Tulip Time on the Enchanting Rhine
Sail from Basel to Amsterdam, April 11–18, 2027, aboard the beautiful AmaStella during the height of tulip season. Enjoy a journey filled with castles, culture, and the color of spring along the Rhine.
Experience Europe in full bloom on a seven-night river journey along the Rhine.
Sail through castles, vineyards, and storybook towns as spring transforms the landscape. This trip blends comfort, culture, and connection during the legendary Tulip Time season.
Hosted by Jennifer and Joel, co-owners of JJ Travel Associates, the cruise includes:
- An intimate, all-inclusive experience with only 156 guests
- Expert-guided tours through Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands
- Iconic sights from windmills to tulip fields in bloom
- Exclusive pricing below AmaWaterways’ published rates
Your Journey Along the Enchanting Rhine
From Basel’s old-world charm to Amsterdam’s lively canals, each day reveals another layer of Europe’s history, culture, and beauty.
Day 1 - Basel (Embarkation)
Welcome to Basel, where your Rhine River journey begins. Settle into your stateroom aboard the elegant AmaStella, your home for the week ahead. As the ship departs, watch the scenery unfold and the rhythm of the river set the tone for the days to come.
Day 2 - Breisach
Wake up in Breisach, gateway to one of Europe’s most picturesque regions. Spend the day exploring the storybook charm of Colmar, where pastel houses and flower-lined canals reflect centuries of history. Or choose a more active pace with a guided bike ride through the countryside or a hike among the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region known for its sweeping views and natural beauty.
Day 3 - Strasbourg
Arrive in Strasbourg, the heart of Alsace and a city where French elegance meets German tradition. Wander through the UNESCO-listed La Petite France district, with its half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and quiet cobblestone lanes. Visit the soaring Cathédrale Notre Dame and its remarkable astronomical clock, or see the city from a new perspective on a guided bike ride through Strasbourg’s historic streets and the tree-lined Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 4 - Ludwigshafen
From Ludwigshafen, choose the experience that fits your pace. Visit storybook Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university and the 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 open-air cafés. For another glimpse of history, visit Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, to see its Romanesque Cathedral and the towering Altpörtel Gate.
In the evening, sail to Rüdesheim and discover Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, or enjoy a signature Rüdesheimer Coffee flambéed with local brandy and topped with whipped cream for a taste of local tradition.
Day 5 - Rudesheim
Begin the morning in Rüdesheim with your choice of experiences. Ride a gondola to the Niederwalddenkmal Monument for sweeping views of the Rhine, followed by a tasting of local Rieslings among the vineyards. Prefer to stay active? Hike the hillside paths overlooking the town, the Roman Bridge, and Bromersburg Castle, or join a guided bike ride through Rüdesheim’s winding streets and along the river.
In the afternoon, relax on deck as we sail through the legendary Rhine Gorge, where more than forty castles rise above the hillsides. We’ll arrive in Lahnstein to visit Lahneck Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress with commanding views of the river.
Day 6 - Monheim
Begin the day in Monheim, with several ways to explore the region. Join a guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town, where highlights include the Cologne Rathaus, the 12th-century Fishmarkt, and the impressive Great St. Martin Church. Prefer more time to wander? Choose the full-day Cologne excursion and spend the afternoon exploring, shopping, or enjoying a glass of Kölsch at a riverside café.
Later, continue to Düsseldorf, a city known for its art, architecture, and welcoming spirit. Take a guided walking tour with a local expert, or see more of the city on a bike ride through its historic streets and along the Rhine promenade.
Day 7 - Amsterdam
Begin your morning in Utrecht, a city of cobbled streets, lively squares, and tree-lined canals. Take a guided walking tour to uncover its hidden corners, or enjoy a local beer tasting in one of its cafés.
As we sail toward Amsterdam, relax on the Sun Deck and watch the scenery unfold with windmills turning, waterways winding, and life along the river moving at its own pace. In the afternoon, explore Amsterdam’s famous canals on a scenic cruise, or wander the narrow streets lined with gabled houses and bridges, pausing to sample Dutch specialties in a grand local café.
Day 8 - Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
After breakfast, say farewell to Amsterdam and to 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 remarkable city.
What Makes This Cruise Different?
Why Travel the Rhine with Jennifer & Joel
Tulip Time on the Enchanting Rhine isn’t just another AmaWaterways sailing. It’s a privately hosted voyage led by Jennifer and Joel, co-owners of JJ Travel Associates. Every detail has been chosen with care, combining cultural discovery, personal connection, and exceptional value from start to finish.
