Aerial view with trains move on a bridge over the Rhine River on which cargo barges and passenger ships ply. Majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background.Cologne
East Flanders - region in BelgiumGhent
Photo of historical city of Speyer, Germany.Speyer
Obwalden

Map

Attractions

Heidelberg Botanical Garden, Neuenheim, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Botanical Garden
Photo of Rijksmuseum museum with Amsterdam words in front of it, Amsterdam, Netherlands.Rijksmuseum
Domain of the Caves of Han, Han-sur-Lesse, Rochefort, Dinant, Namur, Wallonia, Belgiumdomain of the caves of Han
Freiburger MünsterFreiburg Minster
photo of view of Heidelberg Tun, Heidelberg, Germany.Heidelberg Tun
Cathedral of Our Lady AntwerpOnze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
photo of Museum Speelklok in Utrecht, the Netherlands.Museum Speelklok
Wutach Gorge, Göschweiler, Löffingen, Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Löffingen, Landkreis Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyWutach Gorge
Cathedral of Speyer, Rheinland Pfalz, germanySpeyer Cathedral
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
Bruges City Hall, Brugge, Bruges, West Flanders, Flanders, BelgiumBruges City Hall
De Horsten, Wassenaar, South Holland, NetherlandsDe Horsten
Gaasbeek CastleKasteel van Gaasbeek
Photo of Afternoon view of the beautiful, medieval Church of Our Lady in Bruges, Belgium.Church of Our Lady
Schinderhannesturm, Simmern/Hunsrück, Simmern-Rheinböllen, Rhein-Hunsrück-Kreis, Rhineland-Palatinate, GermanySchinderhannesturm
Karreveld Castle, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean - Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Brussels-Capital, BelgiumKarreveld Castle
Photo of Cathedral of our lady of strasbourg in France.Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg
House Of Giants, Ath, Hainaut, Wallonia, BelgiumHouse Of Giants
Huys ClingendaelHuys Clingendael
Grande-Île de StrasbourgGrande Île, Strasbourg
Red Star Line MuseumRed Star Line Museum
Duisburg Inner Harbour, Kaßlerfeld, Duisburg-Mitte, Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyDuisburg Inner Harbour

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Farewell to Switzerland

  • Basel
  • Obwalden - Arrival day
  • More

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before bidding farewell to the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland. Prepare for your return flight home, carrying with you the memories of a beautiful journey.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach and Beyond

  • Freiburg im Breisgau
  • More
  • Freiburg Minster
  • Wutach Gorge
  • Silver Star
  • More

Step back in time as you explore the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, a place that seems frozen in the 16th century. Admire the historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, a city founded in 1120, and marvel at the Gothic cathedral known as Freiburg's Münster. If you're up for a more active excursion, cycle through the countryside or hike in the magical Black Forest, a land full of cultural traditions.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: The Dual Flavors of Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
  • More
  • Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg
  • Parc de l'Orangerie
  • More

Experience the unique blend of French and German cultures in Strasbourg. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la République. Walk through the iconic 'La Petite France' district, a fairytale-like neighborhood, and marvel at the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Ludwigshafen and Its Surroundings

  • Speyer
  • More
  • Heidelberg Tun
  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Speyer Cathedral
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Ludwigshafen serves as your gateway to a choice of three exciting excursions. Visit the perfectly preserved medieval city of Heidelberg, nestled in the Neckar River Valley. Discover the iconic Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. Alternatively, visit Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: The Charms of Rüdesheim

Day 5: The Charms of Rüdesheim

  • Schinderhannesturm
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
  • More

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards or soar high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: The Cultural Hub of Düsseldorf

  • Dusseldorf
  • Cologne
  • More
  • Old Market
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Dianatempel
  • More

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city. Here, you have two options for the day's excursions. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne, home to the Cologne Cathedral, a revered Gothic masterpiece. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and visit the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, the Old Market, and the Heumarkt. Alternatively, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, then relax with a tasting of Altbier, a Düsseldorf specialty brewed using traditional techniques.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Amsterdam's Canals and Cuisine

  • Amsterdam
  • More

Join us on board a specially designed boat as we glide beneath the bridges and alongside the iconic architecture for which Amsterdam is renowned. Alternatively, explore the city through your tastebuds by joining a walking tour that includes a sampling of local delicacies such as bitterballen and Dutch cheese at one of the city's grand cafes. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: The Artistic Treasures of Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
  • More
  • Rijksmuseum
  • More

Enjoy a special tour of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Considered The Netherlands' national museum, the Rijksmuseum encompasses 800 years of Dutch history. Wander through the world's largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art, where some of the most renowned works are housed, and marvel at such historic paintings as Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' and Vermeer's 'The Milkmaid.'

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: The Historic Cities of Dordrecht and Rotterdam

  • Dordrecht
  • Rotterdam
  • Gorinchem
  • More
  • De Horsten
  • Huys Clingendael
  • More

Learn more about Dordrecht's fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the 'Gateway to Europe,' as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country's greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: The Diamond City of Antwerp

  • Antwerp
  • More
  • Brabo's Monument
  • Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
  • Red Star Line Museum
  • Grote Markt
  • More

Explore Belgium's trendy 'City of Diamonds' on a walking tour where you'll see Antwerp's Steen Castle, Grote Market, and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium's culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: The Captivating Capital of Belgium

  • Brussels
  • More
  • Natural Park of the Two Ourthes (PNDO)
  • Kasteel van Gaasbeek
  • More

Explore Belgium's captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride. If you are a history enthusiast, spend your day traveling back in time to sites related to World War II's historic Battle of the Bulge and toast fallen soldiers with a tasting of Trappist beer brewed by monks. For those not joining this full-day tour, choose from afternoon excursions that include a visit to Gaasbeek Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders, or delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: The Medieval Splendors of Ghent and Bruges

  • Ghent
  • Bruges
  • More
  • Bruges City Hall
  • Church of Our Lady
  • House Of Giants
  • More

There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent's moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: The Island Metropolis of Hellevoetsluis

Day 13: The Island Metropolis of Hellevoetsluis

  • De Horsten
  • More

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your tour of this medieval harbor town, you may see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Later in the day, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: The Canals of Amsterdam and the Religious Center of Utrecht

  • Amsterdam
  • Utrecht
  • More
  • Museum Speelklok
  • Utrechtse Poort
  • Amsterdam Museum
  • More

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals, and a beautiful Gothic cathedral. Some of these you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar, on a walking or biking tour. This castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats, and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Embarking on the Grand Rhine Cruise

  • Amsterdam - Departure day
  • More

Board the ship for your Grand Rhine cruise, marking the beginning of an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe. As you set sail, take a moment to soak in the stunning views of Amsterdam's iconic skyline.

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