Hike and Bike Along the Picturesque Rhine on This River Journey

Your European sojourn starts in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most iconic cities. With narrow, red-brick houses lining a seemingly endless network of canals, Amsterdam is often called the “Venice of the North.”

Upon landing, you’ll be transported to the elegantly appointed ship and settle into your stylish stateroom. AmaWaterways always offers plenty of personal space by accommodating on average fewer guests than traditional river cruise ships. In addition, each vessel has a choice of dining venues, a heated pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more.

Today you’re free to explore atmospheric Amsterdam at your leisure. Consider a stroll along the city’s canals and then wander the vibrant Jordaan neighborhood’s specialty shops and art galleries. Or maybe you’d prefer to visit one of the city’s world-famous art museums like the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum and then pop into a typical Dutch pub, or “brown cafe,” for a Heineken or the traditional local gin called jenever. You could even rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, like a local.

On your second day in Amsterdam, you’ll get a closer look at the city’s maze-like network of canals during an included canal cruise that will take you through the city’s Golden Age core.

Düsseldorf is one of the largest cities in Germany, and yet its center is the perfect size to enjoy a walking tour, where you can marvel at its incredible energy, then finish things off with a taste of Altbier, the copper-colored, old-style brew for which the city is known. If you prefer something more active and to pack in even more sights, a bike tour is another excellent way to appreciate the modern architectural marvels of this great city on the Rhine.

Those looking for even more action might consider taking a 30-minute train ride down to Cologne, which remains one of Germany’s most popular destinations for good reason. To get the most out of your visit, a guided walking tour will take you through some of its most unmissable attractions, including the 12th-century Fishmarkt, the Great St. Martin Church—perhaps the most celebrated of the city’s many Romanesque buildings—as well as the Cologne Rathaus, the oldest and arguably the most spectacular town hall in all of Germany.

As you travel south along this mighty river, you’ll pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, a dramatic stretch of river characterized by sloping landscapes dotted with storybook castles. Finally, you’ll reach the tiny town of Rüdesheim, with its terraced vineyards and ancient winemaking traditions. Today it will be hard to choose between an included hike through the town’s gorgeous vineyards or a guided bike tour along the riverbanks.

Other excursions include a wine tasting to savor the flavors of the local vineyards. (Rieslings are particularly popular here.) Or drink in the view of the vineyards below after a gondola ride to the Niederwald monument. It was built following the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 and commemorated the unification of Germany.

Another choice includes admission to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet to admire the impressive collection of self-playing instruments. Or taste one of the town’s specialties, Rüdesheimer coffee, made with hot coffee mixed with three sugar cubes and local Asbach brandy, then topped with whipped cream.

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to Heidelberg, a well-preserved historic city tucked into the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Visitors come here to enjoy the medieval vibes and see the red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and the world’s biggest wine barrel. The Great Vat, a 50,000-gallon wine cask from the 18th century, was used during the castle’s heyday.

In addition to a walking tour, you can join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path to gaze upon panoramic views of the city. Or elect the guided bike tour along the Neckar to the quaint medieval town of Ladenburg.

Located right on the border, the historic region of Alsace has changed hands between France and Germany on several occasions. Today Strasbourg still exhibits a certain German influence that makes it unique from other places in France.

You’ll get to see this fascinating city the way many locals do—by bike. This guided bike tour takes you through the city’s half-timbered houses, French cafes, and the flower-filled Parc de l’Orangerie, which dates to the 17th century.

Or you could join the walking tour through the park. It also includes a glimpse of the European Parliament, a thoroughly modern glass building built in 1999, and the world-renowned Cathédrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock.

Rising above the vineyards of the Rhine, Breisach is your gateway to several different activities, like a bike ride through the countryside or a hike in the Black Forest. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed after a week of hiking and biking, go for the excursion to Riquewihr in France. This colorful Alsatian town looks like something straight out of a children’s storybook. On your walking tour, delight in the historic architecture, half-timbered buildings, and famous sights like the Dolder Gate. Another option is visiting Freiburg in Germany, which is home to a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.”

Welcome to Switzerland, the final country on your weeklong journey along the magnificent Rhine. After breakfast, you’ll leave the ship for your transfer to Basel or Zurich airport and return home. If this adventure leaves you yearning for more, AmaWaterways offers many other itineraries with 26 ships cruising through Europe, Africa, and Asia.