6 Day Holland and the Rhine River Cruise
Amsterdam - Utrecht - Cologne - Rudesheim - Mannheim - Strasbourg
ASG
DAY 1: AMSTERDAM
Passengers are welcome to board the ship in Amsterdam at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.DAY 2: AMSTERDAM - UTRECHT
In the morning, optional excursions:
AUTHENTIC: Amsterdam and visit to a diamond dealer . A panoramic tour will give you an overview of the many historical riches and curiosities of the Dutch capital. Mills, diamond dealers, or the famous flower market are all symbols that reflect the Netherlands and its history. We will make a first stop at the Riecker mill, one of the oldest mills in Amsterdam located on the bank of the Amstel. We will continue by visiting a diamond dealer where you will discover the work of this precious stone as well as its history. Departure to the flower market where you will end this Dutch postcard by discovering thousands of varieties of flowers and tulip bulbs, the star flower of the country.
EXPERIENCE: Amsterdam by bike , discovering secret and unusual places. Departure on foot from the boat to join our bike rental company. Cycling is an institution in Amsterdam. A multitude of cycle paths cross the Dutch capital forming a sprawling network among the largest in Europe. You will be accompanied by a guide for a tour of approximately 2h30. You will discover the canals as well as the unusual and secret places known by the Amsterdammers for an immersive experience in the capital.
Back on board.
In the afternoon, optional AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE excursion: the Keukenhof flower park(2) (only on pre-booking before departure). The best-known flower park in the world, it is the symbol of the cultural importance of flowers and its industry in the Netherlands. You will visit this paradise at your own pace. Former domain of the castle of the same name, the spring park of Keukenhof in its current format was created in 1949 by flower bulb growers. Its flowerbeds brighten up the park with vivid colors and offer visitors superb floral creations to admire along the way. You will be charmed by the colors and scents of tulips, narcissus, daffodils and other bulb flowers.
During the excursion the boat will sail towards Utrecht where you will join it. Departure in navigation towards Cologne.
DAY 3: UTRECHT - COLOGNE
Sailing day. We will reach Cologne at the end of the afternoon. Free time or exploring the old town of Cologne with the entertainment team. You will see the colorful houses on the banks of the Rhine, the town hall, the Romanesque church of Saint-Martin. The narrow, cobbled streets will lead you to lively squares like the Old Market Square. You will notice the cathedral (exteriors) whose construction is faithful to the characteristics of Gothic religious architecture.
Night sailing to Rüdesheim.
DAY 4: RUDESHEIM
Morning sailing on the Romantic Rhine towards Rüdesheim. A river steeped in history, the Rhine fascinates with its many legends, including that of the Lorelei and its famous rock, with its vineyards and its many castles, to be seen along the water. Arrival in Rüdesheim in the afternoon.
Optional excursions:
AUTHENTIC: little train, wine tasting and museum of mechanical music in Rüdesheim . Departure by small tourist train for a commented tour in the vineyards of Rüdesheim. Tasting in the historic cellars of the Bassenheimer Hof, a 16th century stately home. Then drive to the Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett museum, located in a historic building from the 15th century. It houses an impressive collection of mechanical musical instruments and is one of the largest and finest collections from the 18th to 20th centuries.
EXPERIENCE: hike in the Rüdesheim vineyard , from the Niederwald monument to the Abbey of Ste Hildegarde. You will reach the center of Rüdesheim, the starting point for the cable cars that will take you to the Niederwald monument. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, the vineyards and the Rhine. Continuation with a hike through the vineyards to the Ste Hildegarde abbey built between 1900 and 1904. Free visit of the abbey then return on foot to the boat through the vines.
In the evening, the famous Drosselgasse awaits you with its many guinguettes and orchestras.
At the end of the evening, departure in navigation towards Mannheim.
DAY 5: RUDESHEIM - MANNHEIM
Early morning arrival in Mannheim.
AUTHENTIC / EXPERIENCE optional excursion: Heidelberg. Departure by coach towards Heidelberg, the city symbol of German romanticism. Meeting with the guides at Heidelberg Castle, you will discover with them the exterior of this magnificent pink sandstone castle partially in ruins. Since the end of the 18th century, the ruins of the castle have inspired painters and poets who saw in it a symbol of the grandeur and decadence of human works. Goethe, Hölderlin, Uhland and Eichendorff celebrated the castle landscape while many painters chose it as their motif. Also discover the geometric terraces of the Palatinate Garden, the "Hortus Palatinus", once considered the "eighth wonder of the world". You will continue in the company of your guides by visiting the old town.
Return on board in Mannheim and continue navigation on the Rhine towards Strasbourg. Lively evening. Night navigation to Strasbourg. Gala.
DAY 6: S - STRASBOURG
Breakfast on board before arriving in Strasbourg. Check out around 9.00 am. End of the cruise.
**Please note that this is a bi-lingual ship with information provided in both English and French, & an international cruise host on board.**
2023 Per Person Cruise Only Fares
| Departure | Ship | Main Deck From | Middle Deck From | Upper Deck From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23-Jul-23 | Gerard Schmitter | $1,543 | $1,756 | $1,817 |
| 18-Sep-23 | Victor Hugo | $1348 | $1,573 | |
| 17-Oct-23 | Mona Lisa | $1,072 | ||
| 27-Oct-23 | Symphonie | $1,274 | $1,540 |
Prices Include: Full board cruise from dinner of the first day to breakfast of the last day in a double cabin with showers and toilets, welcome drink, entertainment, the Captain's evening, the assistance of our hostess on board, and port taxes. DRINKS PACKAGE INCLUDED - Soft Drinks, as well as tea and coffee specialties, Beer, sparkling white wine, as well as open wines and daily recommendations from the wine menu (by the glass), Cocktails and long drinks throughout the day and evening.
Prices Do Not Include: Drinks, not listed above, insurance and optional excursions.
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
There might not be any other english speaking guests on these dates.
