Rhine in Flames

Embarkation from 4:00pm

Your journey begins in Basel, the third largest city in Switzerland. Embark your AMADEUS vessel and join fellow travelers at a Welcome Cocktail followed by a Welcome Dinner. Your floating hotel departs late this afternoon.

Historic old town of Strasbourg

During the night, your ship left Switzerland and followed the Rhine into the Alsace region of France to Strasbourg, a city known not only for its romantic old town, but also for the numerous important European institutions. In the morning, explore the city independently, or as part of an organized tour.

In the afternoon, a detour to the countryside is highly recommended, particularly along the famous wine route, where the quaint wine-growing villages will delight wine-lovers and the general public alike. Late tonight, your ship departs for Germany.

Heidelberg Castle & pretzel tasting

Before breakfast, arrive in Speyer, which played a central role in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. Your ship remains here until lunchtime, offering time to explore this historic destination on your own or with the guided tour. Join us for a discovery tour of one of the oldest cities in Germany with its mighty imperial cathedral and discover the secrets of the Speyer Brezel, one of Germany's staple snacks and famously celebrated at the annual Pretzel Festival in Speyer.

During lunch, your cruise will continue towards Mannheim, our next stop along the picturesque Rhine where it will dock for the remainder of the day. Take the excursion to the nearby city of Heidelberg, which boasts a beautiful Baroque old town. Late at night, your vessel continues to Rüdesheim, a wine-making town.

Sailing past castles and Lorelei Rock along the Rhine Gorge

Two charming stops await you today. In the morning, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town well known for its wine-making. Explore the town on a guided tour with a stop to see the private collection of automated musical instruments at the Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Or choose to go farther afield to a local vineyard for a tasting of the wines of the area, finishing with a walk along the lively “Drosselgasse“.

The ship will depart punctually at lunchtime to cruise the most picturesque section of the river — the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The view from the Sun Deck of the myth-enshrouded Lorelei Rock is sure to be a highlight. After lunch, arrive in Koblenz, one of Germany's oldest towns, where you can end the day with a stroll through the pedestrian area.

Rhine in Flames Festival - Enjoy spectacular fireworks from the sun deck

After breakfast, join us for an excursion to the largest tributary of the Rhine, the Moselle and to its most romantic part: the little town of Cochem. The magnificent Reichsburg castle which overlooks the town, dominates the landscape. Down below, the town, with its narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and numerous restaurants, is an ideal setting to taste the wines of the region. Back on board in Koblenz, lunch is served before you can visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in the afternoon.

In the evening, your floating hotel takes up a box seat on the river, where you can relax on the sun deck after dinner. Here you will experience a first-class, music-synchronized brilliant firework display from the very first row. The AMADEUS Star then continues its journey towards Cologne.

Visit of Cologne Cathedral

The morning is dedicated to the fascinating cathedral city of Cologne, which has over a million inhabitants. You can expect a young, vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural history and world-famous sights, in particular the Cologne Cathedral. Enjoy a walking tour of the gothic old town as well as a tasting of the local Kölsch beer. After lunch, your vessel departs from Cologne for an afternoon of cruising.

Shanty Choir on board

By breakfast you will have crossed yet another country border to arrive in the Dutch city of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. There are many things to do in this vibrant canal city. After breakfast choose to explore the city by canal boat.

This afternoon offers the opportunity to join the excursion through the Waterland to the pretty villages of Volendam and the equally picturesque town Edam and a tasting of delicious Dutch cheese. Or perhaps venture out to the town of Haarlem with its medieval character and gothic Cathedral, just a short drive away. This evening, the Captain invites you to a festive Gala Dinner. After dinner, enjoy a rousing Shanty Choir performance to end the evening. The vessel remains in Amsterdam overnight.

Disembarkation after breakfast

After breakfast, we bid you farewell and wish you a safe journey home.