13 nights · Netherlands North Holland · River cruise · Departs Amsterdam (Netherlands) · Visiting Zaandam, Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim am Rhein, Heidelberg, Kehl-Strasbourg, Basel, Como, Milano · Aboard AmaWaterways on the AmaSofia
Image courtesy of AmaWaterways ©
This river cruise sails the Rhine and Lake Como, departing Amsterdam.
| Cruise line | AmaWaterways |
|---|---|
| Ship | AmaSofia |
| Duration | 13 nights |
| Port calls | 10 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| Year built | 2026 |
| Guests | 156 |
| Cabins | 76 |
| Crew | 51 |
| Length | 135 m |
| Beam | 12 m |
| Cruising speed | 11.0 kn |
Amsterdam pairs world-class museums with the everyday pleasure of canal-side life. Its Golden Age houses, narrow waterways and lively markets make the city rewarding well beyond its famous sights. Visit the Rijksmuseum for Dutch masters, then explore the canal belt on foot or by boat. Leave time for a neighbourhood café: in Amsterdam, the best discoveries often come between the landmarks.
Zaandam is a compact gateway to the Zaan region, where Dutch industry and waterways shaped a distinctive landscape. At nearby Zaanse Schans, working windmills, timber houses and craft workshops bring the 18th- and 19th-century past into view. In town, admire the striking Inntel Hotel and visit the wooden house where Tsar Peter I stayed. Amsterdam is a short train ride away, yet Zaandam makes an appealing call in its own right.
Amsterdam pairs world-class museums with the everyday pleasure of canal-side life. Its Golden Age houses, narrow waterways and lively markets make the city rewarding well beyond its famous sights. Visit the Rijksmuseum for Dutch masters, then explore the canal belt on foot or by boat. Leave time for a neighbourhood café: in Amsterdam, the best discoveries often come between the landmarks.
Cologne announces itself from the Rhine with the soaring twin spires of its Gothic cathedral. Step ashore to explore a compact old town, Roman remains, and museums holding major works of art. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, anchors the city centre. Enjoy Kölsch in a traditional brewery, then cross the river for a view of the skyline.
Between Bingen and Koblenz, the Rhine cuts through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the deck, steep vineyard slopes, medieval castles and slate-roofed villages unfold around each bend. Watch for the Lorelei rock, tied to Rhine legend, and Marksburg, one of the region’s best-preserved castles. Roman routes, trading towns and wine still shape this river landscape.
Rüdesheim is a rewarding first stop on the Rhine, with vineyards climbing steep slopes above the water. It stands at the southern gateway to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, famed for castles and dramatic river scenery. Explore the old lanes and Drosselgasse, then take the cable car through the vines to the Niederwald Monument. From its hilltop setting, the Rhine spreads below in a view worth lingering over.
Few German cities make history feel as immediate as Heidelberg. Set beside the Neckar, its old town gathers around the market square and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Cross the Old Bridge for views of the red sandstone castle, rising above the rooftops. Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University gives the city an enduring scholarly spirit. Walk the Philosopher’s Way for a wider view, then linger over the cafés and lanes below.
Strasbourg rewards visitors with a rare blend of French elegance and German character. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, threaded with canals and half-timbered houses. At its heart, Strasbourg Cathedral rises above the old streets, its pink sandstone façade a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Take time for a table of Alsatian cooking, where French technique meets hearty regional tradition. Then follow the riverfront lanes and discover a city shaped by centuries on Europe’s border.
Basel sits where Switzerland meets France and Germany, with the Rhine running through its centre. A short walk from the river leads to the red-sandstone Rathaus and Münster, whose terraces open across the rooftops. The city rewards unhurried exploring, from medieval lanes in the Old Town to galleries and renowned art collections. Cross the river by ferry, or use Basel’s efficient trams to reach museums, cafés and the lively Marktplatz.
Como is the southern gateway to Lake Como, where grand villas and Alpine slopes frame the water. From Piazza Cavour, ferries reach villages such as Bellagio and Tremezzo, while the lakeside promenade invites an unhurried start. The old town’s cathedral blends Gothic and Renaissance detail. Nearby, the funicular climbs to Brunate for expansive lake views. Come for the water, then step ashore to discover a compact city with a distinct identity of its own.
Milan sits inland in northern Italy, offering a compelling change of pace from the coast. The Duomo’s rooftop terraces reveal a forest of Gothic spires. Nearby, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shelters cafés and boutiques beneath its glass dome. Brera’s galleries and quiet lanes suit an unhurried afternoon. Reserve well ahead to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, one of the city’s defining treasures.
Published August 1, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!
