Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam
Operated by Trafalgar

Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam

From
CAD 5,099
Duration
10 days
Countries
Netherlands, Germany, France
Activity
easy

The adventure

Embark on a 10-day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, exploring Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg, and more with Trafalgar. Book now!

At a glance

Duration
10 days
Route
Amsterdam → Basel
Countries
Netherlands, Germany, France
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Ask an agent

Day by day

Serene scene of a windmill reflecting in calm water during sunset, showcasing nature's beauty.
Your journey through

Netherlands, Germany & France

Day 1Welkom to AmsterdamArrive 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.
Scenic view of Amsterdam canal with historic buildings and houseboats under a clear sky.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.
Day 2Stroll the Canals in AmsterdamToday 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.
Quaint canal-side buildings in Amsterdam showcasing iconic Dutch architecture.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.
Map showing Amsterdam
Day 3Embark on Your Rhine River CruiseAmsterdamDepart 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.
A scenic view of birds flying over a canal bridge in Amsterdam, capturing urban tranquility.Amsterdam
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.
Map showing Amsterdam
Day 4Cross into CologneYour 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.
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.
Day 5Cruise the Middle Rhine into KoblenzSail 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.
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.
Day 6Discover RüdesheimYour 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.
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.
Day 7Experience Medieval SpeyerThis 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.
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.
Day 8Onwards to StrasbourgStep 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.
Serene canal scene with a charming house reflecting in the water in France.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.
Map showing Onwards to Strasbourg
Day 9Pass the Black Forest to BreisachCruise 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.
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.
Day 10Farewell in BaselYour 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.
A delightful facade with blue shutters and climbing plant in Basel, Switzerland. Perfect for architectural inspiration.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.

Discover Netherlands

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Classic Dutch windmill set against a scenic Amsterdam countryside view.
Charming windmills in a snowy winter scene at sunrise, showcasing Dutch heritage and natural beauty.
Majestic traditional windmill in a serene rural setting, epitomizing Dutch heritage.
Scenic view of Amsterdam's canal with historic buildings and cathedral on a cloudy day.
Beautiful windmill in Uithuizermeeden, Netherlands, surrounded by fields at sunset.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
5 Jul 202614 Jul 2026CAD 5,099AvailableBook my trip
19 Jul 202628 Jul 2026CAD 6,199AvailableBook my trip
Operated by Trafalgar

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