JGT’s Ultra-Luxury River Cruise “From the Swiss Mountains to the Sea” May ’25

With optional Lake Como Extension

Fly-Cruise on the Rhine from Switzerland to Holland from €3,680pps or add a 3-night stay in stunning Lake Como before the cruise.
Depart Dublin 16 or 19 May 2025.

Join JGT’s river cruise group on this top-end 7-night cruise from Basle to Amsterdam aboard one of the most luxurious river cruises afloat. AMAWaterways are the ultimate luxury river cruise line and we are delighted to partner with them to bring you this JGT group in May 2025. River cruises, and AMAWaterways in particular, tend to sell out early, so we are bringing you the first shot at securing your place before they are snapped up.

You can book our 7-night fly-cruise package, 7-night cruise on its own or extend it to depart to Milan on 16 May and stay for an extra 3 nights before the cruise, in beautiful Lake Como. Apart from the cruise only option, flights from Dublin and back, as well as airport transfers are included. AMA Waterways includes so much i.e. drinks, fine dining, excursions (gratuities are not included).

The “Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles” Cruise – Basel to Amsterdam 7 nights

Discover fairytale castles and historic vineyards as part of this spectacular Rhine River cruise fantasy. Encompassing Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true.

Take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps before crossing the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg. Enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks. Then it’s off to discover the grand city of Cologne and charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg.

End by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history.

ITINERARY

Friday 16 May ARRIVE IN LAKE COMO, ITALY.

Fly Dublin to Milan. You will be met by your guide at the airport. Transfer to Lake Como and check into your hotel.

Saturday 17 May LAKE COMO.
Be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean’s Twelve and Casino Royale. (B)

Sunday 18 May LAKE COMO – BELLAGIO.
Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio’s restaurants before returning to the boat. (B)

Monday 19 May DUBLIN – BASEL or LAKE COMO – BELLINZONA – BASEL, SWITZERLAND.
If not availing of the Lake Como pre-cruise add-on, fly from Dublin via Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland. You will be met by the local guide and taken to the ship. For the Lake Como people, check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, be treated to a Bellinzona orientation tour. Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D)

Tuesday 20 May BASEL – LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND.
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade centre, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to see its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B,L,D)

Wednesday 21 May STRASBOURG, FRANCE.
Strasbourg offers flavours of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Thursday 22 May LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY.
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city centre of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

Friday 23 May RÜDESHEIM.
Join a wine tasting tour to discover the flavours of the town’s iconic vineyards and drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy an exclusive evening visit at Burg Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Saturday 24 May COLOGNE, GERMANY.
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

Sunday 25 May AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS.
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavour, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. (B,L,D)

*Please note: A Taste of Amsterdam tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with an alternate tour..

Monday 26 May AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. Transfer to the airport and fly to Dublin.

(B,L,D) – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included on this day.

 

 

AmaSerena Overview

AmaSerena is a regal river ship accommodating both guests who wish to socialize with kindred cruisers and those seeking private rejuvenation. Twin-balcony staterooms maximize scenic views with amenities that include Entertainment-On-Demand, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and more. Vivid brush strokes on the duvets give local colour new life, while sophisticated white marbled bathrooms offer a clean canvas. When it’s time to step out, guests can choose a quiet respite in the inviting library or head to the Main Lounge for cocktails and conversation. Both venues are designed with fabrics in rich reds that call to mind full-bodied Merlots. For a bit of whimsy, the Sun Deck boasts a giant chess set, or you can take a dip in the refreshing pool. As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the exclusive international culinary society, AmaSerena also offers exquisite, locally sourced cuisine in the Main Restaurant or at The Chef’s Table.

Twin Balconies

Enjoy panoramic views and plenty of fresh air in AMASerena’s lavish twin-balcony staterooms that feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. For value, we also offer fixed window suites.

Award-Winning Dining

Savour exquisite cuisine at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. You can also order delicious tapas between meals in the Main Lounge.

Sightseeing by Bike

With a fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, you have the opportunity to explore Europe on our guided bike tours, or go discover on your own.

UNPACK ONCE: A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE
Step aboard and unpack once aboard one of our luxury ships that transport you from one destination to the next. With AmaWaterways, every day is a “see” day as we cruise through grand capitals and charming towns. Our ships dock near city centers, meaning you can step right off the ship and explore.

ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED – CHOOSE FROM UP TO EIGHT EACH DAY
AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of shore excursions included as part of your cruise fare. The roster of options caters to a range of interest and activity levels, including tours for gentle and active walkers as well as late risers. Enjoy city tours, guided hikes, exhilarating bike rides, and tastings of local specialties—all on one itinerary!

AWARD-WINNING INCLUDED DINING EXPERIENCES
With membership in the internationally recognized La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterways takes pride in preparing exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. You can also enjoy complimentary hand-selected wines and local beers during every lunch and dinner on board.

THE LUXURY OF SPACE – FEWER GUESTS ON BOARD
Spacious and uncrowded, AMAWaterway’s award-winning fleet offers elegantly appointed staterooms and suites and welcomes fewer guests than many traditional river cruise ships. Their innovative AmaMagna (on the Danube) offers enhanced personal space with more than 50% luxury suite accommodations as well as four unique dining venues, a chic onboard cinema and an expansive Zen Wellness Studio.

LEADERS IN INNOVATION
Continuously innovating the river cruise experience, AMAWaterways were the first to offer twin-balcony staterooms, complimentary bikes, a full-sized pickleball court, and a complimentary multi-course specialty restaurant, The Chef’s Table. As industry leaders, they work to minimize their impact on the world’s rivers, reducing single-use plastics across our fleet and installing solar panels on AmaMagna.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch with our high-quality complimentary Wi-Fi, available on board throughout our fleet. In addition, our easy-to-use myAmaCruise app allows you view and share an interactive map that follows your river cruise itinerary, share photos with friends and family, learn about each port of call, find available excursions and even access your electronic travel documents.

