4 Incredible Countries Youโll Explore on the Rhine
With their fabulous rooftop pools, jacuzzies, and wellness programsโplus their exquisite cuisine and delicious cocktail drinks available around-the-clockโitโs tempting to many to never leave the ship.
But as much as they take pride in their impeccable service, we know that the main reason travelers choose a river cruise is because of the adventureโthe amazing, breathtaking stops along the way. With that in mind, the countries youโll explore with AmaWaterways on the Rhine are historic, romantic, and truly awe-inspiring.
On an AmaWaterways cruise, you can choose from a selection of amazing tours, all of which highlight a unique aspect of Europe. With 25 incredible river cruise options throughout Europe, it can be a tough decisionโฆbut we know that weโll find something that fits your budget, taste, and sense of adventure.
Do you want to spend more of your time in Switzerland, Germany or France? What about the Netherlands? Letโs take a closer look at our destinations on the Rhine River and youโll see why our clients keep coming back for more.
Switzerland
A pristine alpine wonderland, Switzerland is beautiful any time of year. Itโs known for its snowy mountain caps in the winter and lush green hills in the summer. Whether youโre taking a scenic train ride through the Alps or traveling the Rhine by ship, Switzerland will have you wondering if youโve walked straight into a fairytale.
Basel
Many river cruises on the Rhine start or end in Basel, a city known for its love of art and museums. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the country and is centered around a market square, making it perfectly easy to tour.
Basel is a fantastic representation of Switzerland as itโs situated right between France and Germany, two countries which have significantly influenced Swiss culture. Enjoy this melding of cultures as you dine alfresco at a cafe along the banks of the Rhine.
But why stop with Basel when thereโs so much more of Switzerland to see. Weโd recommend tacking on a trip to Lucerne or Zurich.
Lucerne
Lucerne is the ideal pitstop on your trek through Switzerland. Wandering through its majestic streets, youโll encounter a city dotted with beautiful bridges, cafes, and chocolate shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth. A summer evening in Lucerne will make you never want to leave. Letโs book a ride on Lake Lucerne while weโre at it!
Zurich
The banking capital and economic hub of Switzerland, Zurich combines pre-medieval roots with modern-day business and entertainment.
In addition to its world-class shopping venues, there is plenty of sight-seeing to do.
From the HauptbahnhofโSwitzerlandโs largest railway stationโyou can catch a train and be on a crisp, glistening mountain peak in a matter of minutes. You can also explore the cityโs incredible rivers and magnificent lake, which has superior water quality for swimming. Whether its fine dining or hiking trails up Uetliberg, the perfect adventure is waiting for you in Zurich.
France
Parlez-vous franรงais? Non? Well, no worries. A good translation app can do wonders to help you navigate the luscious countryside of France, and its mouthwatering cafes and menus. For its food, wine, and historic sights, we love this country for all the right reasons.
Wine & Dine
Wine and France go hand-in-hand, and if you havenโt had a bowl of French onion soup, youโre seriously missing out. Whether youโre stopping at a bakery in the morning for a fresh croissant and cafe au lait, a light lunch of a Croque monsieur, or a full 3-course French dinner, you will not be disappointed.
Book a Rhine River cruise with us and youโll stop in Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region and a charming city for a day trip. Weโd recommend the Cave des Hospices for a wine tour and light beverage during the afternoon.
Leisure
If wine tasting isnโt your idea of a relaxing afternoon, there is no shortage of other soothing activities in Strasbourg. The Parc de lโOrangerie, Parc de la Citadelle, and the botanical gardens are all equally serene places for an afternoon walk or bike ride.
Shopping
Are you looking for modern stores, local boutiques, or street markets? You can find them all in Strasbourg. Most of Strasbourgโs old town is centered on Grande รle, an island in the middle of the city.
Christmas markets in Strasbourg are so popular you can find them any time of year. Make your way to the southwest corner of the Grande รle to Un Noรซl en Alsace to browse Christmas decor. And if you happen to be in Strasbourg during the holiday season, we recommend a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm along the way.
Germany
Traveling to Germany usually takes tourists to Berlin, Munich, and other metropolitan areas. On a river cruise with AmaWaterways, however, youโll experience a whole new side of the countryโone that is more traditional and inviting.
Cruising down the Rhine, youโll see cultural hubs as well as quaint cities you may not otherwise experience. Rรผdesheim and Cologne both offer a variety of entertainment including local musicians and museums, providing for a well-rounded German experience.
Rรผdesheim
Rรผdesheim is a charming little city on the Rhine known for its production of Reisling wine. The first thing youโll notice here is the beautiful combination of history and modern winemaking. Cobblestone streets and medieval-style castles lie just outside the vineyards and tasting rooms of Rรผdesheim.
During the stop in Rรผdesheim, you can choose between Siegfriedโs Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, a gondola ride, or a wine tasting hike through the vineyards.
Our favorite way to spend time here is to take the cable car over the vineyards, up to the Niederwald monument, and then stop at the local shops on the way back to the ship.
Cologne
A 2,000-year-old city, Cologne is best known for its colorful rows of houses and its famous Christmas markets. In contrast to the small-town charm of Rรผdesheim, Cologne is a much larger city and cultural hub of this area of Germany.
Where Rรผdesheim is medieval and rustic, Cologne is more Gothic and modern. Visible from the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Its two towers are still some of the largest peaks in the city.
The stop in Cologne offers the options of a Holy City walking tour and cathedral visit, Koฬlsch Beer tasting, or Cologne bike tour.
The Netherlands
What better way to end the Enchanting Cruise than right in the heart of the Netherlands- Amsterdam. A city is known for its red-light district and overall carefree way of life, Amsterdam offers an incredible array of cultural experiences. Cruising one of the worldโs most elaborate canal systems will show you much of the beauty this city has to offer.
If you prefer to observe the canals by land, you can opt for a tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, which boasts trendy cafes, eateries, and shops. After grabbing a coffee, head to one of the many historical landmarks in this part of town. The Anne Frank House is located just outside Jordaan and across from the historical Westerkerk Cathedral where Rembrandt was buried in 1669.
People
The people in the Netherlands are truly some of the kindest and friendly people in Europe. Described as modest, direct an,d very prompt, donโt be surprised by how welcomed you feel in this city.
The Food
One of the most pleasant surprises of a trip Amsterdam is the food. If youโre craving something with a pinch of salt, we would recommend Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kibbeling (deep-fried fish) or snert (split pea soup).
After dinner, enjoy a variety of different sweets including Dutch licorice, poffertjes (puffy pancakes), or stroopwafels (remember to eat them hot and gooey).
The Creativity
You will find more peculiar shops and art displays in Amsterdam than almost anywhere else in the world. From stores with cows on the ceiling to mouse mansions and displays dedicated entirely to tulips, entertainment in Amsterdam lies around every corner.
These are just a few of the amazing destinations on a Rhine River cruise. Which country is calling your name? Give us a call today to talk about all the options available!
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