2026 Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles
Trip Dates: August 25 to September 1, 2026
Starting Price: $4,798 per person double occupancy
Optional Pre-cruise 4-Day Lake Como Package: $1,700 per person double occupancy
Fairytale Journey to Castles, Vineyards, and Lake Como
Explore fairytale castles, historic vineyards, and the breathtaking Lake Como in Italy on this Rhine River cruise. Begin in Amsterdam, with its canal-laden charm, then venture through Germany, visiting Cologne, Rüdesheim, and Heidelberg. Cruise the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge with its 40 castles. Cross into France’s Alsace region in Strasbourg, enjoy Swiss Alps panoramas, and conclude in Lake Como. This dream itinerary spans the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy, offering iconic landmarks and majestic landscapes.
7-Night Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam with AmaWaterways
Trip Dates: August 25 to September 1, 2026
Starting Price: $4,798 per person double occupancy
Optional Pre-cruise 4-Day Lake Como Package: $1,700 per person double occupancy
Explore fairytale castles, historic vineyards, and the breathtaking Lake Como in Italy on this Rhine River cruise. Begin in Amsterdam, with its canal-laden charm, then venture through Germany, visiting Cologne, Rüdesheim, and Heidelberg. Cruise the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge with its 40 castles. Cross into France’s Alsace region in Strasbourg, enjoy Swiss Alps panoramas, and conclude in Lake Como. This dream itinerary spans the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy, offering iconic landmarks and majestic landscapes
Trip Itinerary
(Optional Pre-Cruise) Day 1 - Lake Como, Italy
Arrive in Lake Como and check into your hotel.
(Optional Pre-Cruise) Day 2 - Lake Como, Italy
Be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean’s Twelve and Casino Royale. (B)
(Optional Pre-Cruise) Day 3 - Lake Como - Bellagio
Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio’s restaurants before returning to the boat. (B)
(Optional Pre-Cruise) Day 4 - Lake Como - Bellinzona - Basel, Switzerland Embarkation
Check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, be treated to a Bellinzona orientation tour. Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D)
Day 5 - Basel
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lake Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lake Lucerne in the afternoon. You’ll have the opportunity to see its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Ludwigshafen, Germany - Rudesheim
Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Rudesheim
Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards and drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Cologne, Germany
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Amsterdam
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Amsterdam
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Excursions
- Tour Basel, Switzerland’s cultural capital, or visit Lake Lucerne and its famous Lion Monument.
- Discover the fairytale beauty of Strasbourg, with its half-timbered houses in “La Petite France.”
- Step into history at Heidelberg Castle or visit Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Sip wine and ride a gondola over the vineyards of Rüdesheim before visiting Lahneck Castle.
- Admire the Rhine Gorge, lined with ancient castles and steep vineyard slopes.
- Explore Cologne’s Old Town and its magnificent Gothic Cathedral, then taste traditional Kölsch beer.
- Cruise the scenic canals of Amsterdam or sample local Dutch treats at a grand café.
Seasonal Guide
Late Summer Along the Rhine and the Alps
Late summer along the Rhine and the Alps is a season painted in gold. The sun lingers lovingly over vineyard-clad hills, and the air carries a soft, mellow warmth that invites you to wander cobbled streets and linger at open-air cafés. From the serene beauty of Lake Como to the fairytale castles of Germany and the gentle canals of Amsterdam, every day feels radiant and full of life.
In Switzerland, mountain peaks gleam under crystal skies, and the crisp air hints at the coming autumn. The vineyards of Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge reach their ripest hues, while in Strasbourg and Heidelberg, flowers still bloom along charming bridges and window boxes. It’s a time when the rivers sparkle, the crowds thin, and the pace slows just enough to let every view truly sink in.
Sailing during this season means savoring the best of both worlds — warm, sunny days perfect for bike rides, gondola views, or castle visits, and tranquil evenings that glow under pastel sunsets. Whether you’re gliding along the Rhine, sipping Riesling amid rolling vineyards, or watching the light dance over Lake Como, late summer brings a timeless kind of magic to Europe’s heart.
Weather Overview
- Average Daytime Highs: 23–28°C (73–82°F)
- Evening Temperatures: 14–18°C (57–64°F)
- Sunlight: Around 13 hours of daylight — bright mornings, golden afternoons, and soft twilight evenings
- Conditions: Warm and mostly sunny, with refreshing breezes along the lakes and rivers
Packing Essentials
- A light jacket or wrap for cooler evenings on deck
- A light jacket or wrap for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and vineyard paths
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen for outdoor tours
- A compact umbrella or rain jacket (occasional summer showers)
- A small day bag for excursions and bike rides
Important Information
Deposit: $400 per person due at booking
Final payment due: June 1, 2026
NOT INCLUDED IN CRUISE FARE:
• Flights to and from the U.S.
• Trip protection
• Pre and post cruise
*Pricing, availability, and special offers can change at any time before the cruise is booked and confirmed.