One of Europe's most legendary rivers awaits on this fascinating journey along the Rhine river. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as an excursion to majestic Heidelberg and a canal cruise in picturesque Amsterdam. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, take pictures of the famous Lorelei rock, and visit Siegfried's fascinating Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rudesheim.
'
Day 1 (Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation) (Sun.) Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland's capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich
and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in
world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon,
board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION.
(D)
Day 3 Amsterdam (Mon.)There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten
lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age." Afterward,
your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 Cologne, Germany (Tue.)Cologne is one of Germany's largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch
in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original "eau de
cologne.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 Koblenz - Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim (Wed.) Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, SIEGFRIED'S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there's free time to explore the Drosselgasse
and pick up some souvenirs.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 Excursion to Heidelberg (Thu.)
Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university town. The ruins of the imposing red
sandstone CASTLE tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT,
an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons!
(B,L,D)
Day 7 Strasbourg, France (Fri.) Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber,
and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An
optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest (Sat.)
Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach
is the gateway to Germany's Black Forest region, an area of unrivaled natural
beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. Surely the most well-known products
from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation) (Sun.)Homebound flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am.
(B)