At a Glance
![](https://onlyluxetravel.com/pub/media/wysiwyg/Itinerary/Europe/Germany/rheinstein-castle-germany.jpg)
Unleash the elegance of the Rhine River in style on this 8 day Active & Discovery small river cruise expedition across two countries from Netherlands to Germany. Choose how to explore each destination on your Rhine River cruise from relaxed sightseeing to active pursuits of hiking or biking to align your interests while immersing into its rich cultures.
Your adventure begins with an overnight Your cruise begins in Amsterdam where you’ll board your luxury vessel and engage in a selection of excursions that speak to you including time to explore the city at your own pace. See Amsterdam your way from a canal cruise, kayak adventure to a painting class. Sail to Germany and unearth the charming cities of Dusseldorf, Cologne, Strasbourg and more. Choose from your preference, passion and pace ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation on a twin share basis including 1 night in Amsterdam city hotel and 7 nights onboard river cruise vessel
- Meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage including complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
- Activities as stated in itinerary
Itinerary
![]() |
Today, you’ll onboard your luxury floating home by 5pm. (Note: flights to Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30pm). Be welcomed with cocktails, sparkling wine and canapes to begin your cruise down The Rhine. Unwind in your ensuite staterooms with large private bathrooms, enjoy cocktails with a view at the Sky Deck or simply bask in the view with your floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with open-air balcony. Today is free, so you can explore charming Amsterdam at your own pace. Stroll around the excellent streets to discover the culture, heritage, and history of this country. It also includes vibrant galleries, cafes, museums, and bridges while wandering around. If you want to explore more, you can take an optional excursion. Optional Tour (at additional cost): Choose an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans, a working windmill. Witness how the workers are making wooden clogs in traditional ways. Located just north of Amsterdam, the Zaanse Schans offers a perfectly preserved glimpse into the industrial past with its traditional houses, windmills, warehouses and workshops including a visit to a local cheese farm. Spend the rest of you day unlocking the treasures of Amsterdam at your own pace from charming cafes, exquisite galleries, bridges and picturesque canals. Come evening, retreat back onboard for a mouth-watering dining affair. Indulge in the freshest ingredients boasting flavours from small farms and local producers for a healthful and innovative dining experience. You’ll overnight dock in Amsterdam. |
![]() |
Wake up with a magnificent view of colorful Amsterdam and visit the Adventure center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. Choose from: Active: Join an exciting guided Kayak Tour with your Adventure Host to explore the beauty of this charming city. Gain insight about the ‘Venice of the North’ from its narrow canals while discovering the architectural marvels and stunning Dutch buildings from the waters. Discovery: Unleash your creativity with a painting class and give wings to your inner artist. Learn some crucial painting techniques from the masters’. Get your own canvas and discover your artistic soul. The discovery will be completed with an orientation walk. Classic: Venture on a relaxing Canal Cruise to explore the city and its waterways from a different perspective as you tap into the iconic sites of picturesque Amsterdam. After your day's activity, unwind back to the ship. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing sail on the Sky Deck or simply whisk away in your spacious stateroom. Enjoy an overnight sail to Dusseldorf. |
![]() |
Open your eyes and welcome the breathtaking German city of Dusseldorf and uncover its wonders with a selection of the following excursions: Active: Embark on an exciting 2.5 hours city bike tour to explore the historic highlights of Dusseldorf. With its short distances, many sights within easy reach, and few hills, the city is so bike-friendly. Discovery: Venture on an exclusive 3 hours guided culinary walk to discover Dusseldorf’s diverse cuisines through Altstadt (Old Town), ‘The Longest Bar in the World’. Classic: Engage on a guided city adventure to uncover Dusseldorf’s hidden gems. Visit the Old Town, packed with fascinating structures and scenic views. Marvel at old world architecture, art, culture and visit a few pubs along the way. Discover its marvelous subway line where each station has an individual charming character as you visit three uniquely designed stations. Optional Tour (at additional cost): This afternoon, take on an expert guided expedition of Dusseldorf’s microbreweries to sample a variety of world famous altbiers. Learn more about the historic beers and be a part of Altbiers tasting. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board and overnight cruise to Koblenz |
![]() |
Koblenz is one of the most important spots of this trip where the Rhine and Moselle meet. Explore fortress walls or manor halls from today’s activities with your host with a choice from 3 activity types: Active: Venture on a E-Bike tour to explore the breath-taking countryside of Koblenz. Bike along the peaceful paths and discover spectacular vineyards surrounded by the colorful city. Keep pedaling to take in the magical view of the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Discovery: Awaken your adventurous soul and join an exciting excursion to the ‘Lava City’ of Mendig for a unique experience of a volcano encounter. Explore caverns and corridors of basalt mining. Classic: Partake on a heritage-guided walk to uncover the ancient Koblenz. Your highlight is a cable car ride to the majestic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for an outstanding panoramic view of the city. At 118 metres above the Rhine, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress offers the most fantastic views over Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the second largest preserved fortress in Europe. Today the fortress is home to the Landesmuseum Koblenz with its diverse exhibitions. Later, enjoy a relaxing sail en route to Bingen while the cruise passes through Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the ancient castles that are standing tall on cliffs above 400 feet from the water. Capture the moment when your cruise passes the iconic Rock of the Lorelei. Later, enjoy your dinner as the cruise docks overnight in Bingen. |
