22 Day AmaWaterways River Cruise from Basel to Paris 2027

Day 1 Basel

Embark on your journey down the Rhine along the vibrant streets of Basel and settle into life on the river. As the ship sets sail, enjoy your first glimpse of Switzerland’s enchanting old towns while meeting fellow travelers at a festive welcome dinner.

Day 2 Breisach

Breisach serves as your gateway to a variety of voyages. Step back in time with a walking tour of Colmar, admiring its 16th-century architecture and spotting a small replica of the Statue of Liberty, or take a more active route by cycling through the countryside or hiking the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region known for its vineyards and unique landscapes. Every option offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and local culture.

Day 3 Strasbourg

Explore Strasbourg, where French and German influences meet, wandering the storybook streets of the UNESCO-listed La Petite France and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For a more active adventure, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie, immersing yourself in its charm and culture.

Day 4 Ludwigshafen

Ludwigshafen serves as your gateway to a day filled with discovery. Explore romantic Heidelberg and its red sandstone castle, hike the Philosopher’s Path for sweeping valley views, or visit the medieval town of Ladenburg along the Neckar River. Alternatively, uncover Speyer’s Romanesque cathedral and Old Gate before sailing to Rüdesheim to enjoy Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or a cup of Rüdesheimer Coffee.

Day 5 Rudesheim

Continue your exploration of Rüdesheim with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue for sweeping river views, followed by a Riesling tasting in the vineyards. Alternatively, hike or bike through the hills and along the Rhine, passing castles and Roman ruins. In the afternoon, cruise through the legendary Rhine Gorge to Lahnstein and visit the medieval Lahneck Castle.

Day 6 Monheim

From the charming town of Monheim, set out to explore Cologne or Düsseldorf. Discover Cologne’s Old Town and its awe-inspiring Gothic Cathedral, home to the relics of the Three Kings, or spend the afternoon uncovering Düsseldorf’s history on a walking or biking tour. Together, these cities showcase a dynamic blend of culture, architecture, and modern life.

Day 7 Amsterdam

Explore Amsterdam your way—by water or on foot. Glide along its famous canals for a close-up view of historic bridges and gabled houses, or wander through the city’s charming streets to sample Dutch specialties at a local bakery. Each path reveals the city’s rich blend of art, architecture, and everyday life.

Day 8 Amsterdam

Discover the legendary Rijksmuseum, home to timeless masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and others. Wander galleries filled with centuries of Dutch artistry, soaking in a refined sense of cultural sophistication.

Day 9 Amsterdam

Begin with an Amsterdam canal cruise before a scenic journey to Kampen, where you can explore Giethoorn’s charming waterways or join a guided bike ride.

Day 10 Kampen

Explore Utrecht your way with a guided walk, a visit to Museum Speelklok, time at Castle Slot Zuylen or an urban bike tour through the city’s lively streets.

Day 11 Ghent

Arrive in Belgium and step into the storybook scenery of Ghent, with its elegant canal houses and medieval spires. Choose to explore Bruges, one of Europe’s best-preserved towns, where cobblestone lanes lead to market squares and the sound of church bells fills the air. Every corner reveals another postcard-perfect scene.

Day 12 Brussels

Discover the beauty and sophistication of Belgium’s capital. From grand squares and Gothic buildings to peaceful parks and modern landmarks, Brussels blends old-world charm with cosmopolitan energy. Indulge in a chocolate tasting or visit the impressive Gaasbeek Castle for a glimpse into the country’s noble past.

Day 13 Antwerp

Explore Antwerp, a city of diamonds, artistry, and maritime history. Admire the striking Cathedral of Our Lady and the lively Grote Markt, or cycle through the city’s stylish neighborhoods. Later, sample local specialties–from Belgian beer to crisp waffles–as the city’s creative spirit surrounds you.

Day 14 Dordrecht

Step into the Netherlands’ oldest city, where waterways weave between historic buildings. Wander Dordrecht’s charming streets or travel to nearby Rotterdam, known for its modern architecture and vibrant harbor. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-listed windmills of Kinderdijk—iconic symbols of Dutch craftsmanship and resilience.

Day 15 Amsterdam

Say farewell to Amsterdam as you travel by rail to Paris, refreshed and ready for the second chapter of your journey. Settle into your stateroom or enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the City of Light.

Day 16 Les Andelys

Perched above the Seine, Château Gaillard evokes the daring legacy of Richard the Lionheart. Hike up from the riverbanks or pedal through Les Andelys, then drift along the meandering Seine, savoring the region’s timeless beauty.

Day 17 Le Havre

Begin your journey in Honfleur, where the harbor and quaint houses once inspired the Impressionists’ masterpieces. Continue to Le Havre, wandering its UNESCO-listed streets or pedaling along scenic routes, and savor the city’s blend of architectural elegance and serene coastal vistas.

Day 18 Le Havre

Let Normandy’s landscapes tell their stories, from the beaches where history was made to the orchards of the Pays d’Auge, rich with cider and Calvados. Discover maritime treasures at the Seine Museum, or admire the quiet cemeteries and wartime relics that mark the bravery of another era.

Day 19 Rouen

History comes alive in Rouen, where cobblestone streets wind past the site of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom and the medieval quarter’s storied squares. Devour Normandy’s delectable traditional foods like chocolate, cheese, and cider, or set off on a guided bike tour before discovering the tranquil elegance of Bonnemare Castle and its poplar-lined gardens.

Day 20 Vernon

Glide into Vernon’s scenic charm before stepping ashore to explore Monet’s world of color and light at Giverny. Delight in the grandeur of Château de Bizy or embrace adventure on a guided bike ride through the countryside, where every vista invites reflection and wonder.

Day 21 Paris

Wander through Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh’s presence still whispers in the attic rooms of Auberge Ravoux, and the village’s quiet charm invites reflection. Delight in the elegant beauty of Château de Malmaison and its famed gardens, or set off on a guided bike ride through Paris’s storied streets. Drift along the Seine on a riverboat, taking in the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Musee d’Orsay, as the city’s bridges and monuments unfold in timeless harmony.

Day 22 Paris

Begin your journey home.