Enchanting Rhine River Cruise

Journey on the Rhine River

7 night Basel to Amsterdam
and 4 nights land tour of Switzerland

 

Begin in vibrant Amsterdam, enjoying her legendary canals and colorful surroundings. Visit the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the historic university town of Heidelberg, the charming medieval town of Strasbourg and discover the legendary Black Forest region. Conclude your journey amidst Switzerland’s stunning scenery and world-famous cities, enjoying lake-side excursions and Alpine vistas

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Arrive in Zurich and transfer to your hotel. Spend your day exploring this beautiful town. (B)

Day 2 ZURICH

Your morning walking tour of Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, includes Grossmunster Abbey, St. Peter (which boasts the world's largest church clock face), Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumunster Abbey. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the town on your own. Or, if you prefer, you may take an optional excursion to see the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, and also visit Stein am Rhine, a town with a well-preserved medieval center and buildings painted with beautiful frescoes. (B)

Day 3 ZURICH - LUCERNE

After a free morning in Zurich, check out of your hotel and head off on a scenic drive around the lake before reaching Lucerne. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. (B)

Day 4 LUCERNE

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem. You will see some of the city's lovely cobblestone streets, monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for Swiss-made watches, knives and delicious chocolates. Or, if you prefer, join the optional tour and cable car ride to the top of a Swiss mountain with incredible views of the surrounding area (seasonal availability). (B)

Day 5 LUCERNE - BASEL - EMBARKATION

This morning, depart from Lucerne, visiting the Lion Monument en route to Basel. Arrive in Basel for a city tour before embarking your luxurious river cruise ship. Switzerland's second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel's glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th- century patrician homes. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. The ship moors in Basel overnight. (B,D)

Day 6 BREISACH, GERMANY

You have two exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the 16th century. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town on that houses one of Europe's largest wine cellars. In Freiburg, you will visit the historical city center and the Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. (B,L,D)

Day 7 STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Capital city of France's Alsace region, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. After arriving this morning, enjoy a panoramic tour that will take you past the Orangery, the town's oldest park, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, explore on foot with 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 in Strasbourg overnight (B,L,D)

Day 8 SPEYER - HEIDELBERG, GERMANY

Early this afternoon, arrive in Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, known for its Cathedral, churches, and the Altportel a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a tour of Medieval Speyer or a half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle and its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and see beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. You will have free time to wander what is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, the "Haupstrasse," or simply relax in a cafe. The ship moors overnight in Speyer. (B,L,D)

Day 9 RÜDESHEIM - KOBLENZ

This morning, arrive in Rudesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Museum. You will also have time to explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants, followed by a wine tasting at a local vintner. As an alternative to the museum, treat yourself to a tasting of Rudesheimer coffee. A third option for your Rudesheim visit is to take a Gondola Ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal StatueThis afternoon, your ship departs for Koblenz and cruises through the Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, with hillsides dotted with fairy-tale castles. After arriving in Koblenz this evening, your Cruise Manager will take you on a walking tour through this charming town. The ship moors here overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 10 COLOGNE

The ship cruises to Cologne today, where you will have an afternoon walking tour of the old part of the city and visit the fabled 13th-century gothic cathedral. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own. The ship departs this evening for Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 11 AMSTERDAM

After arriving around noon, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the "Venice of the North." See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous house where Anne Frank once lived in hiding during WWII. You will also have a panoramic city tour of the great landmarks of Amsterdam, including a picturesque windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship, which moors here overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 12 DISEMBARKATION - DEPART AMSTERDAM

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)