In July 2025, I traveled with a small group from my community on AmaWaterways’ Enchanting Rhine itinerary aboard AmaSiena. We also chose the AmaWaterways pre extension with 2 nights in Zurich and 2 nights in Lucerne, and having my sister and cousin traveling with us made the trip extra special.
Enchanting Rhine with AmaWaterways
We were on the go in the best way. We logged over 20,000 steps a day because we wanted to. In Zurich, we walked along the river, browsed street vendors, and got caught in a torrential downpour that came out of nowhere. In Lucerne, we soaked up the scenery and trained to Interlaken for the day, one of those simple adventures that ends up being a highlight.
Once we were sailing, the Rhine delivered exactly what you hope for: charming towns, historic streets, and castles that make you stop and stare. The weather was cooler most of the week, which actually made cruising through the Rhine Gorge feel even cozier. We bundled up in blankets on deck, sipped hot chocolate, and watched castle after castle glide by while imagining the stories behind them.
Strasbourg was a favorite for exploring and shopping, even though we got caught in another soaking rainstorm. Cologne was all about the cathedral. Walking through it is one of those moments that makes you look up and go quiet. In Rudesheim, we tried their signature coffee drink and wandered shops filled with cuckoo clocks and little treasures that are hard to resist. We also made time for local cafes for lunch, and I loved walking through the town squares that will be filled with Christmas markets in just a few months.
Onboard, the crew on AmaSiena was fantastic and the food was excellent. One of my favorite evenings was the Chef’s Table. The chef explained each course, and I did not know what half of it was, but it was delicious. We stayed in a French Balcony cabin, which was noticeably smaller than the twin balcony room we’ve had before. It worked just fine, but if you want a more comfortable cabin experience, I would choose the twin balcony.
All in all, it was a wonderful Rhine trip with friends, family, and my community. And while I loved it, my favorite European river so far is still the Danube, especially that stretch from Vilshofen to Budapest. The Rhine is absolutely worth doing though, especially if you love walkable towns, big history, and scenery that never gets old.
