Real company
There are friendly faces to share the views, meals, and stories with from day one.
Hosted Departure · July 2027
Join us on the Captivating Rhine
July 15–22, 2027 · Amsterdam to Basel aboard the AmaSiena. More than 40 castles, adorable villages, great food, drinks, and incredible company.
7 Nights · Embark Amsterdam, return from Basel
You'll Be Captivated Along The legendary Rhine.
Imagine vineyard filled hills and castles sliding past you, as you sip and become captivated by the Rhine. There's a reason it has been famous for its beauty since the Roman era. We’ll feel the allure of France’s Alsace region in welcoming Strasbourg and in its priceless gem, Colmar. We’ll wander through fairytale villages lost in time and taste the local flavors along the way, from Rüdesheimer coffee to legendary German beer.
There’s history to touch up close on guided tours, hikes and bike rides, and easy days to simply watch the river go by. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, we’ll journey right into the heart of every place we visit, together. Below you'll see just the main highlights of our journey. Feel free to reach out and I will be happy to share my experience sailing with Ama. If you’re new to river cruising, let me assure you, this is only the beginning of your new obsession.
The Journey
A week that feels easy from the start.
Amsterdam to Basel · July 15–22, 2027 · Aboard the AmaSiena
Matt and I will be hosting this journey personally, from our first welcome aboard to our last evening together. We’ll follow the Rhine through vineyard hillsides, castle-lined riverbanks, and villages that invite you to slow down. It’s a beautiful week with real company along the way, time to explore, and the comfort of knowing someone you trust is right there with you.
This is a small group of fun and relaxed people who are social by nature. While we will invite you to join us for some activities, that doesn’t mean you should feel obligated to. That’s the beauty in river cruising. You can choose what and how much social time you prefer.
Why Go With a Hosted Group
You get the freedom of travel without feeling on your own.
Every detail handled
The logistics are taken care of, so you can be present for the part you came for.
A host all week
I’ll be on board with you the whole time, especially helpful if this is your first river cruise.
The Itinerary
Eight days, Amsterdam to Basel.
Each day you will enjoy your choice in excursions, which are included in your cruise fare, or do your own thing. That’s the beauty of river cruising!
Day 1Amsterdam, embarkation
We board the AmaSiena in Amsterdam, settle into our staterooms, and raise a first glass together. There is a welcome reception before our first dinner aboard.
Featuring
A warm welcome aboard
Day 2Amsterdam and on to Utrecht
Amsterdam has 165 canals, and we will glide through some of the prettiest of them on a canal cruise. Later we sail for Utrecht, where you can walk the old town or join a special beer tasting.
Choose your day
- Amsterdam canal cruise
- Utrecht walking tour
- Utrecht beer tasting
Featuring
Amsterdam canal cruise
Day 3Düsseldorf, or a hop to Cologne
Düsseldorf is a hub of German culture and architecture, and the walking tour ends with a tasting of Altbier, brewed the traditional way. Feeling adventurous? Head to Cologne for the Old Town, the Rathaus, the 12th century Fishmarkt, and Great St. Martin Church.
Choose your day
- Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting
- Cologne Old Town guided tour
Featuring
Düsseldorf Altbier tasting
Day 4Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim
The most beautiful stretch of the whole river. We cruise the UNESCO listed Rhine Gorge, then reach the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. In the afternoon there is Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or a Rüdesheimer coffee made with brandy and whipped cream.
Choose your day
- Wine tasting in town
- Cable car ride to the Niederwalddenkmal
- Vineyard hike
- Guided bike tour along the Rhine
Featuring
Cable car over the vineyards
Day 5Ludwigshafen
Your gateway to three very different days out. Heidelberg is a beautifully preserved medieval city on Germany's Castle Road, home to the red sandstone castle and the 18th century Great Vat, a 49,000 gallon wine cask.
Choose your day
- Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat
- Philosopher's Path guided hike
- Speyer cathedral and the Altpörtel gate
- Neckar River bike tour to Ladenburg
Featuring
Heidelberg Castle
Day 6Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg tastes of both France and Germany. We walk the fairytale La Petite France district and pass the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock.
