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Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps River Cruise

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Mary Beth Lynn, Travel Agent in Overland Park, KS

Mary Beth Lynn

Overland Park, KS Travel Agent
Super Agent

Mary Beth Lynn

Overland Park, KS · 8 Years of Experience

Your Vacation Plan, an independent agent with Cruises & Tours, Unlimited, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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100% Recommended
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience! We had such an amazing trip and everything went so smoothly thanks to all of the amazing... Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:France, Germany, Netherlands, On the River, Switzerland
PLACES VISITED:Amsterdam, Basel, Cologne, Heidelberg, Rhine River, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg
SUGGESTED DURATION:8 Days
Sail from Amsterdam to Basel on the stunning Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps itinerary, weaving through the heart of Europe and ending amid Swiss charm. You’ll begin navigating the Netherlands’ canals, then cruise past German Gothic cathedrals and castles in the Rhine Gorge. Explore wine towns like Rüdesheim, marvel at the silhouettes of Heidelberg and Strasbourg, and cross into Switzerland where Alpine views welcome you. Each port invites you to choose your pace — guided walks, bike rides, gondola lifts, or hikes in vineyard hills. In Switzerland’s Basel, French-German flair meets Swiss order, rounding out your journey with elegance and mountain vistas. This is a cruise that blends castle lore, riverside villages, and soaring landscape into one graceful European chapter.
Close All Days
DAY1
Rhine River
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Amsterdam
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Netherlands
Close Day
Embark in Amsterdam: canals, reflections, and the first night on the Rhine
Embark in Amsterdam, ease into reflection along canals before the voyage begins Board in Amsterdam and settle into your cabin. This evening, the ship glides gently along canals as you enjoy dinner and your first onboard moments, anticipating the sights ahead.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Amsterdam: Embark, settle in, canal reflections
DAY2
Rhine River
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Amsterdam
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Netherlands
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Netherlands
Close Day
Cruise Amsterdam’s waterways then sail into Germany’s Rhine flow and riverside charm
Canal cruise through Amsterdam, followed by scenic sailing into Germany’s Rhine waters Explore Amsterdam’s 165 canals by boat, then depart the city and begin your sail. As the waters widen, the Rhine reveals its pastoral banks and the architecture of small riverside towns.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Amsterdam to Rhine: Canal cruise and scenic sailing
DAY3
Rhine River
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Cologne
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Germany
Close Day
Explore Cologne’s Gothic cathedral or cycle historic streets before continuing downriver
Cologne’s Gothic treasures or cycling through historic streets, then onward through the Rhineland Dock in Cologne, where you can walk through its Old Town, visit the Cathedral, or take a guided bike ride through the streets and along the river. In the evening, sail further into the Rhine’s iconic corridor.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cologne: Gothic cathedral or cycling options
DAY4
Rhine River
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Rüdesheim
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Germany
Close Day
Traverse Rhine Gorge castles, then enjoy Rüdesheim with wine, gondola, or vineyard hike
Rhine Gorge castles, Rüdesheim wine town, gondola ride or vineyards hike Cruise through the legendary Rhine Gorge, passing hilltop castles. In Rüdesheim, choose a wine tasting, gondola ride over vineyards, a vineyard hike, or explore Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Rhine Gorge / Rüdesheim: Castles, wine, gondola or hike
DAY5
Rhine River
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Heidelberg
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Germany
Close Day
Heidelberg day: castle ruins, scenic climbs, or charming nearby historic excursions
Heidelberg region: castle ruins, Philosopher’s Walk hike, or excursions to historic towns Explore Heidelberg’s castle and old town, walk the Philosopher’s Path, or visit gatherings of historic towns nearby. The blend of romantic ruins and river views is unforgettable.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Heidelberg: Castle, walks, town visits
DAY6
Rhine River
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Strasbourg
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France
Close Day
Strasbourg’s canal quarter, cathedral tours, or bike in French-German blended ambiance
Strasbourg’s “La Petite France”, cathedral, or bike ride through French-German charm Sail into Strasbourg and wander through its picturesque district, marvel at the cathedral and half-timbered houses. Active guests can join a guided bike tour through the city and Park de l’Orangerie.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Strasbourg: Bridge canals, cathedral, biking
DAY7
Rhine River
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Basel
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Switzerland
Close Day
Breisach to Basel: Alsace towns and vineyards as Swiss peaks draw closer to view
Breisach / Basel approach: Alsatian towns, wine country, scenic transit into Switzerland If time allows, visit Alsatian towns like Colmar, cycle or walk the vineyards, and as you sail closer to Basel, the Swiss peaks rise on the horizon, signaling your journey’s climax.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Alsace / Basel region: Wine towns and Swiss vistas
DAY8
Rhine River
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Basel
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Switzerland
Close Day
Basel disembarkation: step ashore in Switzerland amid beauty, history, and new memories
Disembark in Basel; the Swiss welcome and reflection as you step ashore After breakfast, disembark in Basel. Immerse in its cosmopolitan yet historic streets or prepare your onward journey, now carrying the stories of castles, canals, and Alpine whispers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Basel: Disembark and reflect on the journey
FINAL THOUGHTS
This itinerary isn’t just a river cruise. It’s a journey from flat canals to Alpine peaks. Switzerland is the crescendo: Basel’s elegance, mountain hints, and cultural depth complete a romantic tale threaded by castles, wine, and the Rhine.