ama rhine river cruises

This Rhine River Cruise Took My Breath Away. But Not in the Way I Expected.

Amawaterways’ european river cruise is not what you might think. see if you can keep up..

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The Rhine River is one of the most popular destinations for cruising in Europe.

Photo by Mae Hamilton

• AmaWaterways
• From $3,199

I’m out of breath and panting, somewhere near Heidelberg, a historic German city located near the foothills of the Odenwald. My cycling group and I are pedaling toward Schwetzingen Palace, renowned for its Versailles-like gardens, about six miles away from our ship docked along the Rhine. As I pause in the middle of a cornfield, all my group mates are but a glimmer of silver hair in the distance.

“Don’t worry,” the wellness instructor says sympathetically. He had stayed behind with me so I wouldn’t get lost. “Some of these older people have been cyclists for years.”

“They’re in such better shape than I am!” I say. He gives me a look. “Well, yes.”

Amawaterways’ Captivating Rhine itinerary takes cruisers through several exciting destinations including Cologne, Germany, which is known for its UNESCO-protected cathedral.

It’s day five of AmaWaterways’ seven-night “ Captivating Rhine ” cruise. I’m sailing from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, on the 156- passenger AmaLucia, which was christened in 2022. One of the newest ships in the company’s fleet, it offers two dining options (a main restaurant and the dinner-only Chef’s Table, which seats 32 guests), a spa, a walking track, and complimentary beer and wine.

But what distinguishes AmaWaterways from the seemingly endless array of Rhine River cruises is its wellness program and active excursions. It’s no secret that river-cruise passengers tend to be older, but this company is a go-to for those who like to start the day with vigorous bike rides and cap it off with a vineyard-side wine tasting. To that end, each ship has an onboard wellness instructor who organizes daily activities, including yoga, cardio workouts, and dance classes. Passengers can borrow bikes at no charge for use on land. AmaWaterways also offers shore excursions, ranging from a gentle cable car ride over vineyards to a Black Forest hike.

Toward the end of my trip, I sat on a stoop enjoying a mango gelato after a long walking tour of Riquewihr, a fairy-tale medieval French town. I had sweated my way down the Rhine for the past week, but it was exactly the kind of vacation I needed. For someone like me, whose mind is constantly racing with worries, staying active allowed me to be more present and connected—even when I was being shown up by people twice my age. Those moments in a new destination, when the responsibilities dissipate, make travel—and the sweat—so rewarding.

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11 Most Memorable Experiences On My AmaWaterways Rhine River Cruise

• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• River Cruises
• Types of Travel

The Rhine River is the setting for one of Europe’s most popular river cruise itineraries. Typically sailing the length of the river between Amsterdam and Basel, these enchanting Rhine River cruises visit the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. This memorable journey of discovery is a rich cocktail of delights perfectly suited for those who love spectacular scenery, history, culture, wine, and outstanding cuisine.

Cruises along the legendary Rhine are filled with centuries-old castles, Gothic cathedrals, terraced vineyards, storybook villages, meandering canals, and culinary delights. There’s so much to see and do along this route, as I was able to experience recently with AmaWaterways . The award-winning, family owned and operated cruise line is celebrating its 20th anniversary and offers highly immersive river cruises on many of the world’s most scenic waterways, including the Rhine. 

AmaWaterways invited me to be their guest to sail their 7-night Captivating Rhine itinerary from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, on their newest ship, AmaLucia . This floating luxury boutique hotel is filled with amenities, including a panoramic lounge, an expansive sun deck with a pool and walking track, complimentary bicycles, and daily wellness activities. All accommodations are spacious outside staterooms, and the majority have AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies. AmaLucia also offers multiple connecting cabins as well as triple and quad accommodations, which are ideal for families and multigenerational groups.

Our sailing offered a wealth of opportunities to be immersed in the history, culture, and landscapes of Europe. All 21 enriching excursions offered on our AmaLucia voyage were included in the cruise fare, and two to four tours were available in each port of call. This luxury of choice is particularly appealing for those traveling with family members or a group of people who may have different interests and activity levels. Guests can explore at their own speed, with most walking tours available at gentle, regular, and active paces. Guided hiking and biking excursions are also featured. The tour options were excellent, and I often wished I could clone myself so I could experience multiple tours offered simultaneously.

My AmaWaterways Rhine River cruise was filled with so many fabulous moments that it’s hard to pick favorites. Here are 11 of my most memorable experiences:

1. Marveling At Castles Along The Rhine

Sailing through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, a roughly 40-mile stretch between Koblenz and Rüdesheim, was an unforgettable highlight of my Rhine river cruise. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic castles , palaces, fortresses, and legends. 

Standing on AmaLucia ’s sun deck, I was mesmerized by the awe-inspiring scenery complete with picturesque towns, hillside vineyards, and 30 stunning castles and fortresses lining the river. Our knowledgeable cruise manager provided expert commentary on the Upper Middle Rhine Valley’s castles, the area’s stories and legends, the massive Loreley Rock, and the iconic statue that bears the siren’s name. The crew made the experience even more memorable by serving Rüdesheimer coffee (more on this adult beverage later) and an elaborate barbeque lunch on the sun deck.

