Exclusive Wine Cruise Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise) Nov 19 - 26, 2025

Hosted by Mark A. Newman, CEO of Accolade Brands Inc. & SteakHouse Vineyards - Santa Lucia Highlands, CA

Mark A. Newman is CEO of Accolade Brands Inc. & SteakHouse Vineyards. In addition to producing wine in California, Mark also has produced wine in the Loire Valley in France called Perle de Mer Muscadet. Additionally, Mark has recently judged with Gambero Rosso for the prestigious Tre Bicchieri awards in Rome, Italy.

In his over 40 years in the wine industry, he has owned the largest wine & spirits retail chain in Arizona, held key California winery positions as well as senior level executive positions in the wine distributing business. He received his education at the University of Southern California and is a member of several wine industry trade groups. Mark was inducted into the prestigious Commanderie de Bontemps du Medoc et Graves recognizing his years of dedication to the Bordeaux wine industry, and is Maitre-Conseil of Gastronomy, an honor bestowed by the French Minister of Agriculture, a member of the Society of Wine Educators. Mark has judged the Los Angeles International Wine Competition for 26 consecutive years, and he also judges the California State Fair, the San Diego International Wine Competition, and the San Diego Toast of the Coast Competition.

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in the many flavors of Europe on one of AmaWaterways unique Wine Cruises, which let you add a unique, epicurean dimension to one of our European itineraries. Like our standard river cruises, guests have the opportunity to join tours that highlight the famous sights in each port of call. These special itineraries, however, offer guests a perfect blend of wine-related experiences and excursions in grand capitals and charming towns. You’ll taste local cuisine, discover how wine is made and, of course, partake in tastings — all at no additional cost. Whether you have a seasoned appreciation for fine wine, or simply indulge in a sip here and there, this is a wonderful way to uncork the traditions of the local culture and learn about the region you’re visiting.

About the Wine Region – The Rhine

The Rhine along with its main tributaries—the Moselle and Main—have created a wine connoisseur’s paradise, which can be discovered on our Europe’s Rivers & Castles, Enchanting Rhine, Captivating Rhine and Rhine & Moselle Splendors itineraries.

The Upper Middle Rhine’s slate soil combined with a semi-continental climate have proven to be a recipe for wine-growing success for the Rheingau vineyards, yielding high-quality white wine varieties, and some fine reds.

Overview Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise)

Choose your Itinerary:

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 2 Nights Zurich, 2 Nights Lucerne Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

Cruise From: Basel to Amsterdam

Your 7-night cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll visit Strasbourg in Alsace and the historic university town of Heidelberg before sailing the stunning Rhine River Gorge, lined with ruins of medieval castles and fortresses. After experiencing Cologne and its majestic Gothic cathedral, conclude your cruise in the grand capital of Amsterdam.

COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

RIVERS: Rhine

Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise) At A Glance

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Limited Edition tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Basel to Amsterdam

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Day 1

Basel

EMBARKATION; Welcome Dinner

Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2

Breisach

Riquewihr excursion

OR Black Forest excursion

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

You have three exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town renowned for its historic architecture and its Riesling wines. A second option is a walking tour of the beautiful towns of Breisach and Freiburg, where you will visit the historical city center and Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Or for a more active option join a bike tour of Breisach. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Strasbourg

City tour

OR Old Town bike tour

Alsatian wine tasting

The capital city of France’s Alsace region, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. Here you will enjoy either a panoramic bus tour that will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, explore on foot with a walking tour of the lovely “La Petite France” neighborhood, where you will see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. As an alternate choose from one of two active tours; an Old Town bike tour or a Strasbourg hike. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. The ship departs tonight for Mannheim. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Ludwigshafen

Heidelberg excursion

OR Speyer excursion

OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

OR Ladenburg Bike Tour

Rüdesheim

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

Arrive in Mannheim, where you have a choice of one of three excursions this afternoon. Your first option is a half-day excursion to the historic university town of Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. Or, for your second option, enjoy a hike up the Philosopher's Path up to a panoramic view point of Heidelberg. Your third option is a city tour of Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the medieval Altpörtel (Old Gate). Continue on to Rüdesheim, where tonight you can choose from either a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum or a Rüdesheimer Coffee excursion. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Rüdesheim

Gondola ride and wine tasting

OR Ehrenfel’s Castle Hike

OR Rheingau bike tour

Rhine Gorge

Evening walk

Lahnstein

Evening walk

Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues this morning with your choice of one of three excursions: a gondola ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue followed by a wine tasting with a local vintner; a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to one of Germany's best wine regions; or a guided hike to Ehrenfel’s Castle. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous and charming street, a narrow passage lined with shops and taverns. Late risers can skip the gondola ride and still participate in the wine tasting if they’d like. This afternoon, your ship departs for Koblenz and cruises through the Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, with hillsides dotted with fairy-tale castles. After arriving in Koblenz, your Cruise Manager will take you on a walking tour through this charming town. The ship moors here overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Cologne

OR Cologne bike tour

OR Cologne Bike tour

The ship cruises to Cologne today, where you will have a choice of tours. The first is an afternoon walking tour that includes the Old Town, Cathedral Square, and the city’s majestic Gothic cathedral. The second option is a Kolsch Beer and local specialties tasting, and the third is a guided bike tour of the city. The ship departs this evening for Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Amsterdam

Canal cruise and city tour

OR Jordaan Tour*

OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

After arriving this afternoon, your discovery of Amsterdam begins with a panoramic city tour of famed landmarks and photo opportunity at a Dutch windmill, followed by a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous house where Anne Frank once lived in hiding during WWII. Afterwards you’ll walk to Begijnhof, known for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and have some free time to explore. Alternatively, you could opt for a tour of the Jordaan District, or join an Amsterdam Jewish Heritage excursion. The ship moors here overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Amsterdam

DISEMBARKATION

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Basel to Amsterdam

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Day 1

Basel

EMBARKATION; Welcome Dinner

Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2

Breisach

Riquewihr excursion

OR Black Forest excursion

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

Day 3

Strasbourg

City tour

OR Old Town bike tour

Alsatian wine tasting

Day 4

Ludwigshafen

Heidelberg excursion

OR Speyer excursion

OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

OR Ladenburg Bike Tour

Rüdesheim

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

Day 5

Rüdesheim

Gondola ride and wine tasting

OR Ehrenfel’s Castle Hike

OR Rheingau bike tour

Rhine Gorge

Evening walk

Lahnstein

Evening walk

Day 6

Cologne

OR Cologne bike tour

OR Cologne Bike tour

Day 7

Amsterdam

Canal cruise and city tour

OR Jordaan Tour*

OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

Day 8

Amsterdam

DISEMBARKATION

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Included Features Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise)

Choose your Itinerary:

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 2 Nights Zurich, 2 Nights Lucerne Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
Fitness room
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Local Flavors tours
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration

Dates & Prices Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise)

Notes:

ImportantDates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price)€195 per person.

Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin fare; Suites 100% of twin fare. Please see terms below for details.

Single Supplement for Land€512 per person.

BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions:

All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise and includes port charges. Fares do not include flights or transfers. Flights are available on request, please call for details. Any offers shown are valid on select sailings only and are combinable with all past guest programmes and guest service certificates, but not combinable with any other offers or promotions. Solo guests must pay an additional solo supplement before receiving any savings. Fares and offers are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Land programmes, transfers, round-trip airfare, and gratuities are additional. Other restrictions may apply. Please see our brochure or website for full Terms & Conditions.