Curator’s statement
Many of us, when planning travel, have the tendency to cram multiple stops into our itineraries because we don’t want to miss out on something. Oftentimes, that leads to more time in cars, trains, or planes, and less time doing the things we actually came for. The unique advantage of river cruising lies in its convenience, providing the ability to cover several cities without the constant burden of packing and unpacking or the logistical stresses of constant transportation. Pair this benefit with a touch of luxury, as you can expect with AmaWaterways, and you are in for a treat.
The Fora Difference
Book with Matt to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Matt to book your trip.
The Enchanting Rhine, a seven-night cruise offered by AmaWaterways, traverses the Rhine River, starting in Basel, Switzerland, and ending in Amsterdam, with French and German stops along the way.
Speaking to the cruise itself, AmaWaterways does a fantastic job striking the balance between providing a luxury onboard experience and maximizing in-destination exploration. A typical day onboard includes award-winning dining, in the form of breakfast, dinner, and cocktail hours, alongside daily entertainment. In addition to the luxurious staterooms, guests can also enjoy common spaces, such as a gym and the sundeck with a pool.
AmaWaterways
That said, I appreciated that AmaWaterways placed a premium on time spent away from the ship in the respective ports—after all, that’s why we came. At each port, multiple excursion opportunities were provided as part of the included fare. These activities ranged from biking to gondola rides, wine tasting to walking tours. Here are a few of the highlights:
Strasbourg walking tour: I went into our Strasbourg stop with very little knowledge of the Alsace region, but I was captivated by the cobblestone streets and wooded homes. Pick any canal-side outdoor seating at a bar or restaurant and take in the stunning architecture and relaxed atmosphere.
Strasbourg: Grande-Île de Strasbourg
Heidelberg Castle: Exploring these castle ruins felt like the obvious excursion choice on this particular day. The hillside drive up to the castle provides sweeping views of the Rhine and quaint riverside German villages.
Heidelberg Castle
Rudesheim gondola ride: Overcome your fear of heights, as I did, and enjoy being lifted up to Niederwalddenkmal statue for more panoramic views of the river valley.
Cologne bike tour: Wind through Cologne by bike or opt for a walking tour to three iconic German pubs. Either way, you will come across the staggering Cologne Cathedral, the third-tallest church in the world.
Amsterdam canal tour: This also feels like a must-do. Navigate through the picturesque Amsterdam canals. It’s a beautiful way to see the city, and, albeit a touch touristy, it’s the quintessential way to see Amsterdam.
Based on the ease of access to both Basel and Amsterdam, it’s a great opportunity to take an additional pre- or post-journey stop, such as Milan or Lucerne. Here are a few activities to consider in each:
Ascend Mt. Pilatus
Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge
Duomo di Milano
Luxuriate on Lake Como
Lucerne: Chapel Bridge
Need to know
AmaWaterways River Cruises are in high demand, so it's worth booking well in advance (ideally 12 months). There are several options for each cruise throughout the sailing season, but May–June options are a great choice for this particular route.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.
Travel Advisor
Matt Pacifici
Get in touch with Matt
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Matt within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).