Outlander Travel

Cruise Starts: Basel, Switzerland  – November 11, 2019
Cruise Ends:  Amsterdam, The Netherlands – November 18, 2018

Duration: 7-night cruise on the ship AmaMora on the Rhine River, with AmaWaterways

DETAILED CRUISE ITINERARY*

Day 1, EMBARK THE SHIP IN BASEL
Board your luxurious river cruise ship, the AmaMora. Meet your fellow passengers tonight at the welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2, BREISACH, GERMANY
Today’s excursions…

• Riquewihr excursion
• OR Freiburg excursion
• OR Breisach wine country bike tour
• OR Black Forest excursion

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

Day 3, STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Today’s excursions…

• “The Gem of Alsace” tour
• OR Strasbourg bike tour

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, 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. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Day 4, LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY
Today’s excursions…

Ludwigshafen

• “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion
• OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike
• OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour

Rüdesheim

• Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum
• OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three 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 be rewarded with 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 Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

Day 5, RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY
Today’s excursions…

Rüdesheim

• Gondola ride and wine tasting
• OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour
• OR Vineyard hike

Rhine Gorge

• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B,L,D)

Day 6, COLOGNE, GERMANY
Today’s excursions…

• “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit
• OR Kölsch Beer tasting
• OR Cologne bike tour

Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000 year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)

Day 7, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Today’s excursions…

• Canal cruise tour
• OR Jewish Heritage tour

Eclectic Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jewish Heritage tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum chronicling the history of the Jews in Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 8, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark your ship (B).

*INCLUDED MEALS NOTED AS (BREAKFAST = B; L= LUNCH; D= DINNER) INCLUDED DAILY EXCURSIONS ARE NOTED FOR EACH DAY! 

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• * 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation on the AmaMora
• * Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet  access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
• * Fine dining, including unlimited complimentary hand-selected wines, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• * Multiple dining venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant featuring our unique tasting menu
• * Sip & Sail daily cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks
• * Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner
• * Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• * Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
• * Guided shore excursions in every port, including Special Interest Tours, hiking and biking tours; excursions of different speeds for all abilities
• * Onboard live entertainment, theme dinners, cooking demonstration and more
• * Complimentary bicycles, helmets and Nordic walking sticks
• AND MORE!

Not included: bar drinks outside of the cocktail hour, port charges, and gratuities.

If you have ever been on an ocean cruise, it is refreshing to see what is included on a river cruise!

LIFE ON BOARD AN AMAWATERWAYS SHIP

This cruise would be great for any adult who wants to explore at his/her leisure. This is not a cruise geared exclusively toward couples; it could make a great single or girl’s trip, or mother/daughter trip, or friend’s cruising together vacation. It is an adult-focused cruise with few or no activities or amenities for children. It could easily appeal to first-time Europe travelers who want a guided tour in a very comfortable travel mode. It also appeals to more independent travelers who just might want to unpack once and let someone else take care of the details.

WHY IS A RIVER CRUISE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER VACATIONS?

#1 – Relax – Unpack Once and Enjoy the Scenery
Visit different cities and countries while your hotel travels with you. A river cruise offers the amenities of a first-class hotel from which you’ll never feel uprooted. Discover local delights on shore then return to your large, stylish stateroom. Watch the scenery slip by as you leisurely sail to your next destination.

#2 – Dock Right in the Heart of Historic Cities
Enjoy the excitement of waking up in a new town, docked just steps from markets, museums and landmarks. At most ports, walk off the ship and into the heart of some of Europe’s oldest cities. Take a guided excursion (included) or instantly blend in with daily life.

#3 – Intimate Environment, Inclusive Value
With river vessels accommodating fewer than 160 passengers, you will never wait in a long line to board or disembark. Smaller tours and intimate meal settings with open seating create a warm, personal atmosphere accentuated by five-star service. Your inclusive vacation provides incredible, value from the champagne breakfast and free-flowing hand-selected European wines with lunch and dinner, to a fleet of bicycles, free Internet access, included sightseeing excursions, and live cultural entertainment onboard. On a river cruise, your vacation’s price tag doesn’t keep adding up.

#4 – A River Cruise In November is a Wonderful Time to Vacation
There are fewer tourists than in the summer. Everything is less crowded. And, airfare tends to be lower in price than in summer.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?

At the Main Restaurant, enjoy multi-course dinners featuring a variety of dishes as well as specially selected regional wines. During the day, a selection of menu items as well as a buffet are available for breakfast and lunch. Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments are served daily in the Main Lounge. There is an all-day tapas menu and afternoon tea, as well as a 24-hour coffee station. Unlimited soft drinks, wine and beer are included and served at lunch and dinner. Also complimentary are unlimited sparkling wines at breakfast.

The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant is an alternative to the Main Restaurant. Accommodating 30 guests, The Chef’s Table provides an intimate dining experience where a multi-course tasting menu featuring 15 items is paired with regional wines. There are no charges for guests wishing to enjoy The Chef’s Table. Renowned for its excellent cuisine, AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line to ever be inducted into Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations.

WHICH SHIP? – THE AMAMORA

The AmaMora is an incredible twin-balcony ship launching in 2019 with generous personal space, multiple dining choices and exceptional stateroom comfort. On board, you’ll find an all-day tapas menu and afternoon tea, as well as a 24-hour coffee station, in addition to AmaWaterways’ signature exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table. Active leisure amenities include a Sun Deck walking track, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room and bicycles for in-port exploration. Staterooms are equipped with everything you need for a relaxing vacation, including Entertainment-On-Demand with free high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi. And should you treat yourself to a suite, you’ll enjoy a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower, as well as a bed facing the river so you can wake up and fall asleep to magnificent views. Feeling active? There are a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.

HOW DRESSY IS A RIVER CRUISE? HOW SCRIPTED?

River cruises are casual. There are only 156 passengers on the AmaMora, and no “formal night.” Dinner attire is described as “smart casual.” All tours/excursions are included. You can take a tour…or not. People are not tethered together or joined at the hip. You make your own script, so to speak.

HOW COLD WILL IT BE?

It is cold but not bone chilling. Think: water resistant shoes or boots, jeans, a sweater, a jacket, gloves, hat and a scarf.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Our group will receive an amazing incentive – you choose either $1000 off the cruise fare per person, OR free airfare! If you want a specific cabin type, just know it could sell out the longer you wait. Each cabin  category is priced according to size, and location on the river boat. Contact Aimee or your Outlander Travel agent for a price quote.

I’M INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Contact  Aimee for a price quote. Do you work with a different Outlander agent? Contact her and she can help you book this special river cruise with the $1000 incentive or free airfare.