Delight in the enchanting landscapes, iconic landmarks, and majestic mountains along the Rhine River with Our State and AmaWaterways Cruise Line as we cruise through four beautiful countries: the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Our journey takes us past fairy tale castles, historic vineyards, and picturesque villages as part of this spectacular Rhine River cruise. From our Chef’s Table dinner experience on board the ship to our canal cruise in Amsterdam to the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks, this is a trip of a lifetime.
August 17-25, 2025
Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport
- Seven-night cruise in a French balcony cabin; upgrades to veranda cabins available
- 20 regionally inspired meals: seven breakfasts, six lunches, and seven dinners
- Regional wines and beers with dinners
- Cocktails included one hour before dinner each night
- Private Our State welcome dinner at Chef’s Table Restaurant
- Private Our State farewell cocktail reception
- Private, exclusive Our State excursion that is not offered to other passengers
- Choice of excursions at every port
- Bicycle rentals aboard the ship
- Fitness classes conducted by an onboard fitness instructor
- Onboard entertainment featuring performances by local entertainers
- Our State host
Itinerary Highlights:
- Amsterdam canal cruise
- Private Chef’s Table dinner experience on board the ship
- Cologne, Germany, guided tour through the enchanting Old Town
- UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks
- Rüdesheim, winemaking hamlet
- Heidelberg, Germany, perfectly preserved medieval city in the Neckar River Valley
- Strasbourg, France, with the iconic “La Petite France” section of town
- Basel, Switzerland, an important university city and banking and trade center
- Lucerne, Switzerland’s, Lion Monument
- Swiss Alps – stunning views
Our Ship: AmaVenita
Reminiscent of a classic ocean yacht, AmaVenita glides regally down Europe’s great rivers. Her tastefully refined staterooms are appointed with granite desks, marble bathrooms with soothing multi-jet showerheads, and most have refreshing twin balconies so you can enjoy fresh air and scenic views.
The inviting Main Restaurant accommodates both those wishing to socialize and those seeking a more intimate meal. Dedicated wine tables for groups feature a veritable rainbow of patterns reflecting the diverse cruisers and cultures you’ll be introduced to on your cruise.
In addition to AmaWaterways’ signature exquisite, locally sourced cuisine, you’ll find a massage and hair salon, gift shop, specialty coffee station, walking track, heated pool, fitness room, and, of course, a fleet of complimentary bikes to use ashore. Each night, the stunning Main Lounge provides an exhilarating backdrop for enjoying performances by local entertainers.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Departure
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Depart RDU for an overnight flight to Amsterdam.
Day 2: Arrive in Amsterdam
Monday, August 18, 2025
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be greeted by AmaWaterways’ representatives, who will escort you to your transfer to the AmaVenita. Once on board, take some time to acquaint yourself with the ship, meet fellow travelers, and enjoy a welcome drink and hors d’oeuvres. Later this evening, join the group for our private welcome dinner at the Chef’s Table Restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Amsterdam
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. As you glide along the waterways, you’ll see the city from a different perspective. Amsterdam’s canals were built during the 17th century to enhance the city’s transportation and trade. Nowadays, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite attraction for visitors to the city. The canal cruise will take you past some of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks, like the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the charming canal-side houses with their unique gables. You’ll also get to experience Amsterdam’s vibrant atmosphere as you pass by bustling cafes and restaurants. Later in the day, set sail from Amsterdam.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Cologne
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fischmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century; and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Rhine Gorge • Rüdesheim
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink in the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, then join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Ludwigshafen
Friday, August 22, 2025
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or pedal along the Neckar River to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Strasbourg
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Basel
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. An important university town and banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square, and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France, and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to see its Lion Monument — the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 — which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Departure • Extensions Begin
Monday, August 25, 2025
Today, our journey comes to an end. After breakfast, we will be transported to the airport to board the plane back to RDU.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Rates:
Category | Description | Based on double occupancy |
SS | Suite — French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 300 sq. ft. | $9,299 |
AA | French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. | $7,999 |
AB | French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. | $7,799 |
BA | French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft. | $7,599 |
BB | French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft. | $7,299 |
C | French Balcony, 170 sq. ft. | $6,699 |
Pre- and Post-Cruise Extensions With Guided Tours:
Two nights in Amsterdam (pre-cruise): $830 per person
Three nights in Lake Como (post-cruise): $1,650 per person
Take advantage of the optional pre- and post-cruise extensions, led by our experienced cruise director. The Our State host will only be joining you on the post-cruise extension.
Amsterdam Pre-Cruise Extension:
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges, and distinctive architecture.
Meals: Breakfast
Monday, August 18, 2025
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses, and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lake Como Post-Cruise Extension
Monday, August 25, 2025
Disembark the ship and transfer to Lake Como, Italy, stopping in Bellinzona, Switzerland along the way, where you will enjoy a brief tour and free time for lunch. Once in breathtaking Lake Como at the foot of the Alps, check into your hotel for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
You will be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean’s Twelve and Casino Royale.
Meals: Breakfast
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views, whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture uphill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio’s restaurants before returning to the boat.
Meals: Breakfast
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Bid farewell to Lake Como and prepare for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
For Reservations & More Information:
Alex Kantor, CTA
AAA Travel
(919) 832-0543, ext. 16607
axkantor@acg.aaa.com
Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps River Cruise Registration Form
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