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Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam

Basel to Amsterdam

River Cruise Holiday

Verity

Multiple departures

Overview

Rhine River Cruise Visiting Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg and Basel

Voyage through the heart of Europe on a Rhine River Cruise, where history, culture and riverside landscapes meet—along with plenty of good times along the way. You’ll explore Amsterdam’s canals, stand beneath the towering spires of Cologne Cathedral and stroll through Strasbourg’s old town. Cruise through the romantic Middle Rhine, surrounded by steep Riesling vineyards, medieval castles and half-timbered towns. On board Trafalgar Verity, you’ll enjoy lively evenings, share stories over regional wines and soak up the ever-changing scenery. From the Netherlands to Switzerland, this river cruise brings the best of the Rhine to you.

Inclusions

Travel & Accommodation

10 days, 4 countries and 8 cities

Meals

9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Activity Level

Balanced

Dining:

  • On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
  • dinners on your first and last day on board feature a special menu
  • tea time during one special afternoon sailing
  • lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water
  • farewell reception with sparkling wine

Activity:

  • land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts
  • Optional Experiences are available to complement and complete your travel experience
  • audio headset systems are provided on land guided tours
  • bicycles are available for on-land use at your leisure

 

 

 

Itinerary

Day 1

Welkom to Amsterdam

Arrive in the vibrant Dutch capital and check in to your hotel before heading out for a memorable first evening. Get your first taste of river life with a canal cruise and dinner with your fellow travellers, Experience Director and Experience Manager.

 

Included Meals

Dinner

Day 2

Stroll the Canals in Amsterdam

Today is yours to experience Amsterdam as you like. Wander along scenic canals, explore world-class museums or soak up the local atmosphere in a cosy cafe. For something extra, join an Optional Experience and taste your way through the Jordaan district on a foodie tour or visit a traditional windmill in Volendam. On select seasonal departures you can opt to explore the colourful blooms of Keukenhof Gardens.

 

Included Meals

Breakfast

Day 3

Embark on Your Rhine River Cruise

Uncover the story of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation of WWII, aimed at securing key bridges in the Netherlands. Visit the Airborne Museum in Hartenstein and see the “Bridge Too Far,” where British paratroopers fought a heroic but ill-fated battle. This afternoon, board the Trafalgar Verity, your Rhine River Cruise ship. Settle in and explore the ship as you begin your journey along the legendary Rhine.

 

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Cross into Cologne

Your first night on the Lower Rhine takes you through the Rhine Plain and past North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s historic heart of industry. Dock in Cologne after a night cruising the Rhine and step ashore. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist to explore the historic streets and see the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece over 600 years in the making. Or see a different side of the city on a Street Art tour, uncovering the alternative creative scene. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience and sample local brews on a Cologne Beer Experience, or visit the Michael Schumacher Private Collection, a must for motorsport fans. 

 

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Cruise the Middle Rhine into Koblenz

Sit back and take in the scenery on your Rhine River cruise, as you begin to cruise through the Middle Rhine, a region straight out of a fairy tale, famous for its hillside vineyards and storybook castles. You'll also sail past Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Moselle meets the Rhine, marked by the grand monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I. On land, join a Local Specialist in Koblenz before cruising to Boppard. Later, explore Rheinstein Castle, perched high above the river. You can explore further with an optional bike ride along the Rhine, passing charming villages and historic castles along the way.

 

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Discover Rüdesheim

Your Rhine River cruise continues as you cruise through the Middle Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving in Rüdesheim, a wine-making town known for its half-timbered houses. Take a mini-train tour to get acquainted with the area, then enjoy time to explore. You can choose to join an Optional Experience vineyard hike, winding through scenic trails with beautiful views alongside.

 

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Experience Medieval Speyer

This morning, step ashore in Speyer, a town with deep medieval roots. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist for a walking tour along Maximilian Street, passing baroque townhouses and visiting a medieval church. Discover the 11th-century Jewish community, including its ritual baths and enjoy some local treats. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a private vinegar estate near Speyer, where you’ll enjoy a tasting and learn all about its sustainable production. Why not join an Optional Experience to Heidelberg? You’ll walk through its charming old town, cross the Old Bridge and visit the striking Heidelberg Castle.

 

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Onwards to Strasbourg

Step ashore in Alsace, where French and German influences mix in this region rich with history. With a Local Specialist by your side, explore Strasbourg’s old town, where you’ll see its impressive cathedral and the charming Petite France district. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience into the Black Forest, known for its scenic landscapes, fairytale villages and traditional crafts.

 

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Pass the Black Forest to Breisach

Cruise south of Strasbourg, along the Rhine River, marking the border between Germany and France. Drift through the Upper Rhine Plain, nestled between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains, and take in the stunning scenery along the way. Step ashore and begin your day with a tour of Breisach, a historic town overlooking the Rhine, known for its colourful houses and centuries-old cathedral. Then, join the Bohrer family at Bohrerhof for a Be My Guest experience with lunch on their family farm, where they grow seasonal produce using traditional methods. Enjoy a meal made with fresh ingredients straight from their fields, a true taste of their land and heritage. In the afternoon, you can take an optional visit to the Alsatian villages, filled with half-timbered houses and scenic vineyards.

 

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Farewell in Basel

Your scenic river cruise comes to an end as you disembark in Basel. Bid farewell with "fair winds and fond memories" to your Experience Director and Experience Manager, crew and fellow cruise companions, until you cruise again.

 

Included Meals

Breakfast

Dates/Pricing

FROM $5,399pp based on 21 APRIL 2026 departure date.

(more dates available, price subject to change)

Booking terms and conditions apply.

* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.

Destinations featured in this deal

Europe Switzerland Basel Germany Cologne Netherlands Amsterdam

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