Rhine and Moselle FairyTales River Cruise

11 night Amsterdam to Basel
and optional 2 nights pre Amsterdam and
4 nights post land tour of Switzerland

 

 

 

Pages from fairytales come to life as you find inspiration along the fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, with fascinating scenery of Europe's steepest vineyards lining its shores. Encounter some of the prettiest towns of the Alsace/Strasbourg and Riquewihr that blend their German and French heritage into one enchanting masterpiece. Cochem and Bernkastel, towns that grew up below a castle, give you a sense of what it was like to live during the Middle Ages. Visit Trier, once known as the second Rome as no other city in Germany has so many monuments from Roman times; and Koblenz, where history meets at two rivers. Bygone grandeur of a different kind can be found at Mannheim's glorious Baroque Palace and at Schwetzingen Palace Gardens with more than 100 sculptures and whimsical buildings, including the most spectacular, the Tirkischer Garten. Colorful canals and glistening lakes, hilltop towns and majestic alps, mighty fortresses and storied castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey through time.

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND - EMBARKATION

Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

Day 2 AMSTERDAM

Visit Zaanse Schans, where you can observe life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses, and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th century village. (B)

Day 3 AMSTERDAM

Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, enjoy a panoramic tour of Amsterdam as well as free time in the Museumplein, where you can visit one of the city's prestigious museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt's The Night Watch and Vermeer's The Kitchen Maid. (B,D)

Day 4 AMSTERDAM

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 5 COLOGNE, GERMANY

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCOdesignated cathedral. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kolsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)

Day 6 LAHNSTEIN

You have a choice to visit Burg Lahneck, a medieval 13th-century castle, located in the city of Lahnstein; or you can go to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to take the aerial cable car over the Rhine to Koblenz, which boasts a rich history spanning more than 2,000 years. For those seeking a more active adventure, explore the area on the “Two Rivers Bike Tour,” which takes you along both the Rhine and Moselle rivers; or go on a hike around Lahnstein to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 7 MOSELLE - COCHEM

Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided hike to the castle or a bike tour through Cochem. Or for a different adventure, explore the Bundesbank Bunker to get a closer look at this mysterious Cold War-era bank vault. (B,L,D)

Day 8 MOSELLE - TRIER

Set sail for Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a city tour why it has been called the “Rome of the North” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)

Day 9 BERNKASTEL, GERMANY

Enjoy a scenic cruise to Bernkastel that will enchant you. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. (B,L,D)

Day 10 RHINE GORGE - RÜDESHEIM

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rudesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg. Later in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

Day 11 LUDWIGSHAFEN - MANNHEIM - HEIDELBERG

You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on an excursion to the glorious Schwetzingen Baroque Palace. Tour this splendid palace furnished with over 800 exhibits. Or, you may decide to visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens with more than 100 sculptures and admire an assortment of whimsical buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and the most spectacular, the Tirkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. You can also hike the historic Philosopher's Path along the Neckar River or bike to the charming town of Ladenburg and glide past its half-timbered architecture. (B,L,D)

Day 12 STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Capital city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. After arriving this morning, enjoy a panoramic city tour that will take you past the Orangery, the town's oldest park, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, take a walking tour of the lovely "La Petite France" neighborhood, where you will see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 13 BREISACH

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

Day 14 BASEL, SWITZERLAND - DISEMBARKATION - LUCERNE

Disembark the ship and before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. One of Switzerland?s most cosmopolitan cities, Basel is home to 40 museums (the highest concentration in the nation), a picturesque Old Town and richly decorated Market Square, a 500-year-old Rathaus (town hall) and Switzerland's oldest zoo (built in 1870 and home to 600 animal species and exotic flora). Once in Lucerne, you?ll discover the unrivalled beauty and charm of this pristine city on a walking tour. Stroll along Chapel Bridge, admiring the stunning gable paintings above. The mighty mountains of Mount Pilatus and Rigi overlook the swans that glide along the scenic lake and are part of Lucerne?s everlasting allure. Afterwards, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)

Day 15 LUCERNE

The iconic Lion Monument, which you’ll visit, was sculpted in memory for the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. It has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries, including Mark Twain who praised it as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. Located around the Musegg Wall area, the towers rise high over the city, giving great panoramic views of Lucerne, the Reuss River and the surrounding mountain scenery. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. (B)

Day 16 LUCERNE - ZURICH

Check out of your hotel and board a boat for a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, to Vitznau. Once in Vitznau, you'll transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, traveling past scenic landscapes and Alpine lakes. Once in Zurich, you'll check into your hotel. (B)

Day 17 ZURICH

Set alongside a glistening lake and framed by the Alps, Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future - all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse, a mile-long street featuring exclusive fashion boutiques, stores and street cafes. (B)

Day 18 DEPART ZURICH

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)