Tulip Time on the Enchanting Rhine
Sail from Basel to Amsterdam April 11-18, 2027 on AmaWaterways Beautiful AmaStella at the height of tulip season. Enjoy a vacation filled with castles, culture, and color.
Experience Europe in full bloom on this 7-night journey along the Rhine River. You’ll enjoy a vacation that combines luxury, culture, and springtime magic during the legendary Tulip Time season.
Hosted by Jennifer and Joel (co-owners of JJ Travel Associates), this curated voyage offers:
An intimate, all-inclusive river cruise experience with only 156 guests
Guided tours through storybook towns in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands
Castles, vineyards, windmills, and millions of tulips in bloom
Special pricing that is significantly lower than AmaWaterways’ published rates
Your Journey Along the Enchanting Rhine
From Basel’s old-world charm to Amsterdam’s colorful canals, each day brings a new chapter in Europe’s story.
Day 1 - Basel (Embarkation)
Welcome to Basel, where your Rhine River journey begins. Settle into your stateroom aboard the beautiful AmaStella, your luxurious home for the week ahead. As the ship departs, watch the scenery unfold. Your adventure through Europe’s heartland has officially begun.
Day 2 - Breisach
Wake up in Breisach, your doorway to one of Europe’s most charming regions. Explore the storybook town of Colmar, where pastel houses and flower-lined canals look much as they did in the 16th century. Or, if you prefer to stretch your legs, join a guided bike ride through the countryside or hike the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful views.
Day 3 - Strasbourg
Today we arrive in Strasbourg, the heart of Alsace and a city that blends French charm with German heritage. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed La Petite France district, with its half-timbered houses, flower-decked canals, and cobblestone lanes that feel straight out of a fairytale. Don’t miss the stunning Cathédrale Notre Dame and its famous astronomical clock. Prefer to explore on two wheels? Join a guided bike ride through the city and the tree-lined Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 4 - Ludwigshafen
From Ludwigshafen, choose the adventure that fits your style. Step into storybook Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university and the striking red-sandstone Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Neckar River Valley. Walk the Philosopher’s Path for sweeping city views, or cycle along the river to the medieval town of Ladenburg with its cobblestone marketplace and cafés. Prefer history’s quiet grandeur? Visit Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, to see its magnificent Romanesque Cathedral and the towering Altpörtel Gate.
Later, we sail to Rüdesheim, where you can explore Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet or indulge in a signature Rüdesheimer Coffee, flambéed with local brandy and topped with whipped cream—an unforgettable local treat.
Day 5 - Rudesheim
Begin the morning in Rüdesheim with your choice of adventures. Ride a gondola to the Niederwalddenkmal Monument for sweeping river views, followed by a tasting of local Rieslings among the vineyards. Or, explore more actively with a hike through the hillside vineyards, passing views of the town, the Roman Bridge, and Bromersburg Castle. Prefer to explore on wheels? Join a guided bike ride along the Rhine River and through Rüdesheim’s charming streets.
In the afternoon, relax on deck as we cruise through the legendary Rhine Gorge, where more than 40 castles crown the hillsides. We’ll arrive in Lahnstein to visit Lahneck Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress overlooking the river.
Day 6 - Monheim
From Monheim, you’ll have your choice of experiences today. Join a guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town, with highlights including the Cologne Rathaus (Germany’s oldest town hall), the 12th-century Fishmarkt, and the striking Great St. Martin Church. Want more time to explore? Choose the full-day Cologne excursion for extra time to wander, shop, or enjoy a local Kölsch beer at a riverside café.
Later in the day, discover Düsseldorf, known for its art, architecture, and welcoming spirit. Take a guided walking tour with a local expert—or see more of the city on an active bike ride through its historic streets and along the Rhine promenade.
Day 7 - Amsterdam
Begin your morning in Utrecht, a charming city of cobbled streets, lively squares, and historic canals. Join a guided walking tour to uncover its hidden gems or enjoy a local beer tasting in one of its cozy cafés.
As we cruise toward Amsterdam, take in the views from the Sun Deck—windmills, waterways, and the rhythm of life along the river. In the afternoon, explore Amsterdam’s iconic canals on a scenic canal cruise, or stroll through the city’s narrow streets lined with gabled houses and bridges, stopping to taste classic Dutch specialties in a grand local café.
Day 8 - Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Amsterdam and the friends you’ve made along the way. Take one last look at the canals and tulip-lined streets before your journey home; or extend your stay to keep exploring this unforgettable city.
What Makes This Cruise Different?
Why Travel the Rhine with Jennifer & Joel
Our Tulip Time on the Enchanting Rhine cruise is not just another AmaWaterways sailing. It is a private voyage hosted by the co-owners of JJ Travel Associates. Every element of this experience has been chosen with care, blending cultural discovery, personal connection, and exceptional value.
AMAWaterways AmaStella
Step aboard the elegant AmaStella and discover what makes AmaWaterways a customer favorite in river cruising. Each stateroom offers thoughtful comfort, and beautiful views of Europe’s countryside. Savor regionally inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, paired with wines from the very vineyards you will pass. The service onboard is warm, intuitive, and personal, ensuring every guest feels at home from the moment they arrive.
