Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam Extended
- calendar_today 12 Apr 2026
- bedtime 11 nights
- directions_boat Trafalgar Verity
- Outside price from $6,799*/person
- Balcony price from $8,599*/person
- Suite price from $10,699*/person
Rhine River Cruise Visiting Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg and Basel
Voyage through the heart of Europe on a Rhine River Cruise, where history, culture and riverside landscapes meet—along with plenty of good times along the way. You’ll explore Amsterdam’s canals, stand beneath the towering spires of Cologne Cathedral and stroll through Strasbourg’s old town. Cruise through the romantic Middle Rhine, surrounded by steep Riesling vineyards, medieval castles and half-timbered towns. On board Trafalgar Verity, you’ll enjoy lively evenings, share stories over regional wines and soak up the ever-changing scenery. From the Netherlands to Switzerland, this river cruise brings the best of the Rhine to you.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE
- 2 nights at a centrally located hotel in Amsterdam, plus all hotel taxes and porterage
- 7 Night River Cruise on Trafalgar Verity from Amsterdam to Basel
- Buffet-style breakfast and lunches, à la carte dinners
- Wine, beer, soft drinks included with lunch and dinner
- Teatime during afternoon sailings
- Onboard games room, gym, lounges, sundeck and bar
- Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
- Locally guided tours, Included and Optional Experiences
- Audio headsets for guided tours
- Bicycles for use on land
- Transfer from Basel to your hotel
- 2 Night Lucerne Post-Cruise Extension
- Sightseeing tour of Lucerne with a Local Specialist, experiencing the best of the lakeside city
- 2 breakfasts
- + So much more!
YOUR ITINERARY
Arrive in the vibrant Dutch capital and check in to your hotel before heading out for a memorable first evening. Get your first taste of river life with a canal cruise and dinner with your fellow travellers, Experience Director and Experience Manager.
...Today is yours to experience Amsterdam as you like. Wander along scenic canals, explore world-class museums or soak up the local atmosphere in a cosy cafe. For something extra, join an Optional Experience and taste your way through the Jordaan district on a foodie tour or visit a traditional windmill in Volendam. On select seasonal departures you can opt to explore the colourful blooms of Keukenhof Gardens.
...Uncover the story of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation of WWII, aimed at securing key bridges in the Netherlands. Visit the Airborne Museum in Hartenstein and see the “Bridge Too Far,” where British paratroopers fought a heroic but ill-fated battle. This afternoon, board the Trafalgar Verity, your Rhine River Cruise ship. Settle in and explore the ship as you begin your journey along the legendary Rhine.
...Your first night on the Lower Rhine takes you through the Rhine Plain and past North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s historic heart of industry. Dock in Cologne after a night cruising the Rhine and step ashore. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist to explore the historic streets and see the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece over 600 years in the making. Or see a different side of the city on a Street Art tour, uncovering the alternative creative scene. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience and sample local brews on a Cologne Beer Experience, or visit the Michael Schumacher Private Collection, a must for motorsport fans.
...Sit back and take in the scenery on your Rhine River cruise, as you begin to cruise through the Middle Rhine, a region straight out of a fairy tale, famous for its hillside vineyards and storybook castles. You’ll also sail past Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Moselle meets the Rhine, marked by the grand monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I. On land, join a Local Specialist in Koblenz before cruising to Boppard. Later, explore Rheinstein Castle, perched high above the river. You can explore further with an optional bike ride along the Rhine, passing charming villages and historic castles along the way.
...Your Rhine River cruise continues as you cruise through the Middle Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving in Rüdesheim, a wine-making town known for its half-timbered houses. Take a mini-train tour to get acquainted with the area, then enjoy time to explore. You can choose to join an Optional Experience vineyard hike, winding through scenic trails with beautiful views alongside.
...This morning, step ashore in Speyer, a town with deep medieval roots. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist for a walking tour along Maximilian Street, passing baroque townhouses and visiting a medieval church. Discover the 11th-century Jewish community, including its ritual baths and enjoy some local treats. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a private vinegar estate near Speyer, where you’ll enjoy a tasting and learn all about its sustainable production. Why not join an Optional Experience to Heidelberg? You’ll walk through its charming old town, cross the Old Bridge and visit the striking Heidelberg Castle.
...Step ashore in Alsace, where French and German influences mix in this region rich with history. With a Local Specialist by your side, explore Strasbourg’s old town, where you’ll see its impressive cathedral and the charming Petite France district. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience into the Black Forest, known for its scenic landscapes, fairytale villages and traditional crafts.
...Cruise south of Strasbourg, along the Rhine River, marking the border between Germany and France. Drift through the Upper Rhine Plain, nestled between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains, and take in the stunning scenery along the way. Step ashore and begin your day with a tour of Breisach, a historic town overlooking the Rhine, known for its colourful houses and centuries-old cathedral. Then, join the Bohrer family at Bohrerhof for a Be My Guest experience with lunch on their family farm, where they grow seasonal produce using traditional methods. Enjoy a meal made with fresh ingredients straight from their fields, a true taste of their land and heritage. In the afternoon, you can take an optional visit to the Alsatian villages, filled with half-timbered houses and scenic vineyards.
...Your scenic river cruise comes to an end as you disembark in Basel. This package has a 2 night extension in Lucerne.
...Lucerne, nestled beside a stunning lake and framed by snow-capped mountains, is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. Stroll across the iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), explore the medieval Old Town with its colourful frescoed buildings, and visit the poignant Lion Monument. Don’t miss a cruise on Lake Lucerne or a scenic ride up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi for panoramic Alpine views.
...Your holiday comes to an end today
...Important Notice
The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider. Prices quoted are valid for sale until 31 May 2025 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. All prices are per person, twin share (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. All savings are included in the advertised price. Some categories may have obstructed views. Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated. Components of the total price including local payments, “resort fees”, “national park fees”, “trip kitties” and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted. Onboard spending money is not included unless otherwise stated. If included it is per stateroom unless stated otherwise, is non-transferable, non-refundable and has no cash value. Onboard spending money/credit may not be used in the medical centre or casino and expires at the end of the cruise. Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication. Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY. Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details). Prices quoted are accurate as of 15 May 2025 and may be higher depending on date of purchase and date of travel. Cruiseabout cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to the price displayed on the website. Please contact your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply. View our full Terms and Conditions.