4 Incredible Countries You’ll Explore on the Rhine

Sailing down the river through European countries is the best way to see those villages that you would otherwise miss. You can sip your favorite drink while floating up or down the rivers on the lounge, your private balcony, or the rooftop. With their fabulous rooftop pools, jacuzzies, and wellness programs—plus their exquisite cuisine and delicious cocktail drink available around the clock—it’s tempting to many to never leave the ship. But as much as they take pride in their impeccable service, we know that the main reason travelers choose a river cruise is the adventure—the unique, breathtaking stops along the way. With that in mind, the countries you’ll explore with AmaWaterways on the Rhine are historic, romantic, and awe-inspiring.​

Tier walk - Rhine River Cruise. Photo credit TMM & AmaWaterways

Durstain - Photo Credit TMM and Amawaterways

On an AmaWaterways cruise, you can choose from a selection of incredible tours highlighting a unique aspect of Europe. With 25 excellent river cruise options throughout Europe, it can be a tough decision…but we know that we'll find something that fits your budget, taste, and sense of adventure. Do you want to spend more time in Switzerland, Germany, or France? What about the Netherlands? Let's take a closer look at our destinations on the Rhine River, and you'll see why our clients keep coming back for more.​

Switzerland
A pristine alpine wonderland, Switzerland is beautiful any time of year. It's known for its snowy mountain caps in the winter and lush green hills in the summer. Whether taking a scenic train ride through the Alps or traveling the Rhine by ship, Switzerland will have you wondering if you've walked straight into a fairytale.

Basel
Many river cruises on the Rhine start or end in Basel, a city known for its love of art and museums. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the country and is centered around a market square, making it easy to tour. Basel is a fantastic representation of Switzerland as it's between France and Germany, two countries that have significantly influenced Swiss culture. Enjoy this melding of cultures as you dine alfresco at a cafe along the banks of the Rhine. But why stop with Basel when there's so much more of Switzerland to see. We'd recommend taking on a trip to Lucerne or Zurich.
Lucerne
Lucerne is the ideal pitstop on your trek through Switzerland. Wandering through its majestic streets, you'll encounter a city dotted with beautiful bridges, cafes, and chocolate shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth. A summer evening in Lucerne will make you never want to leave. Let's book a ride on Lake Lucerne while we're at it!

