AmaWaterways

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Basel

   Switzerland

   

   Basel, where Switzerland, France, and Germany converge at the Rhine's northward bend, hosts a concentration of world-class art institutions that rivals any city its size on earth — the Kunstmuseum alone, the world's oldest public art collection, could occupy days, and Art Basel each June draws every name that matters in the contemporary art world to this compact, elegant city. The Rhine itself is the city's great social artery: in summer, locals jump in with waterproof bags and float downstream, a tradition as charming as any museum. Spring through autumn is ideal for outdoor exploration; Paris is just three hours by TGV and Strasbourg a mere twenty minutes by train.

2. Day 2

   Breisach

   Germany

   

   Breisach am Rhein clings to a volcanic hilltop at the French-German border, commanding the Upper Rhine crossing that made it one of the most fought-over towns in European history — a past the Romanesque-Gothic Münster St. Stephan surveys serenely from its commanding heights. Today peace reigns, and Breisach's true gift is its position as a gateway to three celebrated wine regions: the German Kaiserstuhl, producing some of Germany's finest Spätburgunder; the French Alsace, just across the Rhine; and the rolling hills of the Baden wine country to the east. Visit in autumn for harvest season across all three regions simultaneously. Freiburg im Breisgau, the Black Forest's graceful capital, lies twenty minutes east.

3. Day 3

   Strasbourg

   France

   

   Strasbourg is one of Europe's great border cities, its Franco-German soul etched into every half-timbered façade of the UNESCO-listed Grande Île and every turret of the soaring rose-sandstone cathedral that reigned as the world's tallest building for over two centuries. As the seat of the European Parliament and home to the European Court of Human Rights, this sophisticated Alsatian capital savors outstanding Riesling and choucroute garnie with equal Continental pride. The city dazzles year-round, though December's legendary Christmas market — among the oldest in Europe — transforms its medieval squares into an enchanted winter spectacle.

4. Day 4

   Ludwigshafen

   Germany

   

   Ludwigshafen am Rhein was founded by Bavarian royal ambition in 1843 and grew rapidly into one of Germany's great industrial cities — home to BASF, the world's largest chemical company, whose vast campus stretches along the Rhine for kilometres. Though industrial in character, Ludwigshafen occupies a prime Rhine valley position that places it within easy reach of Heidelberg, Germany's most romantic university city, and the rolling vineyards of the Palatinate wine region. The Kunstmuseum Ludwigshafen houses a noteworthy collection of contemporary art. Ludwigshafen is a year-round river cruise port, though May through October offers the most pleasant conditions for excursions into the surrounding wine country.

5. Day 5

   Rüdesheim am Rhein

   Germany

   

   Rüdesheim am Rhein, a jewel of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is where Germany's most famous wine river cuts through vine-terraced slopes and medieval fortresses. The storied Drosselgasse laneway hums with taverns pouring the region's celebrated Rieslings — wonderfully crisp and mineral from the slate soils — while the Niederwald Monument crowns the vineyards above, accessible by cable car. Rheingau estates offer cellar door tastings of exceptional depth and character. Day excursions by river boat reveal Bacharach, Boppard, and the legendary Lorelei rock. September's harvest season transforms the entire valley into a celebration of the vintage.

6. Day 6

   Monheim am Rhein

   Germany

   

   Monheim am Rhein in Germany is a quintessential European river port where centuries of history line the waterfront in architectural layers. Visitors should wander the cobblestone streets, sample regional cuisine paired with local wines, and soak in an atmosphere perfected over generations. The town is at its most inviting May through October, when the climate is at its most welcoming for outdoor exploration. Cruise lines including AmaWaterways feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

7. Day 7

   Utrecht

   Netherlands

   

   The port of Utrecht is a charming gateway to a city rich in history, offering a unique blend of medieval architecture and contemporary culture. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies like Utrechtsche taart and exploring the picturesque canals. The best time to visit is during the spring or early summer, when the city is alive with vibrant festivals and blooming landscapes.

8. Day 8

   Amsterdam

   Netherlands

   

   Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal ring — a concentric web of seventeenth-century merchant houses and arching stone bridges — remains one of the Western world's most perfectly preserved Golden Age cityscapes, best explored by bicycle or canal boat at a pace that lets the city's genius reveal itself slowly. The Rijksmuseum's collection of Rembrandt and Vermeer masterpieces is essential, while the Anne Frank House offers one of Europe's most profoundly moving historical encounters. Spring brings the iconic tulip season; summer fills the terraces of the Jordaan district. Schiphol Airport makes Amsterdam a seamless gateway to the entire European continent.

9. Day 9

   Amsterdam

   Netherlands

   

   Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal ring — a concentric web of seventeenth-century merchant houses and arching stone bridges — remains one of the Western world's most perfectly preserved Golden Age cityscapes, best explored by bicycle or canal boat at a pace that lets the city's genius reveal itself slowly. The Rijksmuseum's collection of Rembrandt and Vermeer masterpieces is essential, while the Anne Frank House offers one of Europe's most profoundly moving historical encounters. Spring brings the iconic tulip season; summer fills the terraces of the Jordaan district. Schiphol Airport makes Amsterdam a seamless gateway to the entire European continent.

