A Friends’ Adventure on AmaWaterways AmaCerto: 7-Night Sailing from Luxembourg to Basel

 

 

This summer, my friend and I decided to take a break from our busy schedules and embark on a river cruise aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaCerto. We chose the 7-night sailing from Luxembourg to Basel, starting on August 14, 2024. It was the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and fun—a trip designed for those who want to dive into Europe’s culture and history while still enjoying a bit of adventure.

 

Day 1: Luxembourg – Embarkation

Our journey began in Luxembourg, a small but incredibly charming country with a fascinating blend of history and modernity. After arriving in the city, we spent a few hours exploring the historic Old Town, known for its fortifications and scenic views over the valleys. Boarding the AmaCerto later that day, we were immediately struck by the ship’s elegance and warm ambiance. Our stateroom, with its twin balconies, offered stunning views of the river, and we could already tell this was going to be an epic week.

That evening, we enjoyed a welcome reception where we met other passengers—many of whom were also pairs of friends or small groups traveling together. The vibe was relaxed, and everyone seemed eager for the week ahead. We wrapped up the night with dinner featuring fresh local ingredients and a glass of wine to toast the start of our adventure.

 

Day 2: Trier, Germany

Our first stop was Trier, Germany’s oldest city and a treasure trove of Roman history. We opted for a guided walking tour that took us to the impressive Porta Nigra, a Roman city gate, and the Trier Cathedral, home to breathtaking ancient architecture. We even had time to see the ruins of Roman baths and amphitheatres, all while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of this riverside city. We had a chance to explore the city alone and tase the local produce and sample some of the most beautiful wines. 

In the afternoon, we decided to do something a bit more fun—a local wine tasting! The Moselle River region is famous for its Riesling, and we were not disappointed. Returning to the ship, we caught up with our new friends and spent the evening chatting in the lounge over cocktails. Meeting new friends on the trip was quite unexpected, we had so many wonderful evenings together swapping stories and sailing by on the top deck. 

 

 

Day 3: Bernkastel & Wine Country

We woke up to the stunning views of the Bernkastel vineyards, with terraced rows of vines stretching up the hillsides. Today’s excursion took us into the heart of Germany’s wine country. We toured a local winery and learned about the wine-making process while, of course, sampling some excellent vintages along the way.

Afterward, we had time to stroll through Bernkastel’s medieval town centre, where the narrow-cobbled streets and half-timbered houses gave us that quintessential European feel. Back on board AmaCerto, the day ended with a special wine-pairing dinner—a great way to unwind and continue our exploration of the region’s flavors.

 

Day 4: Cochem & Reichsburg Castle

The next stop was the picturesque town of Cochem, one of our favourite highlights of the trip. Perched high above the town is Reichsburg Castle, a medieval fortress with incredible views of the Moselle River. We took a guided tour of the castle, walking through its grand halls and learning about its storied past.

The climb up was a bit steep, but the views and the history were well worth it. We spent the afternoon strolling through Cochem’s charming streets, grabbing coffee at a café, and enjoying the relaxed pace of river life. That evening, the ship hosted a lively game night, and we had a blast competing with other guests while sailing towards our next destination.

 

Day 5: Rüdesheim & The Rhine Gorge

Day five brought us to the wine town of Rüdesheim, where we visited the famous Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum—a quirky but fascinating spot with an amazing collection of self-playing instruments. Afterward, we hopped on a cable car that took us over the vineyards to the Niederwald Monument, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of the Rhine Valley. This was a truly breathtaking experience, steeped with history and a stunning view. My friend and I took some wonderful photographs here.

The afternoon was a scenic highlight as we sailed through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with fairytale castles and dramatic cliffs. We spent the day relaxing on the sun deck, snapping photos, and sipping cocktails while the ship passed by legendary sites like the Lorelei Rock. This was one my most favourite afteroons, we did some yoga on the top deck and walked around the running track, it felt like a small community, stopping by and speaking to different passengers. We stayed all afternoon on the top deck relaxing in the pool, I have laughed so much in a long time!

 

 

Day 6: Ludwigshafen & Heidelberg

We docked in Ludwigshafen and headed out for a day trip to the historic city of Heidelberg. The iconic Heidelberg Castle was a must-see, and we loved wandering around the ruins and taking in the views of the Neckar River. The town itself was full of charm, with its narrow streets, cafés, and the oldest university in Germany.

After an afternoon of shopping and enjoying local snacks, we returned to the ship for a relaxing evening. The onboard entertainment featured local musicians, and we found ourselves dancing the night away with our new found friends.

 

Day 7: Strasbourg, France

Our final full day took us to Strasbourg, a city that straddles the French-German border and combines the best of both cultures. We joined a guided tour of the charming La Petite France district, with its canals, half-timbered houses, and cobbled streets.

One of the highlights was visiting the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate Gothic architecture and the famous astronomical clock. We spent the afternoon wandering around the city, picking up a few souvenirs, and grabbing lunch at a local café.

That evening, the farewell dinner on AmaCerto was a bittersweet moment as we reflected on the incredible week we’d had. We couldn’t believe how quickly the time had flown by!

 

Day 8: Basel, Switzerland – Disembarkation

We arrived in Basel, Switzerland, and after a final breakfast on board, it was time to say goodbye to AmaCerto. Basel’s mix of art galleries and medieval history made for a great place to spend our last few hours before heading home. Though the trip was over, the memories we made along the way—castles, vineyards, and charming European towns—would stay with us forever. There was no planned excursion today so a group of us ventured out alone, we shared so many special memories and made plans to meet again, I really do hope we do!

 

 

Why We Loved AmaCerto

Traveling on the AmaCerto was the perfect way for two friends to escape the everyday and immerse ourselves in Europe’s heart. The ship itself was elegant and comfortable, with plenty of spaces to relax, whether we wanted to socialise with other guests or enjoy a quiet drink while taking in the scenery. The Speciality dining restaurant did not disappoint, the wine pairings were wonderful and the chef fantastic. It was lovely to share that intimate moment with out new friends.

The excursions were varied and interesting, offering a great mix of history, culture, and fun activities like wine tasting and exploring castles. The staff on board made everything easy, and the friendly atmosphere made it easy to connect with others.

 

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a blend of relaxation and adventure with a close friend, this 7-night river cruise from Luxembourg to Basel on AmaCerto is an incredible choice. Each day was filled with new experiences, from medieval towns and castles to wine country and scenic gorges.

We can’t wait to plan our next trip!