Zurich
The banking capital and economic hub of Switzerland, Zurich combines pre-medieval roots with modern-day business and entertainment. In addition to its world-class shopping venues, there is plenty of sightseeing to do. From the Hauptbahnhof—Switzerland's largest railway station—you can catch a train and be on a crisp, glistening mountain peak in minutes. You can also explore the city's incredible rivers and magnificent lake, which has superior water quality for swimming. Whether it's fine dining or hiking trails up Uetliberg, the perfect adventure awaits you in Zurich.
France
Parlez-vous français? Non? Well, no worries. A good translation app can help you navigate France's luscious countryside and its mouthwatering cafes and menus. We love this country for its food, wine, and historical sights for all the right reasons.
Wine & Dine
Wine and France go hand-in-hand; if you still have not tried a French onion soup, you're seriously missing out. Whether you're stopping at a bakery in the morning for a fresh croissant and cafe au lait, a light lunch of a Croque monsieur, or a full 3-course French dinner, you will not be disappointed. Book a Rhine River cruise with us, and you'll stop in Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region, and a charming town for a day trip. We'd recommend the Cave des Hospices for a wine tour and light beverage during the afternoon.
Leisure
Should wine tasting isn't your idea of a relaxing afternoon, there are plenty of other soothing activities in Strasbourg. The Parc de l'Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle, and the botanical gardens are all equally serene places for an afternoon walk or bike ride.
Shopping
Are you looking for modern stores, local boutiques, or street markets? You can find them all in Strasbourg. Most of Strasbourg's old town is centered on Grande Île, an island in the middle of the city. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are so popular you can find them anytime. Make your way to the southwest corner of the Grande Île to Un Noël en Alsace to browse Christmas decor. And if you happen to be in Strasbourg during the holiday season, we recommend a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm along the way.
Germany
Traveling to Germany usually takes tourists to Berlin, Munich, and other metropolitan areas. On a river cruise with AmaWaterways, however, you'll experience a new side of the country—one that is more traditional and inviting. Cruising down the Rhine, you'll see cultural hubs and quaint cities you may not otherwise experience. Rüdesheim and Cologne offer a variety of entertainment, including local musicians and museums, providing a well-rounded German expertise.
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim is a charming little city on the Rhine known for producing Reisling wine. The first thing you'll notice here is the beautiful combination of history and modern winemaking. Cobblestone streets and medieval-style castles lie just outside the vineyards and tasting rooms of Rüdesheim. During the stop in Rüdesheim, you can choose between Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, a gondola ride, or a wine-tasting hike through the vineyards. Our favorite way to spend time here is to take the cable car over the vineyards, up to the Niederwald monument, and then stop at the local shops on the way back to the ship.
Cologne
A 2,000-year-old city, Cologne is best known for its colorful rows of houses and its famous Christmas markets. In contrast to the small-town charm of Rüdesheim, Cologne is a much larger city and cultural hub of this area of Germany. Where Rüdesheim is medieval and rustic, Cologne is more Gothic and modern. Visible from the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Its two towers are still some of the most significant peaks in the city. The stop in Cologne offers the options of a Holy City walking tour and cathedral visit, Kölsch Beer tasting, or a Cologne bike tour.
The Netherlands
What better way to end the Enchanting Cruise than in the heart of the Netherlands- Amsterdam. A city known for its red-light district and overall carefree way of life, Amsterdam offers an incredible array of cultural experiences. Cruising one of the world's most elaborate canal systems will show you much of this city's beauty. Should you prefer to observe the canals by land, you can opt for a tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, which boasts trendy cafes, eateries, and shops. After grabbing a coffee, head to one of the many historical landmarks in this part of town. The Anne Frank House is located just outside Jordaan and across from the historical Westerkerk Cathedral, where Rembrandt was buried in 1669.

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The People
The people in the Netherlands are genuinely some of the kindest and most friendly people in Europe. Described as modest, direct, and very prompt, don't be surprised by how welcomed you feel in this city.
​The Food
One of the most pleasant surprises of a trip to Amsterdam is the food. If you're craving something with a pinch of salt, we recommend Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kibbeling (deep-fried fish), or snert (split pea soup). After dinner, enjoy various sweets, including Dutch licorice, poffertjes (puffy pancakes), or stroopwafels (remember to eat them hot and gooey).
The Creativity
You will find more quirky shops and art displays in Amsterdam than almost anywhere else in the world. From stores with cows on the ceiling to mouse mansions and collections dedicated entirely to tulips, entertainment in Amsterdam lies around every corner. 

These are just some fantastic destinations on a Rhine River cruise. I enjoyed my experience so much on the Danube onboard of AmaVerde that I will be back on the river this coming March 14th. I will be attending the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest and then sailing up the Danube. Should you like to join me, here is some info about my itinerary. Another amazing itinerary is The Colors of Provence with FREE Land Packages. Which country is calling your name? Give us a call today to talk about all the options available! ​

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Sheyla Paz, Certified Travel Advisor

Sheyla was born and raised in Cuba and has been in the United States since 2000. She is a Journalist, Actress, Producer, and Photographer with a passion for travel. Sheyla launched the travel agency out of her desire to share her culture, music, dance, and the architecture of her homeland with others. Her agency provides travel arrangements to Latin countries, the Caribbean islands, and Europe. She is an award-winning short film producer and was recognized as a leading media personality in the Latino community in Tennessee with the award “Beacon of Light” in 2019. Sheyla was one of the few Cuban-American journalists who traveled to Cuba with President Barack Obama in 2016 as part of the White House Press Corps. She is an ASTA Verified travel advisor, Signature Travel Network Luxury Certified Travel advisor, and several destination specialists in the Caribbean and Latin America. She is also certified in Luxury River and Ocean cruises.

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