EXCLUSIVE: US $300^ onboard credit!

Captivating Rhine

   
Destination:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration:
7 nights
Offer ends:
28 August 2026
Valid for travel:
Itinerary Starts: 19 June 2027

Details

Captivating Rhine Smithsonian Journeys invite travellers to experience one of Europe's most iconic waterways through a richer cultural lens. Sailing from Amsterdam to Basel, this immersive 7-night river cruise combines the elegance of award-winning river cruising with the expertise of Smithsonian Journeys, offering deeper insights into the history, art and heritage of every destination.

Wander Amsterdam's picturesque canals before discovering the impressive Gothic architecture of Cologne and the medieval charm of Koblenz. Cruise through the spectacular UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, where hilltop castles and vineyard-covered slopes create one of Europe's most breathtaking landscapes. Stroll the cobbled streets of Strasbourg, where French and German influences blend seamlessly. Continue into the heart of Alsace with a visit to charming Breisach, and storybook villages, before concluding your journey in sophisticated Basel.

Along the way, Smithsonian experts enrich the experience with engaging lectures and discussions, offering fascinating perspectives that bring each destination to life. Paired with AmaWaterways' spacious ships, regionally inspired cuisine, immersive included excursions and warm, personalised service, this thoughtfully curated journey delivers an unforgettable exploration of the Rhine.

  • Fixed Window Category D from $6,929* per person twin share 
  • Balcony Stateroom – Category CA from $9,155* per person twin share 

In partnership with:

Inclusions

  • 7 night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on AmaFiora
  • All onboard dining with unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch, dinner and cocktail hours
  • Immersive tours in every destination with knowledgeable local guides
  • Daily onboard entertainment and unlimited Wi-Fi
  • All port charges and gratuities

+ Bonus Extras!

EXCLUSIVE: US $300^ onboard credit!
  • SAVE $750* per stateroom!
  • Two Smithsonian Journeys knowledgeable Experts onboard

Itinerary

Overnight onboard ship.

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Captivating Rhine cruise.

Canal cruise tour-AMSTERDAM. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. (B,L,D)

Walking Tour-AMSTERDAM. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. (B,L,D)

Utrecht-OR Beer Tasting tour-AMSTERDAM. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. (B,L,D)

Delight in Düsseldorf’s elegant cultural offerings and Cologne’s medieval treasure

Follow the Rhine into Germany and arrive in Düsseldorf, a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and architecture. Take a guided walking tour of the city and enjoy a tasting of Altbier, the local specialty, or cover more ground on a guided bike ride. Or, venture to nearby Cologne to explore its enchanting Old Town on foot, marvel at the UNESCO-listed Dom Cathedral, or discover the city’s Roman history with a walking tour that includes the Belgian House and its fascinating artifacts.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

  • Dusseldorf Walking Tour and Altbier Tasting
  • Dusseldorf Bike Tour
  • Cologne Walking Tour
  • Cologne Roman Ruins and Belgian House Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive

Witness the grandeur of the Rhine Gorge and savor Rüdesheim’s vineyard treasures

Glide through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, admiring hilltop castles and charming half-timbered villages. Stop in Rüdesheim to sample Rheingau wines, famous for their Rieslings, or take a gondola ride above the vineyards to the Niederwald Monument for breathtaking views. For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the Rhine. In the evening, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet to marvel at self-playing musical instruments or enjoy Rüdesheimer coffee, a festive blend of brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

  • Castles Along the Rhine Scenic Cruising
  • Rudesheim Wine Tasting
  • Gondola Ride
  • Vineyards Hike
  • Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau
  • Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
  • Rudesheimer Coffee

Traverse Heidelberg’s streets or uncover Speyer’s Romanesque treasures.

Arrive in Ludwigshafen and select from a variety of excursions. Visit Heidelberg, a beautifully preserved medieval city, and explore its towering red sandstone castle and the enormous 49,000-gallon Great Vat, with a wine tasting included. For a more active adventure, hike the Philosopher’s Path for panoramic city views. Alternatively, journey to Speyer to admire Europe’s largest Romanesque cathedral or discover vintage cars, a submarine, and a space shuttle at the Technik Museum. Cyclists can enjoy a scenic ride along the River Neckar to the charming medieval town of Ladenburg.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

  • “romantic Heidelberg” Excursion with Wine Tasting
  • Heidelberg Philosopher's Path Hike
  • “secrets of Speyer” Tour with Technik Museum Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
  • Ladenburg Bike Tour

Uncover Strasbourg’s charm and delight in regional wine flavors.

Straddling the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is a charming mix of both cultures. Savor Alsatian wines and wander through the storybook canals and half-timbered houses of “La Petite France.” Alternatively, visit the European Parliament or explore the city on a guided bike ride.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

  • “the Gem of Alsace” Tour with Alsatian Wine Tasting
  • Strasbourg Bike Tour
  • EU Parliament Visit Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive

Venture through the Kaiserstuhl’s vineyards and volcanic hills

From Breisach, choose your adventure in either the French Alsace region or Germany’s Black Forest. Stroll through the enchanting 16th-century streets of Colmar, admire its colorful half-timbered houses, and visit the home of Auguste Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. For a more active or historic option, hike through the Black Forest or explore the UNESCO-listed Neuf-Brisach Citadel, a masterpiece of military engineering.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

  • Colmar Walking Tour with Bartholdi Museum Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
  • Black Forest Hike
  • Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour
  • UNESCO Neuf Brisach Citadel Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive

Disembark ship early in the morning.

Terms & Conditions

*Conditions apply. Prices correct as at 14 July 2026 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Payments by credit card will incur a surcharge. All savings are included in the advertised price. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. Airfare not included unless otherwise stated. ^Exclusive onboard credit of US $300 per stateroom, twin share is valid on select sailings. To redeem the onboard credit please quote promo code OBC150 when making your booking. Can be applied to all onboard purchases such as laundry, gift shop, and massage services. Onboard credit is non-refundable, non-transferable and is not redeemable for cash. Valid for new bookings only. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. This offer is valid until 28 August 2026, unless sold out prior. Please check all prices, availability and other information before booking. AmaWaterways and Helloworld Travel booking terms and conditions apply, see in store or websites for details.

From

$6,929* | per person twin share
EXCLUSIVE: US $300^ onboard credit!
Destination:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration:
7 nights
Offer ends:
28 August 2026
Valid for travel:
Itinerary Starts: 19 June 2027