ENHANCE YOUR BEST SELF

Join our dedicated Wellness Hosts for complimentary small-group fitness classes on board your ship. For a gentler approach to wellness, we invite you to take a dip in the sun-deck pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Healthy cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients is always available, as are vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sodium choices.

UNPARALLELED PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Our extraordinary Cruise Managers and crew continuously go above and beyond to enhance the onboard experience, surprising and delighting our guests with thoughtful details, getting to know you personally and anticipating your needs before you ever have to ask. Our people are the main reason more guests return to cruise with us than with any other river cruise line – a testament to their passion and unrivaled service.

EXTRAORDINARY CRUISE MANAGERS

AmaWaterways’ extraordinary Cruise Managers are the best in the industry: destination experts with extensive experience in providing exceptional levels of personalized service. Warm-hearted, genuine and knowledgeable, they are there for you every step of your journey, including during our optional land packages before and after your river cruise.

 

Category	Suite	Double/Twin PP	Single
E	Fixed Window (160 sq ft)	€3,680.30	€5,098.00
D	Fixed Window (160 sq ft)	€3,914.30	€5,423.00
C	French Balcony (170 sq ft)	€4,775.60	€6,887.90
BB	French Balcony & Outside Balcony (210 sq ft)	€5,244.50	€7,591.70
BA	French Balcony & Outside Balcony (210 sq ft)	€5,401.10	€7,826.60
AB	French Balcony & Outside Balcony (235 sq ft)	€5,557.70	€8,061.50
AA	French Balcony & Outside Balcony (235 sq ft)	€5,714.30	€8,296.40

JGT Charges a €10pp Consumer Protection Levy in addition to the above. For Cruise only,
(i.e. no flights or transfers) deduct €550pp from the above pricing.

The above package fares are quoted per person in double and single occupancy and include:

• 7-night cruise
• Flights from Dublin & return
• Airport transfers
• Drinks
• Fine dining
• Choice of shore excursions
• Use of bicycles
• AMA Tour Manager throughout

Optional 3 nights Lake Como (pre-cruise package)

Extend your holiday and see Lake Como

€1,435 pp sharing or €2,400 single.

What’s Included in Your Optional Land Package
3 nights at the Hilton Lake Como (or similar)
Daily breakfast at the hotel
Convenient transfers between your hotel and ship
Guided tours of Lake Como, Bellagio, and more
The services of one of our wonderful Cruise Managers – unique in the industry

About Lake Como

In 1818, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote, “This lake exceeds anything I ever held in beauty.” He was talking about Lake Como, and from the high and mighty of the Roman Empire to modern superstars like George Clooney and Madonna, the rich and famous have long been inspired by its stunning natural splendour.

A Storybook Setting

Some places simply have to be seen to be believed, and Lake Como is filled with them. The Y-shaped lake, one of the deepest in Europe, is nestled beneath the Alps and boasts a gorgeous subtropical microclimate that means visitors can sip cappuccino beneath wisteria and palm trees or relax on the beach while gazing across the water at majestic, snow-capped mountains. The surreally gorgeous scenery led The Huffington Post to name Lake Como the most beautiful lake in the world in 2014.

There is no shortage of man-made beauty to be found, either. Lake Como is surrounded by villages, each with their own unique character. These villages are home to magnificent villas, and while most of the villas themselves are not open to the public, their spectacular Italian Renaissance-style gardens certainly are.

You can easily travel between villages by car, but Lake Como has a robust ferry system that tempts visitors to spend a day on the water, leisurely drifting from one postcard-perfect village to the next. You can journey back through 2,000 years of history in the walled city of Como, indulge in a decadent meal by lantern light in Bellagio, take a passeggiata along the lakeside promenade in Menaggio, or hop a funicular up to Brunate for a panoramic vista that will leave you breathless.

 

Beautiful Bellagio

Some call it the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Others, the most beautiful town in Europe. Seated at the junction of the lake’s three branches, Bellagio offers unrivalled views of its natural setting. The town itself is an enchanting cornucopia of cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings whose every window and stairway bursts with flowers. We dare you to try to take a bad picture here – it’s simply not possible.

The town of Bellagio is small, but its pleasures are many. Treat yourself to some of the region’s finest shopping, stroll through rhododendrons and azaleas in the 200-year-old gardens at Villa Melzi, dance beneath the stars to live music at the wharf, or enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the scenery at La Punta, a restaurant located at the very tip of the peninsula where Lake Como divides into two. Explore this breathtaking destination on a special guided tour during your stay with AmaWaterways.

Smooth as Silk

As if awe-inspiring views and picturesque villages weren’t enough, Lake Como is also famous for producing some of the finest silk in the world. In 1400, the Duke of Milan ordered the planting of mulberry trees around the lake, providing a veritable feast for silkworms. By 1972, this little region of Italy was producing more silk than China or Japan.

If you would like to experience these luscious fabrics for yourself, you can find shops selling exquisite silk scarves, ties, and more in the towns along the lake you visit during your guided tour of the area. World-renowned silk brand Frey, which recently celebrated its 120th anniversary, has stores in Bellagio and Cernobbio; while Mantero has its factory and outlet in Grandate, just a 15 minute drive from the Como’s city centre.

JOHN GALLIGAN TRAVEL
offers a broader range of cruise product
than anyone else in Ireland!
Contact the Real Cruise Experts!

To book a Cruise call John Galligan Travel on (01) 207 6555 or e-mail leisure@jgt.ie