The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel - Southbound
Date
April 8, 2026
Duration
7 nights
Departure Port
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Arrival Port
Basel
Switzerland
Tauck
MS Inspire
Inspiration
Launched
2013-01-01
Length
135 m
Cabins
67 / 130 guests
Crew
39
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Amsterdam
NetherlandsFew can resist the grand beauty of Amsterdam’s famous canals, which thread through this place of evocative beauty and thrilling contrast. Open-minded and tolerant, Amsterdam is a place for history buffs and hedonists alike, and its diverse neighbourhoods have something for everyone - whether it’s the beachside relaxation of Bloemendaal, nocturnal thuds of Buiksloterham, or characterful charm of Jordaan. 160 serene canals serve as the arteries of this city, imbuing it with its unique essence. Cruise along concentric waterways, past cherry red and oak-wood cladded houseboats, as you learn of its Golden Age history. Culture is also deep in Amsterdam’s DNA, and the Van Gogh Museum – which pays tribute to the tortured genius of the Dutch post-impressionist artist - stands out among its leading museums and galleries. One of history’s greatest tragedies is also rendered in heart-breaking clarity at Anne Frank House. Visit the site where the precocious teenager hid from the Nazi regime for so long, and the room where she penned the most famous diary ever written. Compact and easily walkable, Amsterdam remains consistently postcard-perfect as you watch bright bicycles trundling over ornate bridges, and stumble across hidden, tulip-decorated courtyards. ‘Gezellig’ is the local word for Amsterdam’s unhurried outlook on life. No translation can quite do the concept justice, but you’ll recognise it instinctively as hours float by in a happy haze browsing De Negen Straatjes street’s independent shops, or as you sip coffee with gooey stroopwafel. Broodje haring - a raw herring sandwich - is Amsterdam’s must-try delicacy, but many visitors find tompouce, a delicious pastry topped with vivid pink icing, a little more to their taste.
Day 2
Day 2
Amsterdam
NetherlandsFew can resist the grand beauty of Amsterdam’s famous canals, which thread through this place of evocative beauty and thrilling contrast. Open-minded and tolerant, Amsterdam is a place for history buffs and hedonists alike, and its diverse neighbourhoods have something for everyone - whether it’s the beachside relaxation of Bloemendaal, nocturnal thuds of Buiksloterham, or characterful charm of Jordaan. 160 serene canals serve as the arteries of this city, imbuing it with its unique essence. Cruise along concentric waterways, past cherry red and oak-wood cladded houseboats, as you learn of its Golden Age history. Culture is also deep in Amsterdam’s DNA, and the Van Gogh Museum – which pays tribute to the tortured genius of the Dutch post-impressionist artist - stands out among its leading museums and galleries. One of history’s greatest tragedies is also rendered in heart-breaking clarity at Anne Frank House. Visit the site where the precocious teenager hid from the Nazi regime for so long, and the room where she penned the most famous diary ever written. Compact and easily walkable, Amsterdam remains consistently postcard-perfect as you watch bright bicycles trundling over ornate bridges, and stumble across hidden, tulip-decorated courtyards. ‘Gezellig’ is the local word for Amsterdam’s unhurried outlook on life. No translation can quite do the concept justice, but you’ll recognise it instinctively as hours float by in a happy haze browsing De Negen Straatjes street’s independent shops, or as you sip coffee with gooey stroopwafel. Broodje haring - a raw herring sandwich - is Amsterdam’s must-try delicacy, but many visitors find tompouce, a delicious pastry topped with vivid pink icing, a little more to their taste.
Day 3
Day 3
Cologne
GermanyIt’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you.
Day 4
Day 4
Koblenz
GermanyWhat do you get when you cross modern rationality with southern nonchalance? Koblenz. This is where you’ll find Roman history, a high-tech research hub and a buzzing cultural scene all in one place. Don’t miss the delightful Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen, the southern part of the Rhine promenade. It was turned into a landscaped park with artistic historical monuments and sculptures between 1856 and 1861. If you fancy a treat, try Debbekooche. Originally eaten by those who couldn’t afford goose on Saint Martin’s Day, it is now considered a regional speciality and is traditionally served with apple sauce. Delicious!