Pro Tip: Get AmaWaterways’ Castle Cruiser map and plan to be up on the top deck early before your ship starts sailing past the first castle. Double-check the exact timing with your cruise manager so you won’t miss a moment of this experience.

2. Savoring Exceptional Cuisine

AmaWaterways is known for delivering memorable dining experiences , and it is a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious invitation-only culinary organizations. 

I was impressed with the consistently high quality of our meals and the personalized, attentive service on the AmaLucia . AmaLucia’s dining areas include the Main Restaurant, the panoramic Al Fresco Terrace, and the elegant Chef’s Table complimentary dining venue. The Chef’s Table is a reservation-only gourmet culinary experience featuring an exquisite multi-course tasting menu paired with complimentary wines. The Main Restaurant serves three mouthwatering meals daily, with menus featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and regional cuisine, including exceptional meats and seafood. Wines, beer, and soft drinks are complimentary with meals, and a tapas menu is available in the lounge. 

The AmaLucia staff did an excellent job dealing with food allergies, and they surprised their guests with unannounced treats like gelato parties and other delights during our cruise. 

Pro Tips: Make reservations for The Chef’s Table at the reception desk on embarkation day.

3. Strolling And Shopping In Strasbourg

I fell in love with this “Gem of the Alsace,” a historic city that blends both French and German cultures. Strasbourg’s Grande-Île, an urban island created by a tributary of the Rhine and a canal, is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobblestone streets, enticing shops, and sidewalk cafes. 

I enjoyed visiting centuries-old Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral, with its magnificent astronomical clock; sampling Alsatian cuisine; and strolling through the enchanting Petite France district, with its quaint half-timbered buildings and flower-bedecked bridges. Shopping at boutiques along the Rue du Dôme, the Rue des Juifs, and in Petite France was a treat.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to go shopping, take your passport with you for possible value-added-tax refunds if you might make large purchases in one or two stores. A photo of your passport often works.

4. Watching The World Go By

Some of the best moments of my AmaWaterways river cruise were spent on our ship, simply relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. It’s rare to have this kind of pleasurable downtime, and our floating luxury hotel provided front-row seats for the Rhine’s spectacular show. 

My AmaLucia stateroom featured AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies, providing beautiful views from both the French balcony and a full-size veranda equipped with comfortable chairs. 

AmaLucia ’s sun deck is another great place to watch the Rhine’s ever-changing landscapes. The sun deck offers loungers in both sun and shade, and a large seating area at the bow is equipped with comfortable couches, tables, and chairs perfect for taking in the panoramic scenic views.

Pro Tip: Have breakfast or lunch at the Al Fresco Terrace at least once during your cruise. The views are amazing, and it’s a choice spot to watch your ship pass through the Rhine River locks.

5. Enjoying Rüdesheim After Dark

Rüdesheim am Rhein is one of Germany’s most picturesque wine areas. Guests can soar above the vineyards on a gondola ride to the hilltop Niederwald Monument, join a wine tasting, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet museum, and take a guided biking or hiking tour. 

I enjoyed sampling local wines and viewing the terraced vineyards, but one of my favorite experiences was exploring Rüdesheim after dark. This quaint town comes alive at night. We strolled around the Old Town and down Drosselgasse, a narrow cobblestone street lined with restaurants, wine bars, taverns, and boutiques. Our group listened to live music and visited the Rüdesheimer Schloss for authentic Rüdesheimer coffee , a potent beverage made with local Asbach brandy and sugar and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It was an enchanting evening.

Pro Tip: AmaWaterways provides free tourist train rides for easy access to Rüdesheim’s Old Town area. Wear sturdy shoes, since the cobblestone streets can be hilly and uneven.  

6. Interacting With Our Fantastic On-Board Community

AmaLucia offers an environment of casual luxury, along with an incredibly welcoming staff. It was fantastic to spend time relaxing on board and enjoying the ship’s amenities, exceptional cuisine, personalized service, and vibrant onboard community. 

The AmaWaterways team created fantastic camaraderie on our cruise, encouraging close interaction with staff members and other guests. Guests come together to share stories at mealtimes and get to know each other better on shore excursions. We had fun with new friends in the evenings, enjoying the entertainment and dancing the night away in the Main Lounge and at parties on the sun deck.

Pro Tip: Plan to be at the ship’s daily Sip & Sail happy hour in the Main Lounge. It’s a great place to meet and mingle with other guests, and complimentary wine, beer, and spirits are served.   

7. Exploring Historic Heidelberg

Our included tour of beautiful Heidelberg was a fabulous experience. This well-preserved city is set along the scenic Neckar River and is home to Germany’s oldest and most renowned university. We started by taking a guided visit through the ancient ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a royal Renaissance palace built with stunning red sandstone. The world-famous fortress towers above the Neckar Valley and its cellars contain the Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel. After touring the castle, we had plenty of time on our own to explore the Old City with its countless shops and boutiques, stroll along the waterfront, and relax at an outdoor café while sampling German beers.

Pro Tip: Walk across Heidelberg’s Old Bridge to enjoy dazzling views of iconic Heidelberg Castle, the Old City, and the Neckar River.

