Adventure Awaits on the Rhine River

Gear up for the adventure of a lifetime! Upon arrival you'll be greated by your Adventure Guide, who will assist transferring you from Basel Airport to your new home away from home, a luxurious AmaWaterways ship. You'll set sail from Basel—Switzerland's oldest university city. After taking in the incredible landscapes and sites, you'll have the opportunity to explore the ship’s many amenities (like its library, fitness center, heated pool, sun deck, salon and more) before a Swiss cheese and wine welcome reception. Later, join your fellow Adventurers as you toast the captain with a cocktail before enjoying your first dinner on-board.

After a hearty breakfast with your fellow Adventurers, you'll be ready to explore the famous Black Forest region, which stretches for 2,320 square miles. These mysterious woods have served as the setting for plenty of fables and fairy tales, like Hansel and Gretel. On this day you and the family can choose your own adventure. You can explore the famous Black Forest and learn about this diverse landscape as you tour its mountains, valleys and bucolic countryside villages that reach from the Rhine River Valley into the Swiss border. Or uncover the lighter side of the forest as you zip through nature on a raised toboggan track, riding a personalized alpine rollercoaster through the scenic wilderness.

For those who are crafty, there's the option of creating an authentic wooden cuckoo pipe alongside an expert during a museum workshop. Cuckoo clocks have been made in this area of the world since the 18^th century.

No matter what adventure you choose on this day, the memories will last a lifetime.

On this day you can explore old Strasbourg on a leisurely Alsace canoe trip or Canal boat tour—your choice! Strasbourg's historic city center, The Grande Ile, is the first entire city center to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of Strasbourg’s most iconic historical architecture is here, including the Palais Rohan, the Hotel de Hanau (currently City Hall) and the Hotel des Deux-Ponts (the birthplace of Ludwig of Bavaria). The island is also home to Place Kleber, the 15^th-century Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral, the Petite France quarter and four historical churches.

Later, adult Adventurers can enjoy a wine tasting deep in the medieval basement of Cave Historique Des Hospices, a city hospital founded in 1395. According to legend, patients used to pay for medical treatments with bottles of wines or vineyard land. Over 40 ancient barrels are still on the property, including one with one of the world’s oldest wines, dating back to 1472, which has only been served three times throughout history.

Alternatively, there's the option to take a hands-on pastry course, where the whole family can learn how to make delicious French macarons with the onboard chef.

After dinner on-board the ship, the family will experience the rare pleasure of attending a private organ concert at St. Thomas Church, world-famous for its beautiful and historically significant organs—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played on one of them!

Travel up, up and away over vineyards, pastureland and walking paths on Rudesheim’s famous gondola. It’s easy to see why this area of the Rhine Gorge is famous for its winemaking, which was first mentioned in writing back in 1074. Enjoy the views of the picturesque, winding old town and the Rhine River as you head to the top, where you can explore the gargantuan Niederwald Monument. The monument, which commemorates the founding of Germany after the Franco-Prussian War, dates back to 1877.

The Rhine River is one of the world’s most important rivers, serving as a key transportation route between the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe since prehistoric times. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes 30 impressive castles built over a 1,000-year period. Join the Cruise Manager for a guided tour (and a Rudesheimer coffee) on the sun deck as you experience a magnificent castle tour without ever leaving the comfort of the boat. This dramatic 65-kilometer journey travels through the mountains, valleys, centuries-old vineyards, picturesque ruins and fortresses that sit along the banks of about 60 small heritage towns.

The jewel of Cologne city—and Germany’s most popular landmark—is Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction on this breathtakingly ornate Gothic church began in 1248, but the cathedral was not completed until 1880. The 515-feet-tall cathedral was the tallest building in the world until the Washington Monument was erected. You'll have the option to explore this landmark via a guided tour or "on your own" walking tour.

After your day of fun, you'll say goodbye to Cologne and head towards Amsterdam, continuing your picturesque voyage down the Rhine River. Take a break and enjoy a beer with sausages and pretzels as your Adventure Guides tell you about what lies ahead when you disembark tomorrow morning in Amsterdam.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast and get ready for the adventures ahead in Amsterdam. Travel by boat along one of the 165 canals that are Amsterdam's lifeline and discover it's quaint little villages, picturesque bridges, cobblestone streets and more.

There's so much for the family to enjoy on this day. Discover the art and history of Amsterdam in The Rijksmuseum. This national museum displays nearly 8,000 pieces of art dating from the 9th to 19th centuries. Or pay a visit to The Rembrandt House Museum, home and workshop of the Netherlands’ greatest artist. Discover where he lived, worked and found the inspiration for some of his masterpieces.

In the afternoon, tour the classic fishing village of Volendam, or better yet, see the sights of Zaanse Schans and decorate your own clog. There's still many multi-generational families of clog makers that have been making wooden shoes the same way for over a century.

As night falls, join the Captain on board the ship for one last cocktail party and scrumptious dinner. Say farewell to him and your fellow Adventurers and share the experiences you encountered on this magical adventure.

After your last breakfast on the ship, disembark one last time and head to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol where you will begin the journey home after a week of visiting four new countries and six unforgettable destinations.

To explore the full Adventures By Disney Rhiver Rhine Cruise itinerary and to book your trip click here.