River Cruises from Amsterdam to Zurich

What our customers ask about River Cruises from Amsterdam to Zurich

• What are the most common destinations visited between Amsterdam and Zurich?

  Your river cruise will take you to some fascinating cities along the Rhine. You'll stop in Cologne to see its soaring Gothic Cathedral, then visit Koblenz where the Rhine and Moselle rivers come together. The route continues to medieval Strasbourg in France's Alsace region and the lovely Black Forest town of Breisach. Popular ports also include Düsseldorf, the historic Heidelberg Castle, and Basel on your way to Zurich. As one TourRadar traveler puts it: "Visiting the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge with its fairy-tale castles and stopping at charming towns like Cochem and Bernkastel were highlights of our journey down the Rhine."

• What would be a typical day-by-day itinerary between Amsterdam and Zurich?

  On a standard 8-day trip, you'll start in Amsterdam with a canal cruise and visit to Keukenhof Gardens in your first two days. Day 3 takes you to Düsseldorf and Cologne, followed by Koblenz and a scenic Rhine Gorge cruise on day 4. You'll explore Heidelberg Castle on day 5, Strasbourg's historic center on day 6, and the Black Forest from Breisach on day 7. The journey ends in Basel/Zurich on day 8. One TourRadar traveler notes: "The well-planned daily excursions gave us time to explore each destination while enjoying the comfort of unpacking just once on the ship."

• What is the average distance covered on a river cruise tour from Amsterdam to Zurich?

  The full journey covers about 800 kilometers (497 miles) along the Rhine River, taking you through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. A major highlight is the 65-kilometer (40-mile) UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge between Koblenz and Rüdesheim, where you'll spot more than 40 castles perched on hilltops. TourRadar travelers often mention this stretch as a highlight, with one saying "The views of medieval castles and vineyards along the Rhine River are absolutely breathtaking."

• What is the average price range for an Amsterdam to Zurich river cruise tour?

  You can expect to pay between $9,490 and $11,920 USD for your cruise, which works out to about $915-1,186 USD per day. This covers your room on a luxury river ship, most meals (usually 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners), guided tours, and all travel between stops. Wine and beer with meals, onboard activities, and port fees are included too. TourRadar travelers mention that while these cruises aren't cheap, you get great value considering everything that's included.

• What is the typical cruise ship experience like between Amsterdam and Zurich?

  You'll travel on ships like the Emerald Luna or Emerald Destiny, which carry around 180 passengers. The ships have panoramic suites, a sun deck, and restaurants serving local specialties. They dock right in city centers and come with nice extras like a pool with a retractable roof, spa area, and evening shows. One TourRadar traveler shares: "The Emerald Star provided the perfect blend of comfort and elegance - enjoying dinner while watching castles drift by was magical." You'll also get free WiFi, bikes to use in port, and plenty of common areas to relax and meet other travelers.

• What are the average tour lengths for river cruise tours from Amsterdam to Zurich?

  Most trips run between 8 and 13 days, with 11 days being the most common length. The Tulips & Rhine cruise, for example, takes 11 days to explore places like Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg before reaching Switzerland. When you're not on the ship, you'll stay in comfortable hotels like the Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel. A TourRadar traveler mentions: "The 11-day itinerary gave us the perfect amount of time to experience both the charming Dutch countryside and the majestic Swiss Alps."