8. Amping Up Wellness And Staying Active

Most AmaWaterways river cruise ships have a professionally trained Wellness Host on board who leads complimentary yoga, Zumba, and other fitness activities throughout the journey. Active shore excursions, including guided bike tours and hikes, are also offered in ports of call. Guests who prefer riding in their spare time rather than taking a biking excursion can use AmaLucia ’s complimentary bicycles. 

I loved AmaLucia ’s activities and yoga classes and discovered flexibility I didn’t know I lacked. As a result of the superb wellness programs on AmaLucia , my husband and I have taken up yoga at home.

Pro Tip: AmaWaterways also offers very reasonably-priced massage services on their ships, and guests raved about their treatments. Make your appointments at the reception desk on embarkation day.

9. Cruising Along Amsterdam’s Canals

Amsterdam is home to 165 canals, and a scenic canal cruise along these tree-lined waterways is a fantastic way to see the city’s centuries-old historical center and beautiful attractions. There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam, so plan to spend several days here before or after your cruise. During our extended time in Amsterdam, we took a fabulous canal tour and visited the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Floriade Expo, a world-renowned horticultural exhibition occurring once each decade. 

Pro Tip: AmaWaterways offers immersive, fully-escorted land packages in Amsterdam and Switzerland on their Rhine voyages. Guests highly recommended these convenient river cruise extensions.

10. Discovering Enchanting Riquewihr

Surrounded by lush vineyards, idyllic Riquewihr is one of the most beautiful towns in France. Straight out of a fairytale, Riquewihr is a medieval French village said to have inspired animators creating Belle’s hometown in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast . This storybook village is filled with postcard-perfect half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, charming shops and cafés, and structures dating back to the 13 th century. Riquewihr is known for producing outstanding wines, such as its exceptional riesling. We enjoyed relaxing at a delightful outdoor café and sampling local treats here.

Pro Tip: Riquewihr’s cobblestone streets can be uneven, and there’s a tourist train available if preferred. Make sure to try Les Macarons de Riquewihr at Maison Alsacienne De Biscuiterie . They’re delicious!

11. Chilling Out In The Pool

When choosing your river cruise ship, consider the amenities that would make your vacation more pleasurable. Europe’s summers are often hot, so spending time in the pool is appealing. AmaLucia ’s sun deck features a lovely outdoor pool , and I was thrilled to kick back and cool down there during our cruise in July. Aqua aerobics are also offered here. The ship’s pool is heated, so it can still be wonderful to enjoy in the spring and fall.

Pro Tip: Head up to the pool in the evening. It was a fantastic place to relax while watching the sunset, then sit at the swim-up bar while stargazing later at night.

For more along the breathtaking Rhine River, check out:

• 10 Fairytale Castles To Experience On Germany’s Middle Rhine
• 11 Reasons Why We Love River Cruises In Europe
• Danube River Cruise Vs. Rhine River Cruise: 7 Key Differences

Nancy is founder of the Family Travel Network, launched in partnership with America Online. She serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association and is a consultant and frequent presenter at top travel industry conferences and events. Nancy is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association. She was honored with the Family Travel Association's Mike Janes Media Member Award in 2022.

Storybook Castles and Villages—I Sailed the Rhine on AmaWaterways' Newest Ship

Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

• Pros & Cons
• Facts & Features
• Who It's Best For
• Itineraries & Ports of Call
• What's Included
• Ship Layout

Stateroom Types

• Where to Eat & Drink
• On-Ship Activities & Entertainment
• Off-Ship Activities & Excursions

The Bottom Line

After pandemic-induced delays, family-owned river cruise line AmaWaterways had a big year in 2021, debuting three new ships to its international fleet, including the AmaSiena, sister to the AmaLea and AmaKristina, which was christened on Europe’s Rhine River in August 2021. I had the chance to sail the new vessel on its first sailing. Here's what I thought.

Pros and Cons

• Excursions are included
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Free bicycle rentals
• Alcohol isn't included outside meals
• No room service
• Limited activities and entertainment

Facts and Features

• Size: 443 feet long by 38 feet wide
• Maximum Guest Capacity: 156
• Number of Crew: 51
• Decks: 4 available to guests

This Ship Is Best For... Couples

As a California-headquartered cruise line, AmaWaterways typically attracts a North American clientele, which holds for the AmaSiena’s passengers. And as with most European river cruises, the demographic skews towards older couples with a moderate activity level (many guests take advantage of the complimentary bicycles available at every port, for instance). That’s not to say that friend groups or multi-gen families wouldn’t enjoy sailing—several cabins do have connecting doors. But there aren’t many activities for children, so younger kids might find the experience a little dry. Overall, the ship has an atmosphere of laid-back luxury.

Itineraries and Ports of Call

The AmaSiena’s home river is the Rhine in Europe. She frequently sails seven-night itineraries between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland, sailing through Germany’s scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with castles. Ports of call include Cologne, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, and smaller picturesque towns throughout the Alsace region of France and the Black Forest region of Germany. On some days, guests have a choice of excursions to different towns in different countries, so it’s best to do a little research before making your selection—you often will only have time for one, as they’re usually a bus ride away. The ship also sails seven-night itineraries through Holland and Belgium.

