Find Your Own “ Once Upon a Time ” on the Rhine River
AmaLea , Rhine Gorge
As children , many of us read from at least one magical hard-covered anthology of fairy tales . We marveled at the intricate detail in colorful illustrations depicting castles with glorious turrets and moats , charming villages with cobblestone lanes and half-timbered houses and lush forests brimming with legends both enchanting and mysterious . Imagine being enveloped within those pages and standing before the very fortresses where knights greeted visitors in full armor on horseback and royals ruled the land . When you cruise along Europe ’ s historic Rhine River with AmaWaterways , you will not have to imagine any longer , because this fairytale destination will appear before your very eyes .
Castles and Cathedrals Cruising through the heart of Switzerland , France , Germany and the Netherlands , AmaWaterways offers a variety of 7-night itineraries on the Rhine River that encompass visits to sprawling cities such as Cologne and Strasbourg , renowned for their magnificent centuries-old cathedrals that must be seen to be believed .
Aboard stunning river cruise ships where the views are king , you can sit out on your balcony , in the spacious main lounge or up on the sun deck if weather permits , reveling in incredible stretches of breathtaking landscapes — but none more spectacular than that of Germany ’ s Rhine Gorge . For 40 incredible miles , you will glide through this UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than 40 castles line the riverbanks on either side . Representing different eras , architectural styles and various states of preservation , these castles tell the tale of how important the river has been for transportation , trade and protection throughout the ages , and your Cruise Manager will regale you with the history and legends associated with many of these fortresses along the way .
On select itineraries , including AmaWaterways ’ popular 7-night Enchanting Rhine , you will even have the exclusive opportunity to explore the grounds of Lahneck Castle in Lahnstein , Germany , defended once by the Knights Templar . Depending on the time of day your group visits , you may even see the castle illuminated solely by candlelight .
4 · ESCAPE Inspire your sense of wander