Hosted by Jennifer & Joel
We will be with you from start to finish, sharing dinners, stories, and local insights. Our goal is to make sure every moment feels effortless so you can focus on enjoying the journey and the people you meet along the way.
Inclusive Group Experience and Exceptional Value
Your cruise fare includes so much more than a stateroom, it includes the full AmaWaterways experience. Enjoy your choice of daily excursions in every port, complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and a relaxing cocktail hour each evening. As a gift from Jennifer and Joel, gratuities for the crew are also included, adding even more value to this already exceptional journey. With everything taken care of, all you have to do is relax and enjoy the experience.
Small Ship, Big Experience
With only 156 guests, AmaStella offers personalized service, award-winning dining, and immersive excursions in every port. No crowds, no lines, just authentic exploration and the comfort of knowing everything is taken care of.
Your Home on the Rhine
Elegant, Comfortable, and Designed For Discovery
AmaStella, one of AmaWaterways’ award-winning ships, was purpose-built for luxury and comfort on Europe’s rivers. Every detail reflects the warmth and charm of the destinations you’ll explore, from regionally inspired cuisine and locally sourced wines to the personal touches of crew members who know your name from the moment you embark.
Spacious staterooms thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation, with ample space to unwind after a day of exploring.
- Inviting common areas are the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views. Find your comfy chair and relax with friends or curl up with a good book as the river scenery drifts by.
Regionally inspired cuisine crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, paired with fine wines.
Beer and wine included with lunch and dinner means every meal becomes a celebration of the region, enhanced by complimentary selections perfectly paired with the menu.
Daily choice of included excursions whether you prefer guided sightseeing, hiking, or biking, enjoy flexible ways to experience each destination your way.
Evening cocktail hour where you can
share stories from the day and enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere before dinner.Fitness center, walking track, and heated sun deck pool for those who want to stay active or simply soak up the views as Europe’s landscapes glide by.
Personalized service from dedicated, attentive crew members ensuring every detail is handled, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
- Lower Sun Deck
- Navigation Bridge
- Bicycles
- Heated Pool
- Sun Deck
- Walking Track
- Al Fresco Terrace
- Observation Lounge
- Main Lounge / Bar
- Gift Shop
- Reception
- Chef’s Table Restaurant
- Main Restaurant
- Elevator
- Massage & Hair Salon
- Fitness Room
- Category E (109-111): $3615.88
- Category D (101-108): $3651.29
- Category CB (331-334): $4464.93
- Category CA (226-232): $4748.18
- Category BB (211-225): $5173.05
- Category BA (313-324): $5314.68
- Category AB (201-210): $5456.30
- Category AA (305-312): $5597.93
- Suites: (301-304): $6589.30
Reserve Your Stateroom Today
Join Jennifer & Joel for Tulip Time on the Enchanting Rhine, April 11–18, 2027
📞 Prefer to talk it through? Call Jennifer and Joel directly at 201-786-6275.
We’re happy to answer questions and help you find your perfect stateroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your price includes your stateroom; all meals on board; coffee, tea, and water; beer and wine with lunch and dinner; an evening cocktail hour; daily excursions in every port; onboard Wi-Fi; and gratuities for the crew.
River ships are much smaller, just 156 guests, and dock right in the heart of each city. You’ll spend more time exploring and less time waiting, with guided tours, bike rides, and local tastings included.
During the day, you'll be active on excursions so comfortable outfits and shoes are important. Onboard, wear what you're comfortable with during the day. For evenings, think business casual. There are a couple opportunities (Chef's Table and Captains Dinner) that are more formal, but the definition of formal is loose.
Yes. We can help arrange extra nights in Basel or Amsterdam, as well as flights, transfers, and insurance. Just let us know what you’d like to add.
You can reserve your stateroom for $1,000 ($500 per person). Final payment is due 9/21/26.
You can reserve online or call 201-786-6275. We’ll answer your questions, review the best options, and handle all the details for you.
Meet Your Tulip Time Hosts
Jennifer and Joel, co-owners of JJ Travel Associates, create vacations that blend history, culture, and fun. Their goal is to deliver experiences that are seamless, stress-free, and truly unforgettable.
They believe the world is the greatest classroom, and every destination tells a story worth understanding. For Jennifer and Joel, travel is not about checking boxes. It is about connecting with people, places, and traditions in meaningful ways, with plenty of laughter along the way.
Sail with them through the heart of Europe as tulips bloom along the Rhine. Together you will explore historic cities, sample local cuisine, and enjoy moments you will talk about long after you are home. Every detail is planned and managed by Jen and Joel so you can relax, enjoy, and let each day surprise you.
From your first call to the final farewell, they will make sure you feel cared for, informed, and part of something special. Come see why guests say traveling with Jen and Joel is more than a vacation. It is an experience to remember.
Experience Europe in Full Bloom
April 11–18, 2027
📞 Prefer to talk it through? Call Jennifer and Joel directly at 201-786-6275.
We’re happy to answer questions and help you find your perfect stateroom.