FAMILY ITINERARY: Rhine River Cruise

A storybook journey through Switzerland, France, Germany & the Netherlands

This trip is ideal for families who want to see a lot without unpacking a lot.

If your crew loves culture, scenery, and hands-on experiences—but you don’t want to juggle hotels, trains, or logistics—this is your sweet spot.

It’s especially great for families with older kids who are curious, adventurous, and ready to experience Europe beyond theme parks. (Kids as young as 5 can go, but it’s best suited for 8+)

---

📋 AT A GLANCE:

Trip Length: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Airport Transfer: Arrival: Basel Airport (BSL) • Departure: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). All transfers handled for you
On-Site Transport: Luxury river ship, walking tours, bicycles, canal boarding, we’ll get more into it)
Where to Stay On-property: Elegant river cruise ship with balcony or window staterooms
Activity Level: 🟡 Medium
Estimated Budget: 💲💲💲 (splurge)

---

Travel Logistics

• Best time to go: Late spring through early fall for comfortable weather and lively towns

• Airport: Fly into Basel, return home from Amsterdam (no backtracking required)

• On-property vs. off: No car needed—transportation, excursions, and transfers are all included

• Pro Tip: Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and a small daypack go a long way.

Where to Stay

You’ll sail aboard a luxury AmaWaterways river ship (AmaLucia, AmaSiena, or AmaStella), each designed for comfort without feeling stuffy. Staterooms feature balconies or large windows, and ships include a sun deck with a heated pool, fitness room, spa services, and plenty of cozy spaces to relax between ports. With only 156 guests onboard, it feels intimate, calm, and incredibly easy for families.

Where to Eat

• Two onboard restaurants serving regionally inspired cuisine

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

• Casual tapas and snacks available throughout the day

• Kid-friendly options and flexible dining that works around excursions

• Food allergies and preferences are handled thoughtfully in advance

Rhine River Cruise Itinerary

Check-in Day

Disney resorts are SO fun- I highly recommend arriving as early as your family can handle so that you can enjoy the bubble as much as possible. Here are some fun things you can do on your first day:

• Shop & eat at Disney Springs

• Take advantage of complimentary water park entry, if that’s offered.

• Enjoy your own resort. Many of them will have a scavenger hunt, and they all have fun pools and good food.

• Visit other resorts— like the Campfire Sing-a-Long at Fort Wilderness or take a bus to the Magic Kingdom & ride the monorail and visit the gorgeous deluxe resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Day 1: Basel, Switzerland

• Morning: Arrive in Basel and transfer directly to the ship

• Afternoon: Settle into your stateroom and explore the ship

• Evening: Welcome reception and Captain’s dinner onboard

Day 2: Alsace Region (France)

• Morning: Choose between the Black Forest adventure or a castle tour with a medieval village visit

• Afternoon: Enjoy lunch during your excursion and soak in the countryside

• Evening: Dinner onboard with scenic cruising views

Day 3: Strasbourg

• Morning: Canal boat ride through Strasbourg or a canoe trip through the old city

• Afternoon: Macaron-making with the chef or explore historic wine cellars

• Evening: Relaxed dinner and onboard entertainment

Day 4: Heidelberg

• Morning: Guided tour of Heidelberg Castle with a costumed historian

• Afternoon: Free time or optional museum visit

• Evening: Dinner onboard and storytelling with fellow travelers

Day 5: Rüdesheim & Rhine Gorge

• Morning: Bike through wine country or explore town at your own pace

• Afternoon: Wine tasting or gondola ride to panoramic viewpoints

• Evening: Iconic Rhine Gorge castle cruise with commentary and tasting

Day 6: Cologne

• Morning: Walking tour plus your choice of chocolate museum, fragrance museum, or pub culture experience

• Afternoon: Scenic sailing toward Amsterdam with onboard snacks and activities

• Evening: Farewell cocktail party and dinner

Day 7: Amsterdam & Countryside

• Morning: Canal cruise and museum visit (Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, or Rembrandt House)

• Afternoon: Countryside excursion to Volendam or Zaanse Schans windmills

• Evening: Dinner onboard

Day 8: Departure

• Morning: Breakfast onboard

• Afternoon: Transfer to Amsterdam Airport for your flight home

TIPS & TRICKS

• Afternoons are intentionally slower on river cruises—use that time to rest, swim, or enjoy the views.

• You don’t need to overpack entertainment. Between onboard activities, guided excursions, and downtime on the ship, kids stay surprisingly engaged. A book or journal is plenty for quiet moments.

• Balcony rooms are worth it for families who need decompression time. Even 10 minutes of quiet river-view downtime can reset everyone before the next activity.

• Let the guides do the heavy lifting. Adventure Guides handle logistics, pacing, and crowd flow—follow their lead instead of trying to “optimize” every moment. This is where the ease really shows up.

• The Rhine Gorge castle cruise is the don’t-miss moment. Grab a spot on the sun deck early, bring a light layer, and treat this as your “wow” experience rather than planning anything else that evening.

Is a Rhine River cruise the right trip for your family?

A Rhine River Cruise is one of those rare trips where everyone gets something out of it—history for the curious kids, beautiful scenery for the adults, and a pace that doesn’t leave anyone exhausted. You’re moving through Europe without the constant packing, planning, or decision fatigue, which means you can actually be present for the experience instead of managing it.

If you’ve been dreaming about Europe but waiting for the “right” way to do it as a family, this is a really good place to start.

Ready to make this dream river cruise a reality?  Let’s talk.