Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A cruise down the Rhine River is no less than magical, which is why it’s one of the most popular river cruise itineraries among savvy travelers. From the colorful city of Amsterdam to the historic city of Basel, AmaWaterways’ AmaMora cruise will reveal the beauty and history of the Rhine in luxury.
Unpack once, relax and enjoy the wonders that await you. The 156-guest ship features spacious balconies, exceptional cuisine and a wide variety of amenities such as complimentary bicycles, fitness classes and guided tours of each scenic port of call. With all of these attributes, it’s no wonder that AmaWaterways is a consistent winner of the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best River Cruise Line.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
First stop: Amazing Amsterdam
Amsterdam remains one of Europe’s most beloved destinations. There’s no better way to explore it than from the comfort of your ship, which is docked within walking distance to the city center. You can meander through its picturesque streets on foot or enjoy its beauty from a canal boat tour through the city’s many scenic waterways.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
The warmest of welcomes
Picturesque vistas from your balcony and various onboard amenities are certainly a joy on your AmaWaterways cruise. That being said, the exceptional care and attention that the staff lavish on each passenger will definitely stand out as one of the highlights of your cruise experience.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Steps away from one of Germany’s most visited landmarks
Your AmaMora floating hotel docks just 10 minutes’ worth of walking away from Cologne’s city center and the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, which ranks as one of Germany’s most visited landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral (whose construction began in 1248) is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. Its impressive square attracts locals on family outings, as well as visitors from around the world.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Fresh from the sea
No matter what your tastes or dietary requirements, you’ll be amazed at the variety of exceptional cuisine offered on board the AmaMora. Seafood lovers will delight in the array of fresh “fruit of the sea” choices available at each meal.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Yoga with a view
Chances are you never enjoyed a yoga workout with such an awe-inspiring view. AmaMora offers a daily wellness program which includes yoga, core strengthening and stretching classes. They’re all offered on the top deck of the ship, weather permitting, so you can work out to your heart’s content while history passes you by.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Historic castles of the Rhine Gorge
One of the most memorable experiences of this cruise is sailing down the Rhine Gorge, the most famous stretch of the Rhine River, where no less than 30 castles or castle ruins are to be found in this short area of river valley – more than anywhere else in the world!
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Castle parade
You won’t be able to put down your camera while you sail down the Rhine, as photo-worthy castles appear at every bend in the river. This is an example of one of dozens of castles you will experience as you cruise the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (Rhine Gorge). This region was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, based on its unique combination of historical, cultural and geological attributes.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Bikers’ delight
In many of AmaMora’s ports of call, there will be an option to experience the destination by bike. Grab a helmet, water and preferred bike, and prepare to explore cities and countryside from a distinctively unique point of view: on two wheels!
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
The romance of Heidelberg
A visit to Germany is not complete without a tour of the picturesque city of Heidelberg. Your tour takes you to the historic medieval castle of the same name, with spectacular views from its hillside perch down on the city below. The university, founded in 1386, is Germany’s oldest and one of Europe’s most reputable centers of learning. Another option for those who have already visited Heidelberg is a tour to the fascinating city of Speyer, founded by the Romans and one of Germany’s oldest cities.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Perfect choice for multi-generational travel
Did we mention that kids are welcome onboard AmaWaterways? Age limits do vary depending on the cruise selected, but the option to bring children and grandchildren aboard makes this cruise line a perfect choice for multi-generational travel.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Explore the other side of Rüdesheim
The quaint town of Rüdesheim on the Rhine is known for its highly picturesque town center, most famous of which is the Drosselgasse, a charming lane lined with restaurants, shops and wine-tasting alcoves.
If you’re looking for a more bucolic experience, take the marked path out of town on the wine trail, and hike up to wonderful views over the riesling grape vines that line the hills. A cable car ride from the town center leads you over the vineyards to the famous Niederwald Monument, which affords sweeping views over the Rhine Valley.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
A shopper’s delight
In between all the cultural experiences you’ll enjoy along the Rhine, you’ll have numerous opportunities to shop both on board your ship as well as in all the towns and cities you visit along the way. Seize the moment to come home with unique souvenirs of your memorable adventure.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Immerse yourself in one of Europe’s most picturesque cities
After an evening cruise down the Rhine, wake up in the morning in the town of Strasbourg, France, one of Europe’s most picturesque medieval cities. Its monumental cathedral is awe-inspiring, inside and out. Thanks to the richness and sheer density of its heritage sites, Strasbourg’s entire town center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have a full day to explore its charms and history.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Visit the Gothic masterpiece of the Strasbourg Cathedral
While the Strasbourg Cathedral’s exterior is a feast for the eyes in its own right, make sure you take the time to step inside to tour its interior. Considered one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture in Europe, the historic, artistic details of this structure will astound you. The intricate and vibrant stained glass windows date from the 12th to 14th centuries and are truly a sight to behold.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Step back in time in Riquewihr, France
AmaMora docks along the Rhine in Breisach, Germany, which serves as a launching point for a variety of excursions to several destinations. These include the 12th-century German city of Freiburg, the fabled towns of the Black Forest and the utterly charming Alsatian village of Riquewihr. Officially named one of the most beautiful villages in France, Riquewihr gives the visitor a real feeling for how a village in this wine-growing region would have looked 400 years ago.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Fairy tale villages
On your excursion through the vineyards and villages of Alsace, you’ll marvel at the colorful scenes that look as if they come from the pages of a Grimm’s fairy tale book.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Final port of call: Basel, Switzerland
Your final port of call on this Rhine cruise is the historic city of Basel, Switzerland, where you’ll find a unique urban style coupled with a rich history and culture. This charming city is located on the shores of the Rhine River and is a popular destination for AmaWaterways passengers to extend their voyage of discovery to include tours of this picturesque city before their departure home.
Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona
Adieu to a perfect cruise
The final day of the cruise is a nostalgic one, as guests raise a glass and say goodbye to friends made onboard and prepare to return to their everyday lives. There is no doubt that the stellar experiences lived onboard the AmaMora will remain in the guests’ memories, as it will in ours!
