Enchanting Rhine River Cruise with Guest Speaker Brian Kneser | Oct. 16, 2024
Join Guest Speaker Brian Kneser for a 7-night Enchanting Rhine River Cruise on Amawaterways’ AmaSiena starting at $5598 from Basel to Switzerland on October 16, 2024. You will see grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historical past and their progressive future. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry, and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the making of Kölsch, Cologne’s legendary brew, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. You will see Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rudesheim, the Rhine Gorge, Lahnstein, and more!
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What's Included
- All Inclusive Pricing
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- International Airfare
- Meals on Ship
- Overseas Airport Transfers
- Port Charges
- Select Shore Excursions
- Cruise
- Administrative Fee
- Cruise Taxes
- Other Meals as Listed
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 OCT. 16 (WED) - DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Switzerland.
Day 2 OCT 17 (THU) EMBARKATION – BASEL
Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise. (D)
Day 3 OCT 18 (FRI) BREISACH
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D) *Please Note: Black Forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of the year. Please refer to your final documents for details.
Day 4 OCT 19 (SAT) STRASBOURG
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 5 OCT 20 (SUN) LUDWIGSHAFEN - RUDESHEIM
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you’ll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 6 OCT 21 (MON) RUDENSHEIM - RHINE GORGE - LAHNSTEIN
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 7 OCT 22 (TUE) COLOGNE
Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce. (B,L,D)
Day 8 OCT 23 (WED) AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D)
Day 9 OCT 24 (THU) AMSTERDAM
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Enhance Your Journey
Switzerland Pre Cruise
October 12 - 17, 2024 | Starting at $1,680
OCT 12 (SAT) DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Zurich.
OCT 13 (SUN) ZURICH
Arrive in Zurich and check in to your hotel.
OCT 14 (MON) ZURICH
Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)
OCT 15 (TUE) ZURICH - LAKE LUCERNE
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lake Lucerne, where you’ll enjoy a cruise across its tranquil waters. (B)
OCT 16 (WED) LAKE LUCERNE
Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)
OCT 17 (THU) LAKE LUCERNE - BASEL - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and visit the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Later, head to Basel. Upon arrival in Basel, enjoy a highlights tour of 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 and exquisite 18th century patrician homes. Then enjoy free time for lunch on your own before the drive to the ship. (B,D)
Departure Dates
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Wednesday, October 16, 2024From $5598 Sold Out!