Our AmaWaterways Rhine Adventure
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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Our First (But Not Last!) AmaWaterways River Cruise on the Rhine
After working in the travel industry for over 25 years and hearing countless clients return absolutely glowing about their river cruise experiences, I knew it had to go on my personal “must do” list. And finally, in September 2019, we boarded our very first—but definitely not our last—AmaWaterways river cruise, sailing the iconic Rhine River aboard the AmaKristina.
Motion Sickness Fears? I Feel You.
I’ll admit it: I suffer from motion sickness. And while I’d heard time and again that river cruising is totally different from ocean cruising, I still had those nagging questions in the back of my mind: Am I going to have issues? Will I be miserable? Am I making a huge mistake?
Let me tell you—I am so glad I didn’t let those fears hold me back. With my trusty South Moon motion sickness patches tucked behind my ears, I was good to go. If I had let that fear take over, I would have missed out on one of the best ways to experience Europe, hands down.
Our Journey Begins
We kicked things off by flying into Zurich, Switzerland, then taking a scenic train ride to the cosmopolitan city of Basel, where we stayed the night before our cruise. After a leisurely stroll through the city, we found a cozy local pub for dinner and drinks—keeping the night low-key so we could be well-rested for embarkation the next day.
Once aboard the AmaKristina—a beautifully appointed 156-passenger ship built in 2017—we were blown away. The staterooms range from 155–235 sq. ft., with suites offering a generous 350 sq. ft. If you're planning your own trip, consider booking a balcony or French balcony cabin to really soak in the ever-changing scenery. On this itinerary, you’ll glide through six countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Six countries on one river—how amazing is that?
Castles, Culture & Charm
The Rhine winds through steep hillsides, some rising over 400 feet, making perfect perches for centuries-old castles. As you sail, you’ll be treated to one stunning fortress after another—truly a storybook landscape brought to life.
Between dining with fellow travelers, visiting both small towns and big cities, and enjoying guided excursions, this river cruise was everything I hoped it would be—and more.
Excursions We Loved (With Alternatives!)
Note: All excursions are subject to change should AmaWaterways update or revise their experiences.
Breisach: Riquewihr Walking Tour
I’ve never been one to jump at walking tours, but exploring Europe on a river cruise has a way of changing your perspective. Wandering through the cobblestone streets of Riquewihr—with its half-timbered houses, vibrant colors, and centuries-old charm—felt like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale.
Other options available:
- Freiburg Excursion
- Breisach Wine Country Bike Tour
- Black Forest Hike
Strasbourg: "The Gem of Alsace" Tour
I absolutely loved the blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Medieval architecture here. Strasbourg is full of personality and charm, nestled in one of Europe’s most fascinating regions.
Other option: Strasbourg Bike Tour
Ludwigshafen:
Romantic Heidelberg Heidelberg Castle’s sandstone ruins and sweeping views of the Neckar Valley were breathtaking. Bonus: the world’s largest wine barrel—219,000 liters! It’s no wonder this romantic town has inspired artists for centuries.
Other options:
- Secrets of Speyer
- Philosopher’s Path Hike
- Ladenburg Bike Tour
Rüdesheim: Coffee, Gondola, and Wine
As a coffee lover, I had to try Rüdesheimer coffee. Add in a scenic gondola ride and wine tasting, and it was a day made in heaven. I even squeezed in some Christmas shopping at Käthe Wohlfahrt—if you love Christmas, you’ll adore this stop!
Other options:
- Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
- Rheingau Guided Bike Tour
- Vineyard Hike
Lahnstein: Lahneck Castle
Visiting this 13th-century fortress was like stepping back in time. Impeccably preserved and full of history—we both found it fascinating.
Cologne: Kölsch Beer Tasting & Cathedral
We sampled local beers and visited the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral—an architectural masterpiece that even survived WWII.
Other options:
- “Holy City” Walking Tour & Cathedral Visit
- Cologne Bike Tour
Amsterdam: Canal Cruise
Since we had a few extra days in Amsterdam, we opted for the Canal Cruise—because when in Rome, right? Watching the captain navigate those narrow waterways with such ease was truly impressive.
Other option: Jordaan District Walking Tour
Why River Cruising with AmaWaterways?
From top-notch service and immersive excursions to delicious food and wine, comfortable staterooms, and engaging onboard entertainment, AmaWaterways delivers.
If you’re dreaming of Europe and want a more intimate, scenic, and relaxed way to explore it—river cruising is the way to go. Are you ready to sail on Germany’s most romantic river?
Let me help you plan your unforgettable river cruise experience. You’ll be so glad you did!