Rhine Getaway: Castles & Cathedrals
7 Days | Amsterdam to Basel | Netherlands, Germany, France & Switzerland | From $3,600 per person
Overview
Europe's Most Scenic River
The Rhine River is famous across the world for its legendary Gorge - a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where 40 medieval castles crown steep vineyard-covered hillsides along a single spectacular afternoon of sailing. From Amsterdam's iconic canal houses to Basel's gateway to the Swiss Alps, this 7-day journey is a masterclass in European scenery, history, and culture.
SAZ Travel Collection curates this Rhine Getaway in partnership with Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways - two of the world's top-rated Rhine cruise lines. Viking's award-winning longships and Avalon's revolutionary Panorama Suites with open-air floor-to-ceiling windows both offer an exceptional platform for experiencing the Rhine's extraordinary scenery.
This journey visits four countries in seven days, passing through Dutch windmill country, the great Gothic Cologne Cathedral, the legendary Rhine Gorge, romantic Heidelberg, Alsatian Strasbourg, and arriving in Basel - gateway to the Swiss Alps. Every day brings a new country, a new culture, and a new extraordinary landscape.
Highlights
What Makes This Journey Extraordinary
Amsterdam - Canals & Golden Age Art
Explore Amsterdam by canal boat, cycling through the historic city center with its iconic narrow houses, world-class Rijksmuseum, and the vibrant flower market before embarking on your Rhine adventure.
Kinderdijk - UNESCO Windmills
Visit the extraordinary Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 19 perfectly preserved 18th-century windmills standing sentinel along the polders - one of the Netherlands most iconic landscapes.
Cologne Cathedral - Gothic Masterpiece
Marvel at the massive Gothic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that took over 600 years to complete. Explore the vibrant Old Town and taste authentic Kolsch beer at a traditional Brauhaus.
Rhine Gorge - 40 Castles in One Afternoon
The legendary Romantic Rhine Gorge is the crown jewel of this journey. Sail past 40 medieval castles perched on steep vineyard-covered hillsides in a single spectacular afternoon - a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Heidelberg & Speyer - History and Wine
Explore the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle overlooking the Neckar River, then visit the ancient Speyer Cathedral - one of the finest Romanesque cathedrals in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Strasbourg - France Meets Germany
Wander the enchanting half-timbered houses of Strasbourg's Petite France district, taste Alsatian tarte flambee and Riesling wine, and admire the extraordinary Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral.
Day by Day
Your 7-Day Rhine Journey
1
Amsterdam, Netherlands - Embarkation & Canal Discovery
Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your luxury river cruise ship for embarkation. Before boarding, explore Amsterdam by canal boat - gliding past the 17th-century Golden Age townhouses and iconic bridges that define this UNESCO-listed city. Visit the Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank House, browse the Albert Cuyp Market, and enjoy a Dutch welcome dinner onboard with local cheeses, herring, and Dutch gin. Evening departure southward along the Rhine.
2
Kinderdijk, Netherlands - UNESCO Windmills
Morning arrival at Kinderdijk, one of the Netherlands most photographed landscapes. A guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site reveals 19 perfectly preserved 18th-century windmills built to manage the water level of the polders. Cycle through the flat Dutch countryside between the windmills, visit a working windmill interior, and learn about the extraordinary Dutch water management engineering. Afternoon sailing toward Cologne as the Dutch countryside gives way to the first Rhine vineyards.
3
Cologne, Germany - Gothic Cathedral & Old Town
Arrive in Cologne for a full day exploring Germany's most visited city. The centerpiece is the magnificent Cologne Cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Gothic masterpiece with twin spires that dominate the skyline. Guided tour of the cathedral's interior, treasury, and the climb to the top for panoramic Rhine views. Afternoon stroll through the lively Old Town (Altstadt) with its colorful painted facades. Evening at a traditional Brauhaus for authentic Kolsch beer and Rhineland cuisine before returning to the ship.