What’s Included

• Meals (with house beer and wine)
• Daily “Sip and Sail” cocktail hour
• Bicycle rentals
• Alcohol (outside of meals and cocktail hour)
• Spa/beauty treatments

The Ship's Layout

There are four publicly accessible decks on the AmaSiena. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. The next deck is the Cello Deck, home to staterooms and the main restaurant, followed by the Violin deck, with more staterooms, reception, the lounge, a gift shop, and the Chef’s Table restaurant. Most of the public areas are forward of or just behind the central atrium, which houses the elevators, though the Chef’s Table, which is all the way aft. Up top is the open-air Sun Deck, where there’s a running track, a small pool, loungers, and a smoking area. Note that the Sun Deck is only accessible via stairs, not the elevators.

AmaSiena has 78 staterooms across nine room types, each of which can have the bed configured as a queen or two twins. They’re all exterior cabins decorated in the ship’s signature red-and-gray color palette, equipped with hairdryers, safes, telephones, TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, a desk and chair, and a (somewhat cramped) en-suite bathroom with a shower. Here’s what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most.

Categories D/E

These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. If you don’t plan on spending much time in your room, these categories will do just fine, but be forewarned—part of the fun of the Rhine itineraries is sitting outside watching the castles and locks go by. There’s always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though.

Categories CA/CB

These small staterooms on the Cello and Violin decks have French balconies—that is, the floor-to-ceiling window-door slides open entirely. CA cabins (170 square feet) have a small seating area, but CB cabins (155 square feet) don’t. 

Categories BA/BB

These 210-square-foot cabins offer guests AmaSiena’s signature double balconies; one true balcony with two chairs and a small table and a French balcony right beside it.

Categories AA/AB

These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet.

The four 350-square-foot suites have separate living and sleeping spaces, the former of which has a pull-out sofa that can accommodate two extra guests. The bathroom is far more spacious than in other cabins with a double vanity and a tub.

Where to Eat and Drink

All meals are included on AmaSiena. There’s just one main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves an ever-changing menu inspired mainly by local cuisine—think semmelknödel , or bread dumplings, while sailing through Germany might be paired with a local beer or wine. (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfast—otherwise, alcohol is à la carte. But during meals, the waitstaff is quick to refill your glass!) Both lunch and dinner are multi-course affairs—there are multiple options per course—though portions are reasonably small to account for all the dishes. Because of COVID-19, tables were assigned, though it’s open seating in standard times.

There’s also the Chef’s Table, a 32-seat specialty restaurant with a panoramic view from the ship's stern that serves a five-course tasting menu. One dinner here per sailing is included for all guests, but you need a reservation.

Light bites are served throughout the day in the lounge; there are pastries for early or late risers who miss breakfast, tapas for lunch, afternoon tea, a Sip & Sail cocktail hour (alcoholic beverages are complimentary), and a late-night snack served at 10:30 p.m. You can also access a complimentary coffee station here 24/7.

On-Ship Activities and Entertainment

As most of your daylight hours—and sometimes evening hours—will be spent off the ship, AmaSiena offers limited onboard activities. There are fitness classes (during COVID times, these were provided outdoors, weather permitting, rather than in the fitness center), massages and beauty treatments in the one-room spa and salon, a small pool, and an outdoor giant chess set. Otherwise, you’ll have plenty of time for peaceful contemplation in the lounge. So, yes, you should bring a book. There’s usually a musical performance after dinner in the lounge in the evenings.

Off-Ship Activities and Excursions

All excursions are included for guests on the AmaSiena, and while there’s a range for all types of travelers, Amawaterways as a company offers more active excursions than its competitors. At every stop, there’s almost always a general walking tour (guests can choose their activity level: active, regular, or gentle), as well as specialty options like beer or wine tastings, hikes and bike tours, or unique visits to museums. Typically, there’s just one excursion per day, but in some ports, there are nighttime ones; on our sailing, we had the option to leave the ship after dinner in Rüdesheim, Germany, to sample the local coffee or visit a music museum.

Many of these excursions only occupy a portion of your time in port, so there’s usually time to explore on your own after a tour, too. You can also venture off without officially joining an excursion—bicycles are available to borrow any time the ship is docked, and you can always use your own feet or a taxi to get around. There is, however, an exception when it comes to DIYing your own itinerary. In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. In that case, it’s best to pick an excursion to hitch a ride. Once at your destination, you can speak with your guide about going off solo—just make sure you don’t miss the ride back to the ship.

AmaSiena joins AmaWaterways’ legacy of upscale yet relaxed river cruises that cater to more active couples or mature multi-gen groups. The ship primarily sails the Rhine River through Western Europe, whisking guests to fairytale-esque towns and historic cities. As with most river cruises, onboard activities are limited, as the focus is on excursions. In the case of AmaWaterways, and the AmaSiena in particular, bike tours are a highlight. However, there’s always plenty of flexibility while in port for adventures, from wine tastings to museum visits.

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7 Best Cities on the Rhine River: Stops On An AmaWaterways Cruise

T his past Christmas season, my husband and I explored some of the best cities on the  Rhine River with AmaWaterways . Our ship, the AmaMora, sailed from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands on an 8-day cruise. We visited everything from delightful small towns to bustling big cities. 

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

The Rhine River winds its way from Switzerland to the Netherlands, and there are many river boat tours that make their way along the route. Sailing on the river is a lovely way to see medieval towns and historic buildings from the comfort of a single accommodation.

