Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure - Southbound
From $5,990 per person
8 days
2 countries
Ship: ms Inspire
8 days, 7 nights.
Journey summary
- Day 1 - Welcome to Basel and embark your riverboat
- Day 2 - Mt. Pilatus by Cogwheel Rail and Gondola, with Time in Lucerne
- Day 3 - French for a day in Strasbourg
- Day 4 - Castles on the Rhine
- Day 5 - Rüdesheim or cycling and an evening at a castle
- Day 6 - Historic Köln
- Day 7 - A windmill, canal cruise and more upon arrival in Amsterdam
- Day 8 - Journey home
Itinerary highlights
Create cherished family memories on our unforgettable Basel to Amsterdam riverboat cruise along the Rhine River between aboard ms Grace , visiting Switzerland, France, Germany and The Netherlands for an adventure unlike any other. Family travel experiences include a bicycle ride through forests and vineyards along the Rhine riverside; Swiss folklore and more in lakeside Lucerne; a ride aboard the world's steepest cogwheel train to the top of Mt. Pilatus in the Swiss Alps; exploring the fascinating ruins of hilltop Heidelberg Castle in the medieval university town of Heidelberg; learning about the Lorelei and other Rhine River legends while keeping an eye out for fairy tale castles; discovering the art treasures and historic canals of Amsterdam; an exclusive medieval dinner for Tauck guests only at Burg Satzvey, a medieval moated castle in Germany; becoming "French for a Day" with French language lessons, songs, and a chocolate tasting; and much more!
Your journey, ashore & afloat.
Fourteen days. Open any day for the full narrative and that day's highlights.
Keep this itinerary
Email this itinerary to yourself
We'll send a link so you can revisit the day-by-day plan, dates, and pricing whenever you're ready.
Why Book With Us
Booking Direct or Booking by Small Ship Travel
The cruise fare is identical whether you book direct with Tauck or by Small Ship Travel. Cruise lines set their fares, and they do not discount them for direct bookings. Loyalty Program members earn 2% to 5% credit per booking, in addition to any rewards from the cruise line, and points carry across every cruise line we book.
| Book Direct | Book by Small Ship Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| The cruise fare | From $5,990 per person | From $5,990 per person. The fare is the fare. |
| Loyalty credit | The line's own program | 2–5% credit earned per booking for members, in addition to any rewards you receive from the cruise line* |
| Advice | Tauck's ships, known well | We compare across Viking, AmaWaterways, Silversea, and the rest, then put you on the right one |
| Cabin selection | Brochure categories | Which cabins to target on this ship, and which lose their view and natural light when a second ship moors alongside |
| If plans change | The line's call center | An advocate who knows you, your booking, and people at the line |
* Credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking. $250 credit for new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel. Loyalty Program details
or call 1-888-318-3110 before you finalize anything
Pick your departure. (per person*)
Cabin categories
* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.
** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication
The ms Inspire.
Sail the world in unparalleled luxury aboard the ms Inspire, a masterpiece of design and comfort.
Step aboard the ms Inspire and let the riverbanks tell their story as you relax on the top deck. Savor the moment, sip on a refreshing drink, and share the excitement with loved ones and new companions. This elegant 443-foot riverboat redefines comfort with space for only 130 guests, ensuring a spacious, intimate journey on Europe’s scenic rivers. Thanks to its thoughtful design, the ms Inspire features 22 luxurious Tauck Suites, each offering 300 square feet of refined comfort—the most of any river cruise ship in Europe. For sunshine-seekers, the unique loft cabins span two levels, flooding the lower deck with natural light and providing splendid views through large windows that open. Experience exclusivity, ease, and the joy of discovery aboard this remarkable ship tailored for adventures you’ll treasure forever.
consultation
Need information to make a decision?
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.