Basel is a city on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland, close to the country’s borders with France and Germany. Its medieval old town centers around Marktplatz, dominated by the 16th-century, red-sandstone Town Hall. Its 12th-century Gothic cathedral has city views, and contains the tomb of the 16th-century Dutch scholar, Erasmus. The city’s university houses some of Erasmus’ works.
Day 2 - Basel
Depart: Tue 17 December 2024
Basel is a city on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland, close to the country’s borders with France and Germany. Its medieval old town centers around Marktplatz, dominated by the 16th-century, red-sandstone Town Hall. Its 12th-century Gothic cathedral has city views, and contains the tomb of the 16th-century Dutch scholar, Erasmus. The city’s university houses some of Erasmus’ works.
Day 3 - Strasbourg
Arrive: Wed 18 December 2024/Depart: Wed 18 December 2024
Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, in northeastern France. It's also the formal seat of the European Parliament and sits near the German border, with culture and architecture blending German and French influences. Its Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame features daily shows from its astronomical clock and sweeping views of the Rhine River from partway up its 142m spire.
Day 4 - Ludwigsburg, Germany
Arrive: Thu 19 December 2024/Depart: Thu 19 December 2024
Ludwigshafen am Rhein is a city in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, on the river Rhine, opposite Mannheim. With Mannheim, Heidelberg, and the surrounding region, it forms the Rhine Neckar Area. Known primarily as an industrial city, Ludwigshafen is the home of chemical giant BASF and other companies.
Day 4 - Rudesheim
Arrive: Thu 19 December 2024
Rüdesheim am Rhein is a town in the Rhine Valley, Germany. It’s known for winemaking, especially of Riesling wines. In the center, Drosselgasse is a lane lined with shops, taverns and restaurants. Nearby, Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet is a museum of automated musical instruments. Medieval Brömserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum, exhibiting wine paraphernalia from ancient times to the present.
Day 5 - Rudesheim
Depart: Fri 20 December 2024
Rüdesheim am Rhein is a town in the Rhine Valley, Germany. It’s known for winemaking, especially of Riesling wines. In the center, Drosselgasse is a lane lined with shops, taverns and restaurants. Nearby, Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet is a museum of automated musical instruments. Medieval Brömserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum, exhibiting wine paraphernalia from ancient times to the present.
Day 6 - Cologne
Arrive: Sat 21 December 2024/Depart: Sat 21 December 2024
Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, is the region’s cultural hub. A landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid reconstructed old town, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral is also known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views. The adjacent Museum Ludwig showcases 20th-century art, including many masterpieces by Picasso, and the Romano-Germanic Museum houses Roman antiquities.
Day 7 - Amsterdam
Arrive: Sun 22 December 2024
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths.
Day 8 - Amsterdam
Depart: Mon 23 December 2024
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths.
AmaSerena From AmaWaterways
AmaSerena is a regal river ship accommodating both guests who wish to socialize with kindred cruisers and those seeking private rejuvenation. Twin-balcony staterooms maximize scenic views with amenities that include Entertainment-On-Demand, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and more. Vivid brush strokes on the duvets give local color new life, while sophisticated white marbled bathrooms offer a clean canvas. When it’s time to step out, guests can choose a quiet respite in the inviting library or head to the Main Lounge for cocktails and conversation. Both venues are designed with fabrics in rich reds that call to mind full-bodied Merlots. For a bit of whimsy, the Sun Deck boasts a giant chess set, or you can take a dip in the refreshing pool. As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the exclusive international culinary society, AmaSerena also offers exquisite, locally-sourced cuisine in the Main Restaurant or at The Chef’s Table.
