October 2 - October 10, 2026
Sail through the heart of Europe on a journey filled with fairytale towns, castle-studded landscapes, and vibrant cities, lit up with autumn colors.
Following your overnight flight from the US, begin in Basel, Switzerland, and glide along the legendary Rhine River to Amsterdam, with unforgettable stops along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS
Basel – Board your ship and if you arrive early, leave your luggage and enjoy a stroll through the charming town and get a taste of Swiss hospitality before your adventure begins.
Breisach & Colmar – From Breisach, step into the storybook village of Colmar, with its half-timbered houses, colorful canals, and historic squares. Active travelers can hike volcanic landscapes or bike past vineyards and charming countryside towns.
Strasbourg – Discover the blend of French elegance and German tradition in this captivating city. Stroll through the fairytale “La Petite France” quarter, marvel at the soaring Strasbourg Cathedral, or take a guided bike ride through scenic parks and neighborhoods.
Heidelberg or Speyer – Choose your own path: wander the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle and its cobbled streets, hike the Philosopher’s Path for sweeping city views, or visit historic Speyer to see its UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral and medieval Old Gate.
Rüdesheim & Rhine Gorge – In this lively wine town, ride a gondola to the Niederwalddenkmal monument, sip world-famous Rieslings, or hike through hillside vineyards. Don’t miss Rüdesheimer Coffee, a local specialty prepared with brandy. Then sail through the Rhine Gorge, where castles cling to cliffs and legends come to life, before visiting Lahneck Castle in Lahnstein.
Düsseldorf & Cologne – Uncover Düsseldorf’s modern energy on a city walk with Altbier tasting or by bike. Or venture to nearby Cologne for a guided tour of its Old Town, with highlights like the Gothic cathedral, Great St. Martin Church, and lively historic squares.
Amsterdam – End your journey in the Dutch capital, famous for its canals, culture, and charm. Cruise its waterways, explore world-class museums, or sample local treats in a cozy café as you soak up the city’s timeless beauty.
Optional Pre and Post hotel nights may be added or take advantage of a fully escorted pre-cruise tour in Zurich and Lucerne.
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
AmaViola’s staterooms are designed to give guests comfort, style, and a front-row seat to Europe’s rivers. Many feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony design, which combines a French balcony (a sliding glass door with railing) and a full outside balcony—so you can choose to let in fresh air or step outside for wide-open views.
A total of 78 staterooms means a passenger capacity of 156 guests. 51 crew members are onboard to assist with every aspect of your journey and you're always close to shore.
Stateroom amenities include plush bedding, entertainment-on-demand, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and bathrooms with multi-jet showers.
Suites (350 sq. ft.): Spacious retreats with extra living space and twin balconies.
Category A & B (210–235 sq. ft.): Twin-balcony staterooms with both French and outside balconies.
Category C (170 sq. ft.): French balcony staterooms for fresh air and great views.
Category D & E (160 sq. ft.): Fixed window staterooms on the lower deck, cozy and budget-friendly.
Stateroom pricing is based on size and location on the ship. Book early for the best selection!
Start your journey early with your cruise manager, included breakfast, all transportation, and tours, on a 4 night stay in stunning Switzerland.
Day 1: Zurich – Arrive and settle into Switzerland’s largest city.
Day 2: Zurich – Discover the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern energy on a city tour.
Day 3: Zurich – Lake Lucerne – Take a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne, then ride a cable car up Mount Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains,” for breathtaking views.
Day 4: Lucerne – Explore medieval walls, towers, and charming streets on a walking tour of this lakeside gem.
Day 5: Lake Lucerne – Basel – Stop for a Basel city tour, with its medieval Town Hall and elegant patrician homes, before boarding your ship.
Start your journey early with Switzerland’s lakes, mountains, and storybook towns before sailing the Rhine.
Lucy can also assist with optional pre and post travel extensions or hotel nights.
All your meals are included while onboard your cruise and you'll delight in the fresh foods prepared by the award-winning team at Ama Waterways. The main restaurant, the casual bistro option in the lounge or on-deck, and the Chef's Table tasting menu offer a variety of choices throughout your day. Sip fine wines and beer and enjoy a daily "Sip and Sail" happy hour.
You will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours at varying paces, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. There is always a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore all included in your cruise fare. You decide your own pace and activity level.
On board, your Wellness Host leads daily activities like yoga, stretching, and core strengthening—all set against the backdrop of the river. Guests can also join guided hikes and bike rides ashore for a more active way to explore, as well as heated sun-deck pools, whirlpools, fitness rooms and massage services onboard.
Sailing through the Rhine Gorge is often the highlight of a river cruise, and it feels like stepping straight into a storybook. This UNESCO World Heritage stretch of the Middle Rhine is lined with terraced vineyards, charming half-timbered towns, and more than 40 castles and fortresses perched dramatically on the hillsides.
The scenery seems to change at every bend in the river—medieval ruins, working vineyards, quaint villages, and church spires—making it one of the most scenic and photo-worthy sections of any European river cruise.
Strasbourg, perched on the French-German border, is a city where two cultures beautifully blend. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with half-timbered houses, canals, and the striking Strasbourg Cathedral with its soaring spire.
Strolling through La Petite France, you’ll find cobbled streets, flower-decked bridges, and riverside cafés that feel straight out of a fairy tale. At the same time, Strasbourg is dynamic and modern, home to the European Parliament and a lively food scene that mixes French finesse with hearty Alsatian traditions.
Rüdesheim, set along the scenic Rhine, is a storybook town famous for its vineyards and lively wine culture. The bustling Drosselgasse invites visitors with cozy taverns, live music, and plenty of local Riesling to sample.
Don’t miss trying a traditional Rüdesheimer Kaffee, a rich coffee drink with brandy and whipped cream that’s a local specialty. A cable car ride up to the Niederwald Monument rewards you with sweeping river views. With charm at every corner, Rüdesheim is a true Rhine Valley gem.