Choose your day
- La Petite France walking tour
- Guided bike ride through Parc de l'Orangerie
Featuring
La Petite France
Day 7Breisach, Germany
Step back in time in Colmar, an Alsatian town that looks much as it did in the 16th century, right down to a small replica Statue of Liberty honoring the sculptor's birthplace. Or get active in the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region known for its vineyards and biodiversity.
Choose your day
- Colmar walking tour
- Kaiserstuhl guided hike
- Countryside bike ride
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Colmar walking tour
Day 8Basel, Switzerland, disembarkation
Breakfast together, then farewells in Switzerland and your flight home. Many of us are staying on in Switzerland. Ask me about your options, I’m here to help!
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A fond farewell in Basel
Our Ship
The AmaSiena.
6 years young
Launched in 2021, the AmaSiena is still one of the freshest ships on the river.
156 guests
A small ship, so the week never feels crowded.
Twin balcony staterooms
Most rooms have a French and an outside balcony, with beds facing the river.
Heated pool and swim-up bar
Plus a fitness room, massage and hair services, and a walking track.
Beautiful common spaces designed for socializing
Cozy lounges, a sun deck, and welcoming corners to gather with new friends.
The Chef's Table
A specialty restaurant with a tasting menu, alongside the main dining room.
What’s Included
More value, thoughtfully arranged.
- Gratuities included
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included every full day on board
- Beer or wine with every meal, with a great selection of local wines
- Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, and spirits
- Choice of daily excursions
- Airport transfers included when you join a land extension
- Unlimited high quality Wi-Fi
- Low contracted air rates
- Complimentary bicycles
- Onboard activities and entertainment
- Wellness Host led fitness classes
Transfers
Incredible dining 3 meals a day
Wellness program
An extensive wine selection
Staterooms
Choose your cabin.
Every price you see below is base fare. Your special group pricing will be an additional savings listed in the Limited Offer section and is partially based off current offers. It changes frequently and I try to keep the limited offer info updated.
Suite
French and outside balcony
Violin Deck · 350 sq. ft.
$8,878.00 per person
Category AA
French and outside balcony
Violin Deck · 235 sq. ft.
$7,478.00 per person
Category AB
French and outside balcony
Cello Deck · 235 sq. ft.
$7,278.00 per person
Category BA
French and outside balcony
Violin Deck · 210 sq. ft.
$7,078.00 per person
Category BB
French and outside balcony
Cello Deck · 210 sq. ft.
$6,878.00 per person
Category CA
French balcony
Violin and Cello Deck · 170 sq. ft.
$6,278.00 per person
Category CB
French balcony
Violin Deck · 155 sq. ft.
$5,878.00 per person
Prices listed are base per person. Each person in my group will enjoy the extra savings mentioned in the limited offer. Please reach out for an up to date quote.
Before & After the Cruise
Ask me about your options.
Plenty of travelers want more than the week on the river, and that’s where I can help. We can add a few nights in Amsterdam before we sail, or stay on in Switzerland after Basel, with hotels, transfers, and trains all arranged for you. These Ama packages are incredible, but if this doesn’t work for you, we are happy to provide custom options.
Pre Cruise
2 Nights in Amsterdam
July 13 to 15, 2027
USD, per person
$1,060 double · $1,700 single
CAD, per person
C$1,518 double · C$2,415 single
Post Cruise
Lucerne & 2 Nights Zurich
July 22 to 26, 2027
USD, per person
$2,160 double · $3,240 single
CAD, per person
C$3,092 double · C$4,605 single
Prices are per person in US and Canadian dollars, double or single occupancy.
Featuring
Zaanse Schans Windmill Tour
Featuring
Lake Lucerne
Reserve Your Spot
Let’s talk about your cabin.
Cabins are moving, and this hosted departure is limited. Schedule a complimentary consultation and I’ll walk you through the options personally.