If you are looking for a cruise that travels through the Rhine Gorge, visits charming towns, and shows you all the joys of river cruising, then an AmaWaterways Rhine River Cruise is for you.

Best Cities on the Rhine River Cruise You Won’t Want to Miss

Whether your journey begins or ends in Basel, be sure to spend some time exploring the 3rd-largest city in Switzerland. Basel is known for its museums and architecture and as a starting point for many Rhine cruises.

While in Basel you can visit the Kunstmuseum Basel (the city’s art museum), take a city walking tour , or go shopping.

We enjoyed fondue dogs and rösti at Basel’s Christmas market in Barfüsserplatz. There are several markets throughout the city, so plan to explore them all if you have time.

Our European river cruise began in Basel, but on the first day, we took a bus to the Swiss city of Lucerne (which isn’t on the Rhine River). We spent our day trip to Lucerne walking around the old town, learning about the city’s history, and exploring the local Christmas markets. 

The town occupies an idyllic spot on the shores of Lake Lucerne and is surrounded by the Swiss Alps, including Mount Pilatus, which is just under 7,000 feet tall. If you have time, you can ride the cogwheel train or cable car to the top for epic views.

We didn’t have time, so we explored the Dying Lion Monument (a stone lion carved into the side of a rock to honor Swiss mercenaries killed in the 18th century), walked on the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke – which is featured in just about every photo of Lucerne), and admired the architecture of the Old Town. There were several Christmas markets throughout town that we enjoyed.

We would recommend a traditional Swiss lunch at  Restaurant Fritschi  before returning to the ship.

3. Strasbourg

Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and is one of my favorite cities in the  Alsace   region. It’s home to the European Parliament and the famous Parc de l’Orangerie. The day we visited with AmaWaterways it was snowing, and it seemed straight out of a fairy tale!

Our first stop was the Strasbourg Cathedral , also known as the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This impressive Gothic structure dates to the 15th century.

Inside you will find stunning stained glass windows, a massive organ, and an astronomical clock that dates to the Renaissance period. For panoramic city views, head up to the platform. (Note: this may be closed due to inclement weather).

Afterward, we strolled through La Petite France, a neighborhood known for its charming half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and local shops and cafés. We shopped at some of the local Christmas markets and grabbed delicious treats – bredele and mulled wine (highly recommend)!

Part of Strasbourg’s charm is found in wandering through its streets. Allow some time to visit all of the nooks and crannies before returning to the ship. This was one of the best cities on the Rhine River for exploring on our own.

If your cruise offers, be sure to take the evening trip to Gengenbach to see the world’s largest Advent calendar. The charming town sits on the edge of the Black Forest and its advent display is stunning.

4. Heidelberg

I was thrilled to  visit Heidelberg , as it rained for two days straight the last time we visited. This time we enjoyed a beautiful sunny day. Technically, Heidelberg isn’t on the Rhine River (it’s on the Neckar), but it was part of our cruise.

Heidelberg is one of the crown jewels of Baden-Württemberg in Germany. The city houses the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg University, and one of the  coolest castles in Europe , Heidelberg Castle.

Our first stop was the castle, an imposing fortress that towers over the city and sits upon Königstuhl Hill. Originally, it was two castles, an upper and a lower, but in 1537 a lightning bolt destroyed the upper castle. Not to worry, this is still a massive complex of red sandstone ruins to explore. 

Take time to walk through the castle grounds and former garden, find the Heidelberg Tun (the world’s largest wine barrel), and the pharmacy museum.

If you are exploring on your own, we highly recommend a guided walking tour . Be sure to check out the panoramic views from the observation terraces.

After spending time in the castle, make your to the Old Town (Altstadt). This can be reached by stairs or funicular.

In the charming Altstadt, you can see the famous Old Bridge, meander through Marktplatz, and if you have enough time, make your way to the Philosopher’s Walk (a walking path on the other side of the Neckar River).

We had enough time to enjoy a meal in the city center and walk along the main pedestrian shopping street, Hauptstrasse. Our favorite Christmas market is the one in Karlsplatz.

5. Rüdesheim 

A stop in Rüdesheim offers a variety of opportunities for exploring this wine-making region.

The town is known for its Rheingauer riesling and Rüdesheimer coffee (made from 3 sugar cubes, coffee, and Asbach Uralt brandy). AmaWaterways had both a wine tasting and coffee tasting the night of our arrival in the city. Wine lovers will enjoy the riesling, but I chose the coffee and was not disappointed!

During the day, my husband and I split up and tried different activities. He chose the gondola ride over the vineyards and a hike. I chose to explore the Christmas markets, wandering along Drosselgasse (the main street) and shopping for souvenirs. It was also an option to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, but we opted to skip that.

That afternoon, our cruise ship traveled along the stretch of the Rhine known as the Rhine Gorge, Romantic Rhine, or Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This popular destination is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In this area, the banks of the Rhine are dotted with over 40 castles, all in different states of preservation. We saw Burg Rheinstein, Katz Castle, Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, and Klopp Castle to name a few.

In the evening, we visited  Lahneck Castle , a 13th century medieval castle overlooking the Rhine and Lahn rivers. This was our favorite excursion on the trip. Visiting a castle at night gives off all sorts of spooky vibes and amazing photo ops.