AmaWaterways | AmaStella
Step aboard the elegant AmaStella and experience why AmaWaterways is a leader in river cruising. Every stateroom offers comfort, style, and views of Europe’s timeless landscapes. Savor locally inspired cuisine paired with regional wines from the vineyards along your route. Onboard service is warm and intuitive, ensuring every guest feels welcome from the moment they arrive.
Hosted by Jennifer & Joel
We’ll be with you from start to finish, sharing dinners, stories, and discoveries along the way. Our goal is to make every moment feel effortless so you can focus on what matters most: the experience, the connection, and the journey itself.
Inclusive Group Experience and Exceptional Value
Your cruise fare includes far more than your stateroom. It includes the full AmaWaterways experience. Choose from daily guided excursions, enjoy complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and relax during evening cocktail hour. As our gift to you, crew gratuities are included, adding even more value to this already exceptional journey.
Small Ship, Big Experience
With just 156 guests aboard, AmaStella offers the perfect balance of comfort and discovery. Expect personalized service, award-winning dining, and authentic experiences in every port without the crowds or the rush.
Your Home on the Rhine
Elegant, Comfortable, and Designed For Discovery
AmaStella, one of AmaWaterways’ award-winning ships, was purpose-built for comfort and discovery on Europe’s rivers. Every detail reflects the warmth and character of the destinations you’ll explore, from locally sourced wines and regionally inspired cuisine to the personal touches of crew members who greet you by name.
Aboard AmaStella, you’ll enjoy:
Spacious staterooms thoughtfully designed for relaxation, with ample space to unwind after a day of exploring.
Inviting lounges and panoramic views where you can connect with fellow travelers, enjoy a drink, or simply watch the scenery drift by.
Regionally inspired cuisine prepared from fresh, local ingredients and paired with wines that reflect the regions along your journey.
Beer and wine included with lunch and dinner, turning every meal into a celebration of local flavor.
A daily choice of excursions from guided sightseeing to hiking and biking, offering flexible ways to experience each destination.
Evening cocktail hour to share stories from the day and enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere before dinner.
A fitness center, walking track, and heated sun deck pool for those who want to stay active or simply soak up the views.
Personalized service from a dedicated crew who handle every detail 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 your questions and help you choose the stateroom that fits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your fare includes everything you need for a seamless experience: your stateroom, all onboard meals, coffee, tea, and water throughout the day, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and a relaxed cocktail hour each evening. You’ll also enjoy daily guided excursions in every port, onboard Wi-Fi, and crew gratuities; all included in the price.
River ships carry fewer guests, only 156 on AmaStella, and dock in the heart of each city. You’ll spend more time exploring and less time waiting. Guided tours, bike rides, and local tastings are included, giving you more ways to experience each destination up close.
During the day, comfort is key. You’ll be active on excursions, so wear clothes and shoes that are good for walking and exploring. Onboard, relaxed and casual works well. Evenings lean toward business casual. The Chef’s Table and Captain’s Dinner are slightly more formal, but the atmosphere is never strict; think polished but comfortable.
Yes. We can arrange extra nights in Basel or Amsterdam and take care of your flights, transfers, and travel insurance. Just let us know what you’d like to include, and we’ll handle the details.
You can reserve your stateroom with a $1,000 deposit, based on $500 per person. The final payment is due September 21, 2026.
You can reserve online or call us directly at 201-786-6275. We’ll answer your questions, talk through the best options, and take care of every detail for you.
Meet Your Tulip Time Hosts
Jennifer and Joel, co-owners of JJ Travel Associates, design journeys that blend history, culture, and a genuine sense of fun. Their goal is to create experiences that feel seamless, stress-free, and memorable.
They believe earth is the greatest classroom, and that every destination tells a story worth understanding. For them, travel isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about connecting with people, places, and traditions in meaningful ways; with plenty of laughter along the way.
Sail with Jennifer and Joel through the heart of Europe as tulips bloom along the Rhine. Together, you’ll explore historic cities, sample local cuisine, and collect moments that stay with you long after you return home. Every detail is planned and managed personally, so you can relax and enjoy each day as it unfolds.
From your first conversation to the final farewell, Jennifer and Joel ensure you feel cared for, informed, and part of something special. Guests often say traveling with them isn’t just a vacation, it’s an experience to remember.