10. Day 9

    Amsterdam

    Netherlands

    

    Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal ring — a concentric web of seventeenth-century merchant houses and arching stone bridges — remains one of the Western world's most perfectly preserved Golden Age cityscapes, best explored by bicycle or canal boat at a pace that lets the city's genius reveal itself slowly. The Rijksmuseum's collection of Rembrandt and Vermeer masterpieces is essential, while the Anne Frank House offers one of Europe's most profoundly moving historical encounters. Spring brings the iconic tulip season; summer fills the terraces of the Jordaan district. Schiphol Airport makes Amsterdam a seamless gateway to the entire European continent.

11. Day 10

    Hellevoetsluis

    Netherlands

    

    Hellevoetsluis is a beautifully preserved 17th-century Dutch naval fortress town on the Haringvliet, where historic dry docks, star-shaped ramparts, and harbourside galleries offer an intimate window into the Netherlands' maritime golden age. Visitors should explore the fortified waterfront and taste fresh Zeeuwse oysters or crisp kibbeling at the harbour, then venture to nearby Delft or Gouda for pottery workshops and cheese markets. Late spring through early autumn — May to September — delivers the finest weather for strolling the Vestingwal and cruising the Rhine-Maas delta waterways.

12. Day 11

    Ghent

    Belgium

    

    The port of Ghent, a historic trade hub with medieval architecture, is a vibrant gateway to Belgian culture. Don't miss savoring local dishes like "stoverij" and "waterzooi," or wandering the picturesque canals. The best time to visit is during the summer months, particularly during the lively ‘Gentse Feesten’ festival.

13. Day 12

    Brussel (Bruxelles)

    Belgium

    

    Brussels, the cosmopolitan capital of Belgium, enchants with its UNESCO-listed Grand-Place, extraordinary Art Nouveau architecture, and a culinary tradition that rivals any European capital — from hand-peeled shrimp croquettes to artisan pralines on the Sablon. Visitors should not miss exploring the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and taking a day trip to medieval Bruges or art-rich Ghent. The city is at its finest from April through October, when café terraces spill onto sunlit squares and the temperate climate invites long afternoons of wandering between chocolate ateliers and neighbourhood brasseries.

14. Day 13

    Antwerp

    Belgium

    

    Antwerp has been one of Europe's great mercantile capitals since the fifteenth century, when it commanded the world's first commodity exchange and Peter Paul Rubens made it the artistic capital of the Baroque world — a legacy preserved in the magnificent Rubenshuis studio and the soaring Cathedral of Our Lady, whose nave houses four of the master's greatest altarpieces. Today the city leads global fashion from the acclaimed Antwerp Six design school and remains the diamond capital of the world, with 84% of the world's rough diamonds trading through its storied district. Visit in spring or autumn; Brussels and Bruges are each under an hour away by train.

15. Day 14

    Dordrecht

    Netherlands

    

    Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, is a historic port known for its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Must-do experiences include exploring its picturesque canals and indulging in local delicacies like herring and stroopwafels. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor markets.

16. Day 14

    Amsterdam

    Netherlands

    

    Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal ring — a concentric web of seventeenth-century merchant houses and arching stone bridges — remains one of the Western world's most perfectly preserved Golden Age cityscapes, best explored by bicycle or canal boat at a pace that lets the city's genius reveal itself slowly. The Rijksmuseum's collection of Rembrandt and Vermeer masterpieces is essential, while the Anne Frank House offers one of Europe's most profoundly moving historical encounters. Spring brings the iconic tulip season; summer fills the terraces of the Jordaan district. Schiphol Airport makes Amsterdam a seamless gateway to the entire European continent.

17. Day 15

    Amsterdam

    Netherlands

    

    Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal ring — a concentric web of seventeenth-century merchant houses and arching stone bridges — remains one of the Western world's most perfectly preserved Golden Age cityscapes, best explored by bicycle or canal boat at a pace that lets the city's genius reveal itself slowly. The Rijksmuseum's collection of Rembrandt and Vermeer masterpieces is essential, while the Anne Frank House offers one of Europe's most profoundly moving historical encounters. Spring brings the iconic tulip season; summer fills the terraces of the Jordaan district. Schiphol Airport makes Amsterdam a seamless gateway to the entire European continent.

Cabin Categories

French Balcony

Balcony

235 sq ftMax 2CA

French Balcony

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+5

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French Balcony

Balcony

155 sq ftMax 2CB

French Balcony

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+5

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French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

235 sq ftMax 2AA

French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+6

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French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

235 sq ftMax 2AB

French Balcony & Outside Balcony

DeskQueen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+5

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French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

210 sq ftMax 2BA

French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+5

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French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

210 sq ftMax 2BB

French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableFree Wi-FiMedia/Entertainment Station+4

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Fixed Window

Outside

160 sq ftMax 2E

E Piano Deck Category E Fixed Window

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+5

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Fixed Window

Outside

160 sq ftMax 2D

D Piano Deck Category D Fixed Window

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+5

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Suite

Suite

350 sq ftMax 2S

Suite

BathDouble or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedTelephone+6

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