Day 5
Day 5
Germersheim
GermanyGermersheim is a town in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, of around 20,000 inhabitants. It is also the seat of the Germersheim district. The neighboring towns and cities are Speyer, Landau, Philippsburg, Karlsruhe and Wörth
Day 6
Day 6
Strasbourg
FranceStrasbourg is a major city in France and is also the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region. The Rhine forms a natural border with Germany. The Maas and Aar also flow through the city. The district "La Petite France" is very popular with tourists and shows old half-timbered houses on the canal. With a typical boat with a glass roof, a so-called bateau-mouche, tourists can cruise the canal and learn interesting facts about the city. The Strasbourg cathedral is the city's landmark.
Day 7
Day 7
Basel
SwitzerlandFounded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today.
Day 8
Day 8
Basel
SwitzerlandFounded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today.
Cabin Categories
No Image
Category 1 | Emerald Deck
Inside
CAT1
Private Balcony:
No
Beds:
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 156 cm (two beds 200 cm x 78 cm each when separate); 79" x 61" (two beds 79" x 31"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Built-in closet with drawers, 2 chairs, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Stateroom Amenities:
Two 2' by 3' fixed windows, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Sold Out
View DetailsNo Image
Category 2 | Ruby Deck
Inside
CAT2
Private Balcony:
French
Beds:
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 156 cm (two beds 200 cm x 78 cm each when separate); 79" x 61" (two beds 79" x 31"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Built-in closet with drawers, 2 chairs, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Stateroom Amenities:
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Sold Out
View DetailsNo Image
Category 3 | Emerald Deck
Inside
CAT3
Private Balcony:
No
Beds:
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Padded headboard with reading lamps, Closets, Storage / drawers, 4 steps up to loft area, Railing, Built-in closet with drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-sized bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and a hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head
Stateroom Amenities:
Innovatively designed 225 sq. ft. "split-level" loft cabins, One-and-a-half deck window that opens at the top, electronically controlled, Safe, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily, 32" LED TV , Window (98 inches x 114 inches) can be partially opened, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Sold Out
View DetailsNo Image
Category 4 | Ruby Deck
Inside
CAT4
Private Balcony:
French
Beds:
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Built-in closet and drawers, 2 chairs, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers, Bathroom with larger showers with rainfall shower heads, enhanced lighting, and under-sink storage space
Stateroom Amenities:
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed, luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Sold Out
View DetailsNo Image
Category 5 | Diamond Deck
Inside
CAT5
Private Balcony:
French
Beds:
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Padded headboard with reading lamps, Large closet, Storage / drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-size bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head
Stateroom Amenities:
One floor-to-ceiling French balcony (98 inches x 75 inches) with one sliding door that opens, 32" LED TV, Safe, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Sold Out
View DetailsNo Image
Category 5 | Ruby Deck
Inside
CAT5
Private Balcony:
French
Beds:
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Padded headboard with reading lamps, Storage / drawers, Large closet, 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-size bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head
Stateroom Amenities:
One floor-to-ceiling French balcony (98 inches x 75 inches) with one sliding door that opens, 32" LED TV, Safe, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Sold Out
View DetailsNo Image
Category 6 | Ruby Deck
Inside
CAT6
Private Balcony:
French
Beds:
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Padded headboard with reading lamps, Storage / drawers, Large closet, 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-sized bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head
Stateroom Amenities:
One floor-to-ceiling French balcony (98 inches x 75 inches) with one sliding door that opens, 32" LED TV, Full-sized window (98 inches x 37.5 inches), Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily , Safe, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Sold Out
View DetailsNo Image
Category 7 | Diamond Deck
Inside
CAT7
Private Balcony:
French
Beds:
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 180 cm (two beds 200 cm x 90 cm each when separate); 79" x 71" (two beds 79" x 35"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Padded headboard with reading lamps, Walk-in closet with built-in shelves, Storage / drawers, Pull-out sleeping sofa 190 cm x 110 cm – 75" x 43" (triple & quad capacity; quads for children only), 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers, Full-size bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and a hair dryer, Large shower featuring rainfall shower head (note: no bathtub)
Stateroom Amenities:
Two floor-to-ceiling French balconies, each 98 inches x 75 inches with one sliding door that opens, 32" LED TV, Safe, Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily, Coffee maker, Breakfast room service, Iron plus ironing board, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available, a shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to be used onboard for spa services, gift shop purchases, etc
Sold Out
View DetailsInterested in This Voyage?
Our cruise specialists can help you find the perfect cabin and the best available pricing.
Contact Advisor