The Rhine & the Mystics River Cruise with Sister Joan Chittister, OSB | Oct 18, 2023

9 days

Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland & The Netherlands

Starting from $4349*

Join Sister Joan Chittister, OSB on Amawaterways, MS Ama Lucia on this 7-night Rhine & the Mystics River Cruise starting at $4,349* from Amsterdam on October 18, 2023. As you cruise, you will see Amsterdam, Cologne, Cologne's Cathedral, the renowned Christmas markets, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg, Breisach, and more!

What’s Included

Cruise
Meals on Ship
Select Shore Excursions
Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks
Deluxe cruise accommodations (based on double occupancy)
Administrative fees
Free Internet

Download Brochure

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 October 18: DEPART THE USA

Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Day 2 October 19: ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM - EMBARKATION

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Rhine cruise.

Day 3 October 20: AMSTERDAM

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

Day 4 October 21: COLOGNE

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and then visit one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Christmas markets located in front of the cathedral. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce.

Day 5 October 22: RÜDESHEIM

Cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once in Rüdesheim, travel to Bingen to hear Sister Joan speak on St. Hildegard of Bingen, a mystic and Doctor of the Church.

Day 6 October 23: LUDWIGSHAFEN

You have the choice to explore two of Germany’s historically rich cities. Visit Heidelberg, a city that will capture your heart with its mighty castle and historic university. While here, wander along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, the Hauptstrasse or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher’s Path. Alternatively, you can bike along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg and visit its Marktplatz, or explore one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 7 October 24: STRASBOURG

Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterward, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely “La Petite France” district, where you will see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. You can also choose to explore Strasbourg’s different districts by bicycle. Later in the day, opt to visit Gengenbach.

Day 8 October 25: BREISACH

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through Breisach’s countryside.

Day 9 October 26: DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Basel as you prepare for your return flight home.

Enhance Your Journey

AMSTERDAM PRE-TOUR Starting from $749

October 16-19, 2023 Starting at $749*

OCTOBER 16: DEPART THE USA
Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

OCTOBER 17: ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

OCTOBER 18: AMSTERDAM
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture.

OCTOBER 19: AMSTERDAM - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans to observe life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th to 18th-century village.

Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.

*A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.

SWITZERLAND Post- Tour Starting from $1679

October 26-29, 2023 Starting at $1679*

OCTOBER 26: BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION – LUCERNE
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lucerne, go on a walking tour along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening.

OCTOBER 27: LUCERNE
Discover Lucerne’s unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the Lion Monument, beautifully carved into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution.

OCTOBER 28: LUCERNE – ZURICH
Check out of your hotel and, before you transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Once in Zurich, check into your hotel.

OCTOBER 29: ZURICH
Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse.

OCTOBER 30: DEPART ZURICH
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home.