Wild British Isles, Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps

Experience the fairy-tale landscapes and intriguing history of Scotland, Ireland, and England. Stay overnight in South Queensferry, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh’s enchanting streets.

Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River cruise fantasy. Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. Enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true.

Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2,500 flight credit per person
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Rotterdam
• 14 night Wild British Isles: United Kingdom & Ireland cruise onboard Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam to Amsterdam
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Amsterdam
• Discover Amsterdam - Small Group Walking Tour
• 7 night Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise onboard AmaSerena, Amsterdam to Basel
• Includes all onboard dining, unlimited drinks with meals, immersive tours, wifi access plus more
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Basel
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 20 August – 17 September 2026

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details.

Wild British Isles: United Kingdom & Ireland Cruise Itinerary:

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Amsterdam - Embarkation

Board the ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise.

Day 2: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

Day 3: 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. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.

Day 4: Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, then join a wine tasting to discover the flavours of the town’s iconic vineyards. 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, 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.

Day 5: 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 centre of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops.

Day 6: Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg offers flavours of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the 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.

Day 7: Basel, Switzerland

Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade centre, 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, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. Either way, you will see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century.

Day 8: Basel, Switzerland - Disembarkation

Bid farewell to Basel and prepare for your flight home.

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 08-08-2025 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.