We had a tour with one of the docents and learned about the castle’s connections to the Knights Templar and Idilia Dubb, a Scottish girl who disappeared in the castle while on a family holiday in 1851.

​ It’s difficult to miss the city of Cologne, with the Cologne Cathedral dominating the skyline. We arrived in the city on the Saturday before Christmas, and to say it was crowded is an understatement. 

We had an amazing city tour and kölsch beer tasting organized by AmaWaterways. Afterward, we spent time exploring the city’s Christmas markets and touring inside the cathedral.

Don’t miss the Heinzels Wintermärchen, dedicated to house elves. It has unique souvenirs, an ice skating rink, and some delicious  Christmas market foods .

Cologne is one of the largest cities on the Rhine along with Strasbourg and Rüdesheim. This makes it a great option for shopping.

Other places in Cologne that are worth visiting if you have extra time include the  Lindt Chocolate Museum  or taking a  kölsch brewery tour .

7. Amsterdam

​ Amsterdam was the final stop on our river cruise and a perfect place to wrap up our holiday travels. We planned an extra day here after the cruise ended to make the most of our time in the city.

AmaWaterways had arranged for a guided tour that took us through the city and included a stop at a local café. We sampled authentic Dutch apple pie , which honestly does not taste anything like the American version.

At its conclusion, we walked on our own to the  Anne Frank House for a tour . **Note: Be sure to make your reservations in advance.**

We spent an extra day exploring Amsterdam, visiting the Van Gogh Museum, and wandering through the Jordaan District. 

Unfortunately, the Amsterdam Christmas market scene is not like the German one. There are many holiday decorations throughout the city, but the markets are few and far between. If you plan on souvenir shopping in the markets, we recommend doing so in Germany or France.

Conclusion: Best Cities on the Rhine River

These were some of the best cities on the Rhine River that we saw on our AmaWaterways cruise. If you’re traveling this route during the Christmas season, you are in for a magical experience! 

The post 7 Best Cities on the Rhine River: Stops On An AmaWaterways Cruise appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

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Overview Captivating Rhine

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : amsterdam to basel, cruise from :, countries: france, germany, netherlands, switzerland france, germany, netherlands, switzerland, rivers: rhine, captivating rhine at a glance.

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Rhone River Cruise Review: AmaWaterways Colors of Provence

Our Colors of Provence cruise with AmaWaterways was a vacation for the books! We saw incredible French towns and cities we may not have otherwise visited, sailed a wonderful route on a beautiful ship, and have everlasting memories from the excursions and time spent with fellow guests during our Rhone River cruise. 

If you’re considering this route, our review shares essential info you need to know, including overall information about where the cruise sails and what it's like to sail the Rhone , French ports on the itinerary with some excursions information, about AmaKristina river cruise ship, a general idea of the French food and wine you'll taste, engineering highlights like river locks, and answer FAQs about a river cruise in Provence. 

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We thank AmaWaterways for hosting us. We truly only recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Overall Region Where You Sail During a Colors of Provence River Cruise 

When you sail the Colors of Provence itinerary with AmaWaterways, you travel on the Rhône River in the South of France. 

You can sign up for a cruise sailing from Lyon to Avignon, north to south, or select the opposite direction from Avignon to Lyon, south to north. The only difference between them is the river cruise ship's direction and the order of the towns you visit; the itinerary and towns you stop at are the same. 

The Rhone River is around 500 miles, but you only sail a portion of it during this AmaWaterways 7-night river cruise. Mile marker “0” (zero) on the Rhone River is at the Confluences in Lyon, which you sail past during the cruise. The Confluence is the point where the Rhone and Saone rivers converge. 

Tip : During your free time in Lyon, you can visit the Museum of the Confluences and its adjacent modern neighborhood where the Rhone and Saone Rivers converge.

French Port Cities during a Colors of Provence River Cruise with AmaWaterways

You'll sail to and visit lovely French cities and villages on this itinerary, including Lyon, Beaujolais, Vienne, Tournon and Hermitage, Avignon, and Arles.

Excursion options range from food market tours to city walking tours, moderate hikes, wine tastings, and bike tours.

➤ Read Our Extensive AmaWaterways Colors of Provence Excursions Review

France tourism and the river cruise guests.

France is the most visited country in the world. 90M people visit a year, so if you go on a river cruise on the Rhone with AmaWaterways, you’ll be one of them! 

While 180M tourists in France are French people discovering their own culture (because the different areas of France vastly vary from one another), most of the fellow cruisers onboard AmaKristina were American and British. But don’t be surprised if you encounter a lot of French tourists while you’re in ports during a Provence river cruise. 

The official language in France is French, though most people speak English in the country, particularly if they’re in a tourism-related industry. 

French people are very friendly, especially in Provence. Actually, we have found that most French people outside of Paris (which is most of the population of France), no matter where we have traveled, from Normandy to Bordeaux, to the South of France, and Provence, make fun of Parisians as if they’re their own French breed.

While we have always had positive experiences with French people, including Parisians, you may have heard “rumors” that French people are rude. If so, don’t believe them. They are lovely people. 

About AmaKristina River cruise vessel

The ship is lovely and the staterooms are beautiful. One of the most impactful visions of the ship is when you enter and see the circular elevator flanked by two winding staircases.

