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Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam (2026) - 10 days Amsterdam to Basel

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Operated by Trafalgar
Tripcode: 330_2026_A
Overview
Destination:
France
Germany
Netherlands
Switzerland
Duration:10 days
Type:Group tour (max 150)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
August 2026 - October 2026

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.

Ships

Trafalgar Verity

Highlights:
Itinerary
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Day to day notes
All included and optional excursions must be booked onboard. Included excursions are available with no additional cost. Descriptions for the Optional Experiences will be provided onboard along with pricing and availability. Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard, the first day of your cruise
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.

Excursions

Iconic Experience
Glide through the heart of Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the city’s historic bridges, gabled townhouses and illuminated waterways. From the water, see the city from a fresh perspective as you savour dinner on board, enjoying local flavours and the company of new friends against a backdrop of picture-perfect sights.

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 one of Amsterdam's most Bohemian quarters 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.

Excursions

Optional Experience

Explore one of Amsterdam's most Bohemian quarters on a foodie tour. Bite into Dutch favourites like apple pie, artisanal cheeses and bitterballen, alongside international flavours that reflect the area’s multicultural roots. 

Pricing Info 
€109.00

Optional Experience

Visit a traditional Dutch windmill, before heading to the charming fishing village of Volendam. Stroll along the harbour, take in the colourful wooden houses and see locals dressed in traditional Dutch outfits, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime heritage.

Pricing Info 
€59.00

Optional Experience

If you love nature and flowers, visit the park where millions of vibrant tulips and other flowers bloom across 79 acres (32 hectares) of stunning landscapes. Wander through colourful displays, themed gardens and serene pathways, at one of the world’s most spectacular springtime attractions. Enjoy this Optional Experience during the flowering season (late April until early May).

Pricing Info 
€89.00

Day 3 - Embark on Your Rhine River Cruise

Depart Amsterdam and travel to Arnhem where you’ll 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.

Excursions

Iconic Experience

Discover the Allies’ Operation Market Garden at the Airborne Museum at Hartenstein, the former British Airborne Division headquarters during the Battle of Arnhem. Through artefacts, personal stories and immersive exhibits, uncover the fight for Arnhem and the “Bridge Too Far.” Later, visit the bridge itself, a key site in this WWII operation.

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. 

Excursions

Included Option

Get to know Cologne on a walking tour with your Local Specialist. Wander through the historic streets and see the towering Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece. Learn about the city’s past and take in the vibrant atmosphere of its charming Old Town.

Included Option

Beyond its historic landmarks, Cologne is bursting with creativity. Wander through vibrant neighbourhoods decorated with bold murals and thought-provoking graffiti. Discover how Cologne’s street art scene has turned urban spaces into an ever-evolving open-air gallery.

Optional Experience

Discover Cologne’s brewing heritage with a visit to traditional Kölsch beer halls. You’ll learn about the city’s unique beer culture, where Kölsch is served in small glasses and continuously refilled. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, hear local brewing traditions, and, of course, sample this crisp, refreshing drink just as the locals do.

Pricing Info 
€59.00

Optional Experience

Shift gears and celebrate the career of seven-time Formula One World Champion, Michael Schumacher, with a visit to this exclusive exhibition. See original race cars, including 12 Formula One vehicles, plus helmets, overalls and trophies from his legendary career, a rare glimpse into one of F1’s greatest legacies.

Pricing Info 
€39.00

Day 5 - Cruise the Middle Rhine into Koblenz

Sail to the 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 to explore Koblenz. You can explore further with an optional bike ride along the Rhine, passing charming villages and historic castles along the way. 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. Arrive at Boppard and explore Rheinstein Castle, perched high above the river.

Excursions

Iconic Experience

Stand at German Corner, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. You’ll see the statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I, a symbol of German unity. Wander through the Old Town, passing historic churches, lively squares and baroque buildings, don’t miss the Spitting Boy Fountain, a playful nod to Koblenz’s sense of humour.

Iconic Experience

Perched 90 metres above the Rhine on a rocky outcrop, this Romantic-era fortress offers views over the Rhine and surrounding vineyards. Step inside to explore its historic halls and towers, a glimpse into Germany’s castle heritage and medieval past. 