4
Koblenz & The Romantic Rhine Gorge - 40 Castles
The most spectacular day of the entire cruise. Morning docking at Koblenz, where the Moselle and Rhine rivers converge at the iconic Deutsches Eck (German Corner). Optional cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for panoramic views. Then the main event: an afternoon of scenic sailing through the legendary Rhine Gorge - a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where 40 medieval castles crown the steep vineyard-covered hillsides in a single breathtaking stretch. The Lorelei rock, Marksburg Castle, and Rheinfels Castle are among the highlights. Champagne on deck is the perfect accompaniment.
5
Heidelberg or Speyer - Castles and Cathedrals
Choose your excursion from Mannheim: a visit to romantic Heidelberg with its dramatic red sandstone castle ruins overlooking the Neckar River, Germany's oldest university, and the charming Hauptstrasse pedestrian zone - or the ancient Roman city of Speyer with its extraordinary Romanesque cathedral, one of the largest and finest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Both options include wine tastings at local vineyards. Return to the ship for a gourmet Pfalz wine dinner.
6
Strasbourg, France - Alsatian Charm
Arrive in Strasbourg, France's most uniquely European city - a place where French elegance and German heritage intertwine beautifully. Guided tour of the enchanting Petite France district with its perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and medieval watchtowers. Visit the extraordinary Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Afternoon at leisure for Alsatian cuisine - tarte flambee, choucroute garnie, and a glass of Riesling or Gewurztraminer. Final evening gala dinner onboard with live entertainment.
7
Basel, Switzerland - Disembarkation & Alpine Gateway
Arrive in Basel, Switzerland's cultural capital straddling the Rhine at the meeting point of Switzerland, Germany, and France. Morning guided tour of the medieval Old Town, the magnificent Basel Minster cathedral, and the vibrant art museum district - Basel is home to more museums per capita than almost any city in the world. Disembarkation after brunch, with private transfers to Basel Airport or onward connections to the Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne, or Zurich. Depart with memories of windmills, castles, cathedrals, and the most scenic river in Europe.
Your Ship
Recommended Cruise Lines
Viking Egil or Viking Lofn
Premium River Cruise
Viking's award-winning longships offer a refined Scandinavian-inspired experience perfectly suited to the Rhine. The Aquavit Terrace provides an open-air connection to the passing landscape, while floor-to-ceiling windows in every stateroom ensure you never miss a castle. Viking's included excursion program and cultural enrichment lectures are exceptional.
Avalon Imagery II or Avalon Visionary
5-Star Suite Ship
Avalon Waterways is famous for its revolutionary Panorama Suites - staterooms with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall open-air windows that transform your cabin into a floating observation deck. The Rhine Gorge sailing from an Avalon Panorama Suite is simply extraordinary. Ideal for those who want to maximize the scenic experience.
Included
What's Included
- 7 nights aboard a luxury river cruise ship (Viking River Cruises or Avalon Waterways)
- All meals onboard including specialty dining and welcome/farewell gala dinners
- All wines, beers, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Guided shore excursions in Amsterdam, Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Heidelberg/Speyer, Strasbourg, and Basel
- Rhine Gorge scenic sailing with champagne on deck
- Kinderdijk windmill guided tour and cycling
- Cologne Cathedral guided tour
- Alsatian wine and cuisine experience in Strasbourg
- Airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days
- 24/7 SAZ Travel Collection concierge support
Starting from
$3,600
per person, river cruise
Trip Details
Duration
7 Days / 7 Nights
Route
Amsterdam to Basel
Style
Luxury River Cruise
Category
River Cruise
Best Season
Apr - Oct
Price
From $3,600
Route
The Rhine Route
From Amsterdam's iconic canals through Kinderdijk's windmills, past Cologne's Gothic cathedral, through the legendary Rhine Gorge with 40 castles, into Alsatian Strasbourg, and arriving in Basel - gateway to the Swiss Alps.
Rhine River - Western Europe
Amsterdam - Cologne - Rhine Gorge - Strasbourg - Basel
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