Hosted by Jeff and Allison Freedman
We are excited to host this group of like-minded producers on a European agriculture experience designed specifically for active and retired farmers who want more than just a vacation.
This journey begins in Amsterdam and travels through Germany with a couple agricultural stops — including a visit to a working European farm and time at Agritechnica, the world’s leading farm trade show. From there, we continue to Rothenburg and finish in Basel. Once in Basel guests will board the AmaSerena and enjoy a relaxing river cruise back to Amsterdam.
Guests can enjoy this as a combined journey that will provide a roundtrip experience from Amsterdam or guests can book either the land journey or river cruise. If you join us for only the river cruise we will be happy to assist your in creating your own perfect land itinerary.
This isn’t just a coach tour or river cruise. It’s an opportunity to connect with other producers, see how agriculture is done in another part of the world, exchange ideas, and enjoy Europe in a way that feels both meaningful and memorable.
If you’ve ever said, “I’d love to see how they farm over there,” this is your chance. We’d love to have you join us!!!
The Land Journey
This land itinerary has been designed to combine agricultural insights with a more traditional European experiences. Beginning in Amsterdam and traveling through Germany to Switzerland, this experience includes a visit to a working European farm, time at AGRITECHNICA, and exploration of historic towns like Fulda and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Nov 18, 2027: Day 1, ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM. Arrival at Amsterdam airport and transfer downtown to hotel (check-in is only possible after 3:00 p.m.) Welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight in Amsterdam. (-/-/D)
Nov 19: Day 2, AMSTERDAM TO BÜCKEBURG. After breakfast depart for Bückeburg. En-route visit a private farm with grain cultivation, grain maize, arable fodder cultivation, silage maize, grassland, dairy farming, cattle rearing, bull fattening and biogas plant. Lunch at a local restaurant. Arrival and check in at your hotel in Bückeburg”. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Bückeburg. (B/L/-)
Nov 20: Day 3, AGRITECHNICA. After breakfast at the hotel we will take the coach to the fairground at Hanover to visit AGRITECHNICA 2027. Lunch on your own at the fairground. In the late afternoon we will head back to Bückeburg. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Bückeburg. (B/-/D)
Nov 21: Day 4, BÜCKEBURG TO FULDA TO ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER. After breakfast at the hotel we will depart for Fulda. After arrival we will enjoy a two-hour guided city walk of Fulda and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we will proceed to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. (B/L/-)
Nov 22: Day 5, ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER. After breakfast enjoy a guided city walk. In the afternoon enjoy some free time. This evening we will take the coach to the beautiful medieval castle of Colmberg. Experience the time of the Middle Ages during a knight's dinner with jugglers and minstrels. Overnight in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. (B/-/D)
Nov 23: Day 6, ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER TO BASEL. After breakfast departure for Basel. After we arrive in Basel we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding your river cruise. (B/L/-)
What's Included During the Land Portion
- Transportation in modern private 5* coach with WiFi
- 5-nights accommodation in 4*-hotels
- Daily breakfast buffet
- 3 lunches & 3 dinners (beverages not included)
- City sightseeing in Fulda and Rothenburg ob der Tauber with English Speaking guides.
- Farm visit as outlined in the itinerary
- English speaking tour guide throughout the tour
- Gratuities for local guides, bus driver and tour guide
- Gratuities for all included meals
What's Not Included During the Land Portion
- Beverages throughout the trip
- Any attractions, meals and activities not mentioned in program
- Items such as laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, pay TV etc...
The River Cruise
AmaSerena - Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (Festive Delights)
Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards and the joy of the holiday season. Start in Basel, where you will board your elegantly decorated ship before crossing the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. You’ll also enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks. Conclude your cruise by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history.
Nov 23, 2027: Day 1, BASEL, SWITZERLAND – EMBARKATION. Embark your ship for your Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles cruise.
Nov 24: Day 2, BASEL – LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND. Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, 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, you may opt to visit Lucerne with a full-day excursion. In the afternoon, for guests who have not chosen the full day Lucerne excursion, visit a local winery to sample Swiss wines, tour Wildegg Castle, a fortress built by the Habsburgs in the early 13th century that features a 3,300 square meter garden, or embark on an exhilarating hike to the castle.
Nov 25: Day 3, STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg offers flavours of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a short drive to the Place de la République before walking through the 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.
Nov 26: Day 4, 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 center 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.
Nov 27: Day 5, RÜDESHEIM. Join a wine tasting 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.
Nov 28: DAY 6, 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 Fishmarket, 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. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Nov 29: Day 7, 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. *Please note: A Taste of Amsterdam tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with an alternate tour.
Nov 30: Day 8, DISEMBARKATION – AMSTERDAM. Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.
What's Included During the River Cruise
- Accommodation during the cruise
- All daily shore excursions during the cruise with English-speaking expert guides
- All gourmet meals onboard
- Premium drink package
- Complimentary wellness program with fitness instructor and use of fitness equipment
- Complimentary use of AMA bicycles and helmets in each port
- Nightly entertainment
- Gratuities for cruise manager, crew on board, local guides and drivers
- Port charges and fees
- Airport transfer post cruise
What's Not Included During the River Cruise
- Use of the telephone in each cabin
- Items purchased in the Gift Shop or Spa and Salon Services
- Optional upgraded shore excursions