![]() |
Savour a delicious breakfast board before a day of exploration of the spectacular countryside filled with vineyards and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel. Active: Join a guided hike along a less-travelled road with your Adventure Host to discover the breath-taking surroundings of the city. Hike through the Philosophers’ Way and get a panoramic view of the Heidelberg city below. Discovery: Venture on an exclusive beer adventure to know more about the history of brewing. Walk through an expert Beer Sommelier and learn about the art of brewing including a stroll at the Heidelberg Castle Garden. Classic: Uncover the Heidelberg Castle exploring its historic ruins of the beautiful renaissance treasure towering above the city and the iconic Great Vat, the World’s Largest Wine Barrel. Stroll around the city and enjoy tasting local cuisines. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board and overnight cruise to Strasbourg |
![]() |
Today, unleash the beauty of the classic French city of Strasbourg with a selection of activities to suit your interest: Active: Embark on a guided hike along the river and Marne-Rhine canal. You will discover a colorful heritage and monuments that reflect their history. Discovery: Be a part of a unique experience with a guided culinary walk and uncover the famous Alsatian cuisine. Learn more about the history and tradition of this region on how it alternated between France and Germany over centuries. Classic: Join a guided Strasbourg city sightseeing tour with a local expert. Discover the city’s highlights including Gothic stained-glass cathedral and its famous ancient murals. Discover the astronomical clock and the famous La Petite France District. Later this afternoon, you can choose an optional excursion to explore the wonders of Strasbourg. Alternatively, savour the ship life onboard unwinding to its many luxury amenities. Embark on an overnight cruise to Breisach. |
![]() |
Fill your last trip day with some thrills and adventure. Active: Venture on an amazing e-bike experience with your Adventure Host to discover the mysterious Black Forest. Learn about this dense forest from a different point of view and capture a panoramic view of the surroundings. Discovery: Option 2: Partake in a German winemaking and delight your tastebuds with a wine tasting affair as you explore local vineyards and wineries. Take in the night beauty of this magical German city while you overnight sail to Basel. |
![]() |
Enjoy one last breakfast cruise while taking in the beauty of vibrant Basel, a perfect time to reflect on your inspiring journey. Your river cruise ends in Basel. Flights should not leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
The displayed price is a guide for per person, based on Twin occupancy for available Deluxe Staterooms or Panorama Suites or Royal Suites. Please contact us for available cabins and prices.
More Info
- The departure point is Amsterdam, Netherlands
- The finish point is Basel, Germany
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Amsterdam. The nearest major airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol which has international flights and is 18 km from the center of Amsterdam
Germany has a temperate climate throughout the country with warm summers and cold winters, however long periods of frost or snow are rare. Rain falls throughout the year. The average monthly January daytime temperature is 3 degrees Celsius (38 degrees Fahrenheit) and in July it's 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). Extremes temperatures sometimes reach -10° C (5°F) in winter and 35° C (95° F) in summer months.
In Amsterdam, the climate is sub-oceanic, humid and rainy. The average temperature ranges from around 3.5°C (38.5 °F) in January to 18 °C (64.5 °F) in July and August.
Avalon Expression, Imagery II, Vista and Panorama all feature two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air℠ Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites℠ are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Ship amenities:
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
- Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro
- Fitness Center
- Non-smoking interior and staterooms
- Elevator
- Elegant, contemporary design
- Outside viewing deck
- Headsets for guided shore excursions in Europe
- Friendly, English-speaking crew and Cruise Director
- Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
- Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
Deluxe Stateroom: Category E & D. 172 square feet. Unique features are two bay windows.
Panorama Suite: Category A, B & P. 200 square feet. Unique features are wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard, wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony and Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area.
Royal Suite: Category S. 300 square feet. Unique features are wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard, wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony and Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area.
Your cruise features excursion and onboard activity options. Select what interests you most so you can experience your cruise your way with 3 different activity types:
- Classic: A local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations and the “must see” sites.
- Discovery: Inspiring and interactive activities designed to speak to your interests. From cooking classes, to painting workshops, allowing to spend time immersing yourself in the destination’s unique culture.
- Active: Embark on energetic excursions keeping you in motion and on the go. From a guided hiking tour, to biking, and paddling your way through scenic locales.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.