TravelOnly with Ken will be hosting a Rhine river cruise from July 18 to July 28, 2026
TravelOnly with Ken will be hosting the “Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles" river cruise, including a Lake Como pre-extension, with AmaWaterways - July 18 to July 28, 2026. We are accepting bookings now. Special offer ends on OR BEFORE June 30, 2025 based on sales and cabin availability. See more pricing information below.
Why Rhine River Cruise
The Rhine is one of Europe's most iconic rivers, and it's loaded with culture, fairy-tale castles, and charming towns, scenic wine regions, and a mix of multiple countries, all in one trip!
Why Traveling in July
Warm, sunny weather: Ideal for walking tours, castle visits, and outdoor cafes along the Rhine. It is also a great time to visit Lake Como for boat rides and lakeside dinners.
Long daylight hours: More time for sightseeing and gorgeous evening views
Lush scenery: The vineyards and countryside are in full bloom
Festivals and local events: Many towns host summer markets and music events
Trip Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the itinerary from Neil Dudley, AmaWaterways' Business Development Manager:
Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.
Cruise Ship - AmaSerena
Explore AmaSerena: https://www.amawaterways.ca/ships/amaserena-river-cruise-ship
Pricing
TravelOnly With Ken Pricing Per Person Based on Double Occupancy:
- This special offer ends on OR BEFORE June 30, 2025. Contact TravelOnly with Ken to discuss options. Pricing and availability are based on stateroom category availability at the time of booking and are not guaranteed until a deposit is placed. Due to high demand, stateroom availability may change before updates are reflected above.
- The deposit is C$500 per person, with C$250 refundable if cancellation is made 121 or more days before departure.
- Final payment due 90 days before sailing.
What's Included
Limited Time Perks
- Gratuities are waived (around C$330 per person)
- Additional 5% savings on the cruise fare portion (around C$270 per person, LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE)
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
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Land Program (if selected)
- 3 nights hotel in Lake Como, including tours and daily breakfast
- Transfer from Lake Como to Basel via train
What's Not Included
International Flights
- AmaWaterways offers flight services through AmaAir, providing competitive pricing. Purchasing AmaAir includes airport transfers to and from the airport. If you arrange your own flights, airport transfers is not included. Contact us for more details.
Paid Facilities & Amenities
- Services such as massages, hair salon treatments, onboard laundry etc. are available for an additional fee.
Some Meals on the Land Portion
- All meals are included during the river cruise portion. While some meals are included during the land portion of the itinerary, some may not be. It's advisable to review the daily itinerary below for specific meal inclusions.
Visa / ETA / ETIAS
- Travellers are responsible for obtaining any necessary entry requirements. Contact us for more details.
Travel Cancellation, Interruption, and Medical Insurances
- Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances. You can purchase insurance independently or through TravelOnly with Ken.
- AmaWaterways offers Travel Waiver Plus, a cancellation for any reason protection (C$175 per person), which allows travellers to cancel the trip up to 31 days prior to start of AmaWaterways services. If a cancellation is made within this timeframe, a Future Cruise Credit covering the cancellation penalties is provided, and any remaining balance is refunded based on AmaWaterways' official Travel Waiver Plus policy.
Itinerary
Day 1 (July 18, 2026 Pre-Cruise Extension)
Arrive in Lake Como, Italy
Arrive in Lake Como and check into your hotel.
Day 2 (July 19, 2026 Pre-Cruise Extension)
Lake Como
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. (Breakfast is included)
Day 3 (July 20, 2026, Pre-Cruise Extension)
Lake Como - Bellagio
Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, . This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio’s restaurants before returning to the boat. (B)
Day 4 (July 21, 2026, Cruise Embarkation)
Lake Como - Bellinzona - Basel, Switzerland
Check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, be treated to a Bellinzona orientation tour. Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles cruise. (B,D)
Day 5 (July 22, 2026, Cruise)
Basel, Switzerland
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, 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, you may opt to visit Lucerne with a full-day excursion. In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of Swiss wines or venture to the powerful Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. (B,L,D)
Day 6 (July 23, 2026, Cruise)
Strasbourg, France
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 fairytale. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 (July 24, 2026, Cruise)
Ludwigshafen, Germany
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled 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 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 (July 25, 2026, Cruise)
Rudesheim, Germany
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. (B,L,D)
Day 9 (July 26, 2026, Cruise)
Cologne, Germany
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. (B,L,D)
Day 10 (July 27, 2026, Cruise)
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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 cafes. (B,L,D)
Day 11 (July 28, 2026, Cruise Disembarkation)
Depart Amsterdam
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