The dining room on the ship is very nice, with booth seating and tables. There are semi-private rooms as well for groups. The common spaces, including the lounge areas and a small library and bar, are great places to relax after a day in port or to enjoy entertainment like listening to the piano player.

Another favorite area of AmaKrisitna is the Sundeck, which has an outdoor pool and pool bar for when the weather is nice. The ship also has a fitness room with assorted workout equipment, including weights, and a track around part of the Sundeck.

Sailing on the Rhone River Aboard AmaKristina

An AmaKristina Provence river cruise review is incomplete without a mention of what it’s like to sail on the Rhône River. 

We were excited to sail once the time came to leave Lyon. It was worth the wait because it was a gorgeous afternoon to sail. The sun was shining, and the skies were blue as we pulled away from the port, turned away from the attractive Pont d’Universite bridge, and sailed south. 

The next afternoon, we enjoyed a beautiful sail through the Rhone River valley after our morning in Vienne. During our October cruise, we sailed past hillside vineyards, castles, and gorgeous foliage turning from green to yellow. 

We also passed pretty towns, like the town of Saint Vallier.  

France’s Rhone River proved pretty to sail, just like the Danube River , which runs through various European countries. 

Scenery During a Rhone River Cruise

We mostly sailed during the evening and overnight on the ship, but there was an afternoon or two we cruised. The scenery is beautiful on the Rhone River. You see some houses along the waterfront, and it’s so pretty to see the landscape as you pull into the next port. 

French Wine and Food on a River Cruise in France on the Rhone River

During an AmaWaterways Colors of Provence river cruise, you may crave French wine and food. After all, depending on the direction you sail, it starts or ends in France’s culinary capital: Lyon! 

There is a nice variety of cruise excursions you can choose from that focus on French food and wine. Onboard, you’ll find French wine and some French-inspired food options here and there. 

You will not feel immersed in French cuisine when you sail on this cruise, like during a land trip to Provence. That’s generally true of most cruises, whose cuisine needs to cater to a broad audience. 

For us, the cruise is what brought us to the region. But for a truly French experience in the culinary sense, we recommend booking some restaurant experiences on your own in addition to the excursions offered.

The best thing to do is extend your river cruise for time on land with a pre or post-cruise extension. Dan and I did this, and it’s when we really immersed ourselves in French cuisine. 

In addition, as we explain in more depth below, be sure to go on the Paul Bocuse Les Halles Market Food Tour in Lyon if you’re an epicurean or even the slightest bit interested in French food and drinks. It’s an included tour option on the AmaWaterways Colors of Provence cruise.

Wine Production in the Rhône Region 

France is the only country in Europe that is self-sufficient in basic food production. While only 4% of the country’s residents work in agriculture, France is the third largest wine producer in the world. In recent years, Spain and Italy have taken the top spots. 

The third largest wine region of the 14 in France is the Rhône area, which has 175K acres of vineyards. These vineyards yield 7% of French wines. Bordeaux is one of the largest regions, with 300K acres of vineyards. 

French Cheese 

During our cruise, we learned that the French consume over 50 pounds of cheese per person per year. They eat a lot of bread and pastries too, but they remain a “slim” nation with a relatively low obesity rate.

While AmaWaterways offers some cheese onboard, we found it wasn’t as authentic as the cheese you can get on land. If you want to taste French cheeses, sign up for a food tour before or after the cruise in Lyon, or make sure you take the Les Halles Food Market tour excursion in Lyon or stop at a local market in any French town while the cruise ship is docked to purchase some. 

The best is if you can find a French cheesemonger and ask about the cheeses, then decide what you want to purchase. You are allowed to bring the cheese onboard, and there is a refrigerator in each cabin. 

We recommend getting a baguette from town if you bring cheese onboard. Baguettes are less than €1 per piece at any market or supermarket you visit in France. Our favorite grocery shop in France is Carrefour; most any sizable French city has one. 

Dan and I enjoyed our own little happy hour on the ship once or twice during the cruise, complete with French groceries we bought while in port – cheese and bread included.

Engineering Highlights via Locks and Power Plants During a Rhone River Cruise

The Rhone River became navigable for modern ships in 1981. The Colors of Provence river cruise traveled 600 feet during the journey, including 12 locks. 

The rate of ascent or descent (depending on the direction your cruise is traveling) is approximately one foot per minute. It takes around 30 minutes to travel through one lock. The biggest lock we experienced during the Colors of Provence river cruise dropped us 75 feet (12m).

If you love science, you’ll be intrigued to know that the cruise passes three nuclear power plants. Nuclear power is the primary way most of the towns in Provence get power. 

Water Levels During Our AmaWaterways Rhone River Cruise in France

One of the things to know about river cruising is that the river's water levels affect whether or not you can sail. Sometimes the water can be too high, making sailing impossible because the ship cannot pass under the low-clearance bridges along the route. Other times, the river’s water levels may be too low to sail because there is insufficient water beneath the boat and the riverbed.  

If there is a challenge regarding the river levels, AmaWaterways will do everything possible to maintain the schedule and all the excursions guests expect to go on. 

