Delight in the enchanting landscapes, iconic landmarks, and majestic mountains along the Rhine River as we voyage through four beautiful countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Our AmaWaterways river cruise unveils fairy-tale castles, vineyard-covered hillsides, and picturesque village squares. From our Chef’s Table dinner experience aboard the ship to our canal cruise in Amsterdam to the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks, every experience is something special to remember.
An optional pre-cruise extension in Lake Como is available (details below).
August 17-25, 2026
Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport
- Seven-night luxury river cruise in a French balcony cabin; upgrades available to twin-balcony staterooms
- 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 the Chef’s Table Restaurant
- Private Our State farewell cocktail reception
- Private, exclusive Our State excursion that is not offered to other passengers
- Choice of included excursions at every port
- Bicycle rentals aboard the ship
- Fitness classes with on board instructor
- On board entertainment featuring local performances
- Our State and AAA hosts
- Airport transfers
- Port fees and taxes
Itinerary Highlights:
- Exclusive Burg Lahneck Castle evening tour
- Gondola ride and wine tasting in Rüdesheim
- Full-day Lake Lucerne excursion with private lake cruise
- Strasbourg’s “La Petite France” walking tour
- Cologne Old Town walking tour
- Amsterdam canal cruise
- Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet in Rüdesheim
- “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion
- Scenic Rhine Gorge cruising — 40 castles along the riverbanks
Optional Lake Como Pre-Cruise Extension:
- Three nights’ accommodations
- Three breakfasts
- City walking tour
- Lake cruise to Bellagio
Our Ship: AmaSerena
Reminiscent of a classic ocean yacht, AmaSerena glides regally down Europe’s great rivers. Her tastefully refined staterooms are appointed with granite desks, marble bathrooms with soothing multi-jet shower heads, and, in most cabins, 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 a fleet of complimentary bikes to use on shore. Each night, the stunning Main Lounge provides an exhilarating backdrop for enjoying performances by local entertainers.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart the U.S.
Monday, August 17, 2026
Cruise-only travelers depart Raleigh-Durham International Airport for Basel, Switzerland.
Day 2: Arrive in Basel, Switzerland
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Fly into Basel, Switzerland (cruise-only travelers). You will be greeted by AmaWaterways representatives and transferred to the AmaSerena. Settle into your stateroom, meet fellow travelers (including those from the pre-cruise Lake Como extension), and enjoy a welcome drink and hors d’oeuvres. Tonight, join us for our private Our State welcome dinner at the Chef’s Table Restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Basel, Switzerland
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long 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. In the afternoon, visit a local winery to sample Swiss wines, embark on an exhilarating hike, or tour Wildegg Castle, a fortress built by the Habsburgs in the early 13th century with a 3,300-square-meter garden. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day excursion to Lucerne to explore its medieval towers and take a private lake cruise.*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Strasbourg, France
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the 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 5: Ludwigshafen • Rüdesheim
Friday, August 21, 2026
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions:
- Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask.*
- Join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- 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.
- Pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops.
Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and 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: Rüdesheim • Rhine Gorge • Lahnstein
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards and drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal.* 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, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle.*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Cologne
Sunday, August 23, 2026
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.* Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Amsterdam
Monday, August 24, 2026
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise.* Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafés.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Departure
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
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
*These are designated Our State excursions, but you are welcome to choose whichever excursion you like.
Tour Rates:
| Category | Cabin Type | Rate (Double/Single Occupancy) |
| SS | Suite — French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 300 sq. ft. | Double: $9,885 Single: $18,283 |
| AA | French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. | Double: $8,585 Single: $12,134 |
| AB | French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft. | Double: $8,385 Single: $11,834 |
| BB | French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft. | Double: $7,985 Single: $11,234 |
| C | French Balcony, 170 sq. ft. | Double: $7,385 Single: $10,334 |
Lake Como Pre-Cruise Extension With Guided Tours:
Three nights in Lake Como (pre-cruise): $1,830 per person (double occupancy), $2,940 (single occupancy)
Day 1: Departure
Friday, August 14, 2026
Depart from Raleigh-Durham International Airport for your overnight flight to Milan.
Day 2: Arrive in Milan
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Arrive at the Milan airport and travel to Lake Como to check into your hotel.
Day 3: Lake Como
Sunday, August 16, 2026
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
Day 4: Bellagio
Monday, August 17, 2026
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
Day 5: Travel to Lucerne • Embarkation
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Check out of your Lake Como hotel and transfer via motor coach to Lugano, where you will board a train to Lucerne. Once in Lucerne, be treated to an orientation tour of the beautiful city and enjoy lunch on your own before driving to Basel, where you will embark your ship for your Rhine River Castles and Swiss Alps cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
For Reservations & More Information:
Alex Kantor, CTA
AAA Travel
(919) 832-0543, ext. 16607
axkantor@acg.aaa.com
Our State Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps Cruise – Registration Form
For more information on physical requirements and what to expect on an Our State trip, click here.
