This Cruise is Out of a Fairytale

With AmaWaterways

Author

Ted Blank
July 08, 2026

TED TALKS CRUISES

Today’s Cruise 🚢

⚓ Ted’s Take

  • Perfect for couples, wine lovers, history buffs, and travelers who love charming European villages

  • 11 unforgettable nights

  • Fares start at $4,889 per guest

  • AmaWaterways delivers an intimate luxury river cruise experience with award-winning service, locally inspired dining, and immersive shore excursions

📍Destination: Amsterdam, Netherlands → Basel, Switzerland

🚨 Ted Talk’s Cruises Exclusive Offer

As a Ted Talk’s Cruises exclusive member, your voyage comes with a treat: Shipboard Credit Per Stateroom ($150)

QUIZ

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ITINERARY

Some vacations help you unplug.

This one feels like you've stepped inside a European storybook.

Spend nearly two weeks drifting along two of Europe's most beautiful rivers, where medieval castles crown hilltops, vineyards blanket steep valleys, and centuries-old villages welcome you with cobblestone streets, timber-framed homes, and lively town squares.

Your journey begins in the colorful canals of Amsterdam before following the mighty Rhine into Germany's legendary castle country. Cruise through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, where dozens of castles overlook one of Europe's most scenic waterways, before entering the peaceful Moselle River—a region celebrated for its rolling vineyards, award-winning Rieslings, and postcard-worthy villages.

Along the way you'll discover Gothic cathedrals in Cologne, Roman history in Trier, wine tastings in Bernkastel, and the charming streets of Strasbourg, where French and German cultures blend beautifully.

Between destinations, life aboard your river ship is equally unforgettable. Relax on the Sun Deck as castles drift past your window, enjoy locally inspired cuisine paired with regional wines, or simply settle into a comfortable lounge and watch Europe slowly unfold around you.

From Amsterdam to Basel, every day feels intentionally slower, richer, and more memorable than the last.

This is European river cruising at its finest.

AmaCerto

Voyage dates: Multiple summer dates available

Day 1-2: Board your beautiful river ship in Amsterdam and settle into your stateroom before joining your fellow guests for a welcoming dinner. Your European adventure officially begins tonight.

Day 3: Home to one of Europe's most spectacular Gothic cathedrals, Cologne blends Roman history with vibrant city life. Explore the Old Town, browse local markets, or sample the city's famous Kölsch beer.

Day 4: Lahnstein, Germany. Welcome to the heart of Germany's castle country. Explore historic fortresses, scenic overlooks, and charming riverside streets before returning to the comfort of your ship.

Day 5: One of the Moselle River's true gems, Cochem is famous for its colorful half-timbered buildings, vineyard-covered hillsides, and the magnificent Reichsburg Castle overlooking the town.

Ready to Set Sail?

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WELCOME ABOARD!

  • Spacious staterooms with panoramic river views.

  • Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner.

  • Locally inspired cuisine crafted from fresh regional ingredients.

  • Daily guided excursions, including walking, biking, and cultural tours.

  • Sun Deck featuring panoramic views as castles, vineyards, and charming villages drift by.

  • An intimate ship experience with personalized service and fewer guests than traditional ocean cruises.

Inside AmaCerto

ARE YOU IN?

This trip is definitely for you if you…

  • Dream about wandering through medieval villages and castle-lined rivers.

  • Love European history, architecture, and local culture.

  • Enjoy wine tasting, especially world-famous German Rieslings.

  • Prefer intimate river ships over massive ocean liners.

  • Appreciate slower, immersive travel with plenty of time ashore.

  • Want to experience several countries without constantly packing and unpacking.

The Confident Cruiser Podcast

That’s all for today. For more cruise content, check out The Confident Cruiser Podcast →