Optional Experience

Hop on a bike and follow your guide along scenic riverside paths. You’ll ride through Koblenz’s Rhine promenade, past historic castles and enjoy views of Marksburg castle. Take a break in the charming village of Brey at a local beer garden before your cycle back along the Rhine Cycle Path.

Pricing Info 
€79.00

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.

Excursions

Iconic Experience

Board a mini train for a relaxed ride through Rüdesheim, passing the Drosselgasse with its half-timbered houses and wine gardens. It’s a great way to get your bearings before enjoying some free time to explore the town at your own pace.

Optional Experience

Take a walk through Rüdesheim’s vineyards with your Local Specialist, learning how wine has shaped the region. Follow the Wine Trail past local landmarks and views of the Nahe River before stopping for a guided tasting of two regional wines, Riesling and Late Burgundy Rosé, paired with aroma samples that highlight each wine’s profile.

Pricing Info 
€59.00

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 history of the 11th-century Jewish community 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 see the striking Heidelberg Castle.

Excursions

Included Option

Walk down Maximilian Street, once laid out by Roman soldiers and now a bustling promenade lined with baroque townhouses. Explore the medieval church and uncover the history of the 11th-century Jewish community. Along the way, see the former mint, Holy Trinity Church and sample some delicious local treats.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Discover a unique side of the Palatinate wine region with a vinegar tasting at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof. Using premium wines and traditional methods, the Wiedemann family crafts artisanal vinegars with herbs and fruits, all produced sustainably with natural materials. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting eco-friendly farming and artisanal craftsmanship.

Optional Experience

Stroll through the baroque Old Town, passing the Holy Spirit Church, the Student Prison and Germany’s longest pedestrian street, lined with shops and cafes. See the ruins of Heidelberg Castle perched above this historic city.

Pricing Info 
€79.00

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.

Excursions

Iconic Experience
Explore Strasbourg with a Local Specialist, strolling through the timber-framed lanes of Petite France and pausing to admire the facade of the city’s Gothic cathedral — one of the tallest in Europe and a proud symbol of Alsace.
Optional Experience

A region known for its cuckoo clocks, cherry brandy and unique scenery, join a guided walk through the Vogtsbauernhof outdoor museum, showcasing 400 years of rural life. Enjoy a traditional lunch, visit a cuckoo clock workshop and don’t forget to try a slice of Black Forest gateau before you leave.

Pricing Info 
€129.00

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 enjoy a Be My Guest experience with lunch at Bohrerhof, a family-run farm where seasonal produce is grown using traditional methods. Savour a meal made with fresh ingredients straight from the fields, a true taste of the local land and heritage. In the afternoon, you can take an optional visit to an Alsatian village for a journey filled with half-timbered houses and scenic vineyards.

Excursions

Iconic Experience
Discover Breisach, a historic town perched above the Rhine, known for its colourful houses and rich past. Take in its impressive cathedral, stroll through charming streets and learn about its unique blend of French and German influences.
Be My Guest experience
Sit down to a homegrown meal at Bohrerhof, a family-run farm in the Rhine plain. For generations, the Bohrer family has carefully cultivated their produce, staying true to their farming traditions. As you enjoy a lunch made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, you’ll get a real taste of their farm and the heritage behind it.
Optional Experience

Check out one of Alsace’s most beautiful villages. Travel along scenic vineyard roads to Eguisheim, where colourful houses and cobbled streets create that true fairytale setting. Wander past medieval houses and enjoy a tasting of Kugelhopf, a local sweet treat.

Pricing Info 
€79.00

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.

Dates

Select a date or submit general enquiry

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Travellers

Operator
Trafalgar

The best of the world unlocked for you. Imagine unmissable experiences you’ve always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way.   Here's what you'll experience: Must-sees to local secrets: Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of travelling, however, travelling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors –  think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist. One-of-a-kind experiences: Thanks to our global network you’ll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you’ll also enjoy unique “Stays with stories” accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit.  Responsible travel at heart: When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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9 nights
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