Schedule Adjustment to Avoid the Lock Workers Strike

Another unexpected Rhone River challenge had nothing to do with water levels; it had to do with the locks being affected by a strike! During the cruise, the captain smartly adjusted our day's schedule in Tournon to avoid the lock workers' strike.

If you’ve been to Europe, you probably know strikes are common. During previous trips in recent years, we were affected by a Lufthansa airline strike before our barge cruise with European Waterways and again for our Bordeaux summer river cruise with Viking. 

Luckily, AmaWaterways knew a lock workers strike would affect the fifth day of our cruise. Because they knew this beforehand, the captain, Cruise Director, and crew planned accordingly. 

They changed our sailing time to work around the lock strike, and none of our tours were affected! The only difference was our all-aboard time one day and where we got back on the ship in Tournon. AmaWaterways handled it beautifully! 

Pivoting in Tournon Because of the Strike 

As soon as the guests disembarked AmaKristina in Tournon, the ship sailed away to make it to the next location. This smart move was the captain’s solution to deal with the strike and stay on course for our Colors of Provence itinerary. 

As such, the guests boarded buses to reach the boat from Tournon after our morning tours; the ship was further along the Rhone River after our excursions than where we disembarked that morning.

We took a 45-minute bus ride to reach the ship, which was nothing compared to what could have happened had the ship been unable to navigate two locks before the strike. 

The crew and our Cruise Director were outstanding at pivoting and adjusting the cruise schedule accordingly to minimize the strike's impact. The change included more logistics and coordination than most guests probably realized. 

While the AmaWaterways crew and officers couldn’t control the strike, they managed how they handled it. They were true professionals in keeping us informed and planning for a forthcoming strike. 

Because of this, the guests hardly noticed an impending strike that could have very much affected the cruise.

AmaWaterways Colors of Provence Cruise FAQs

Do you see lavender fields on this cruise .

Provence is well known for its colorful lavender fields. We did not sail during the time when the flowers bloom. Thus, we did not see lavender fields at all. We did see plenty of souvenirs available with lavender motifs and scents, though! Lavender appeared on hand towels, as soap scents, and in sachets. 

While our minds immediately went to purple lavender fields coating the area when we first considered a Colors of Provence cruise (in fact, “purple” was the color that came to mind), AmaWaterways does not — to our knowledge — offer tours that take guests to lavender fields, even if they’re in bloom. 

The highlight is the small towns and cities you visit in Provence, not far from the Rhone River, not necessarily the countryside. 

Though you may see lavender fields in the distance if you sign up for this cruise during the summer season, which would be similar to our experience passing some tulip fields during our river cruises in The Netherlands during spring or sunflower fields during our summer river cruise in Bordeaux , do not count on it. 

If you want to be sure you’ll see lavender fields during a summer vacation in Provence, extend your cruise with a land trip before or after the journey to venture into the countryside. 

Can you buy Herbs de Provence during the cruise and then travel home with the spices? 

We love cooking. That’s why we had to get this herb blend during our Colors of Provence river cruise! Finding Herbs de Provence blend in most of the towns we visited was easy. The spice blend includes rosemary, thyme, basil, marjoram, parsley, tarragon, and other spices.

It was most affordable at grocery shops in the bigger cities where we could find them and packaged in nice bottles, good enough gift. We loved going to the Carrefour grocery store whenever we could, like in Lyon. The alternative is finding the herbs at specialty upscale spice towns in old town centers or in souvenir shops that sell a variety of keepsakes and trinkets. 

And yes, we could pack the herbs in our carry-on luggage or checked bags without a problem and bring them back to the United States. 

Is the Colors of Provence cruise itinerary worth it in the fall? 

YES! We loved our AmaWaterways Colors of Provence cruise on the Rhône River. Our experience on AmaKristina during this time of year was incredibly memorable. The temperatures were perfect, and we lucked out with sunshine almost daily. 

Another fun perk of a fall river cruise in the South of France was the breathtaking autumn colors in the vineyards. We didn’t see grapes on the vines because the workers harvested them by October. But we saw how beautiful the fall colors can be when you look out on the expanse of vineyards that this cruise brings you to in beautiful French port cities.  

Colors of Provence Rhone River Cruise Conclusion 

The cities we visited during this tour and AmaWaterways's service — especially in guided tours and their ability to pivot during a strike — were standouts. In a year that happened to have taken us to the South of France multiple times, this was a phenomenal conclusion to our three cruise vacations in a charming country. 

The region's colors were beautiful, from the river to the buildings and shops. The Colors of Provence itinerary is an unforgettable river cruise that everyone should sign up for if they have the chance!

Ready to Book Your Cruise or INquire?

Use our preferred travel advisors, bolds travel, because….

• They take away the hassle of travel planning : time spent on the phone with the cruise line could be time you spend doing other things.
• You don't pay them a dime : their service is free (this is because they get paid by the cruise line or destination).
• Their experience: They have decades of experience and attention to detail.

Read this next:

• AmaWaterways Food and Drinks Review
• Colors of Provence River Cruise Excursions Info
• Helpful Things to Know Your First Time on a River Cruise

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Rhone River

Rhone River cruises explore the beautiful Provence region in southern France. Often, sailings of the Rhone are paired with sailings of the Saone River, which runs through the Burgundy region.

The price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals and beverages, onboard entertainment and guided sightseeing.

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