Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles River Cruise 2026
7 Nights - Basel to Amsterdam
Experience the magic of Europe on the Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles river cruise with AmaWaterways, sailing from Basel to Amsterdam on a journey packed with iconic scenery, culture and effortless luxury. From the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps to the castle-lined Rhine Gorge, you will explore charming towns, historic cities and vineyard-covered valleys across Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. With immersive excursions, award-winning dining and drinks with meals included, this is a seamless way to see Europe in style.
Take advantage of our exclusive special offer and secure your place on one of the Rhine’s most popular itineraries at exceptional value.
Itinerary
Your 7 night itinerary sails from Basel in Switzerland to Amsterdam in the Netherlands! Select a day below for a more detailed view.
Arrive in Basel and settle onto the ship, surrounded by stellar mountain views.
Medieval charm at the crossroads of nations.
Explore Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city, on foot or on a guided bike tour through Switzerland, France, and Germany. Take in its medieval town hall, vibrant market square, and elegant 18th-century homes. If you’re seeking a more relaxing afternoon activity, take a full-day voyage to Lucerne, or visit a local winery.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
“City of Art” Tour • “Three Countries” Bike Tour • Full Day Lake Lucerne Excursion • Swiss Wine Tasting • Swiss Castle Excursion • Castle hike
Roam La Petite France’s cobbled lanes before cycling past Strasbourg’s scenic gardens.
Discover Strasbourg, where French and German influences meet. Walk through the fairytale streets of La Petite France and admire the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock, or explore the city by biking through its charming streets.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
“The Gem of Alsace” Tour • Strasbourg Bike Tour
Explore Germany’s storied towns, where castles rise above vineyards and centuries-old traditions linger
Visit Heidelberg’s medieval streets, iconic castle, and the Great Vat, or hike the Philosopher’s Path for panoramic views. If you’re looking for a more adventurous afternoon, visit Speyer’s UNESCO-listed cathedral and medieval Old Gate, or bike along the Neckar to Ladenburg’s charming town centre. Later, ride over to Rüdesheim to experience Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or savour the town’s signature Rüdesheimer coffee.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
“Romantic Heidelberg” Excursion • “Secrets of Speyer” Tour • Heidelberg Philosopher's Path Hike • Ladenburg Bike Tour • Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet • Rüdesheimer Coffee
Enjoy the Rhine’s vineyards and soaring views, then drift through the dramatic Gorge to Lahnstein’s storied castle
Savour the flavours of Rüdesheim’s iconic vineyards during a wine tasting, take in sweeping views on a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, hike one of the city’s many vineyards, or join a guided bike tour along the Rhine. In the evening, cruise through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge to Lahnstein and enjoy an exclusive evening visit to Lahneck Castle.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Gondola Ride and Wine Tasting • Vineyard Hike • Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau • Castles Along the Rhine Scenic Cruising • Exclusive Burg Lahneck Castle Tour
Admire Cologne’s storied streets and riverside energy, savouring local brews and historic splendour
Cruise to Cologne and explore the enchanting Old Town on a guided tour, visiting the historic Rathaus, the 12th-century Fischmarkt, and the Great St. Martin Church. End your day with a tasting of the city’s famous Kölsch beer, or for a more active experience, join a guided bike ride along the Rhine.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Cologne Walking Tour • Cologne Bike Tour
Delight in Amsterdam’s canals and coffee shop culture, where history and flavour meet at every turn
Cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals or explore the city on foot, passing gabled houses, narrow bridges, and houseboats, and savour Dutch specialties at a local artisanal café.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
Canal Cruise Tour • A Taste of Amsterdam
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.
Your Ship
AmaSerena and AmaVenita offer a refined, intimate river cruise experience, combining elegant twin-balcony staterooms, exceptional dining and personalised service. As sister ships, both deliver the same award-winning comfort and immersive journeys through Europe’s most captivating rivers.
Images are for illustration purposes only. Actual ship features, layouts, and décor may vary.
What's Included
- ✈️ Return flights from LON or MAN (regional flights available from +£75pp)
- 🚌 Overseas transfers to/from ship
- 💰 Gratuities
- ⛴️ 7 nights luxury accommodation
- 🗣️ Immersive group tours in each port of call
- 🍴 Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- 🍽️ The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- 🍹 Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
- 🍽️ La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- 🍷 Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- 🍊 Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- 🥤 Soft drinks between lunch and dinner
- 🥂 Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- 🥪 Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- 👨🏽💼 Services of an experienced cruise director
Dates Available
16th June 2026^
7th July 2026
14th July 2026
21st July 2026
11th August 2026
18th August 2026
27th October 2026
Exclusive Limited Time Fares
Secure your sailing today with a £570pp deposit^ - availability is limited!
Solo travellers can book this deal from an extra £400 per person
Due to high demand, Window Staterooms on 11th August and French Balconies on 14th July and 27th October are no longer available.
| Stateroom Category | Was from (pp) | Now only (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| Window Stateroom | £1,799 | |
| French Balcony | £2,149 | |
| Double / Twin Balcony | £2,349 |
Terms & Conditions
Travelzoo Exclusive Special fares are per person based on double occupancy of either a Window Stateroom (categories E & D), a French Balcony Stateroom (categories C, CB & CA) or a Twin/Outside Balcony Stateroom (Categories BB/BA/AB/AA). Suites and AA+/A+ grades are not included. Fares include cruise, port charges, onboard gratuities, return economy flights from Manchester, London Heathrow or London Gatwick airport and group overseas transfers (between airport and ship). Stateroom grade will be allocated based on the highest grade, subject to availability, at the time of booking. Offer is available for new bookings only, made by 30th April 2026. ^Full payment is required at time of booking on 16th June departure. Promotion is not combinable with any other offers, incentives or special rates unless otherwise stated. Regional flights may be available from +£75pp supplement. Flights from alternative gateways and upgraded flight fares are available on request and may incur a supplement. Flight schedules and airlines used are fully at the discretion of AmaWaterways and timings will be confirmed at the time of booking confirmation. Requests for alternative flight timings may incur a supplement. Flights included in the offer are capacity controlled. In the event a promotional sailing has sufficient cruise capacity but insufficient economy flight capacity, flight supplements may be charged and will be advised at time of booking. Cancellations are subject to full loss of deposit (£570 per person & any additional flights supplements) once flights have been confirmed. If travel arrangements are changed, promotion may be reassessed based on the date you make the change. Standard cruise cancellation terms apply. Fares and offers are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Standard booking terms & conditions apply.