Experience the Rhine Amsterdam - Basel

Embark in historic Amsterdam and settle into the comfort of your home for the next week, the elegant A-ROSA AQUA. You’ll be footsteps from the iconic Centraal station – the perfect place to start your tour of the city. Explore the history of Amsterdam as you weave through its pretty tree-lined canals and quirky streets. World renowned sights include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the controversial red-light district. Of course, you’ll have the option of an expert guided tour of this vibrant metropolis. As the canals are lit up by charming city lights, explore Amsterdam by night.

Set sail after breakfast towards the sea, crossing the IJsselmeer – the largest lake in the Netherlands. Its impressive scale will feel like being out on the ocean with water as far as the eye can see.

The delightful little town of Hoorn lies on the IJsselmeer. Back in the 16th century, Hoorn was one of the Netherlands’ thriving ports playing an important part in the country's Golden Age. Today, many of its buildings still bear witness to this heyday. Explore the tranquil canals crisscrossed by pretty bridges, tall townhouses with rooms stacked on top of one another crowned with ornate gables and an attractive town square lined with impressive buildings.

The small, beautiful town of Emmerich on the lower Lower Rhine offers much of interest within easy walking distance from the ship. Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy a magnificent view of the Rhine on the "Golden Gate Bridge of the Lower Rhine", a suspension bridge spanning over the Rhine. Other attractions include the coffee museum and the impressive Roman style St Vitus Church.

Lined with a bustling wide promenade and criss-crossed with bridges, your first glimpse of the mighty Rhine in Cologne is destined to be a memorable one. A major trading centre since the Roman times, this impressive city merges the old and the new perfectly. You'll find ancient walls and medieval churches rubbing shoulders with modern quarters, a fantastic selection of quality museums, an excellent botanical gardens and, the calling card of the city, its famous cathedral, dominating the skyline. 

Enjoy an included walking tour of Cologne’s old town.

Today we cruise through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its natural beauty of gently sloping vineyards, castles and small villages that have not changed for centuries. Once such town is Rüdesheim, world renowned for its wine. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar’, is one of Germany’s principal attractions and the perfect place to sample some of the region’s best vintages. It is a charming and inspiring town to visit.

Today, you’ll find yourself in Germersheim in the enchanting Upper Rhine. A relaxed town with an interesting history. discover the town’s fortress built to defend the border with France.

Included is a guided excursion to nearby Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities full of medieval treasures, including the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A real highlight of your journey.

Perched on a steep cliff above the Rhine, Breisach is picture-perfect with pastel-hued buildings set in beautiful rolling vineyards. Where the Black Forest spills into the Alsace region, this German town shares a lot with its French neighbours - its love of good food and good wine amongst them. Painstakingly reconstructed after almost total devastation in WWII, this pretty port is made for a leisurely day's exploring. Opt for a walking tour of Breisach including a visit to a local champagne cellar with tastings.

Arrive in Basel, where France, Germany and Switzerland meet, and disembark after breakfast. Discover the pretty old town, admire the awe-inspiring cathedral and dipping in and out of its over 40 excellent museums. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.