
Starting off in vibrant, canal-lined Amsterdam, you'll traipse south on the path of historic legends and sail the fabled Rhine River Valley. Cruise past some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, where fairytale castles and historic sites greet you at every turn. Sail the meandering and romantic Moselle River, the Rhine's breathtaking tributary. Be enchanted by scenery of sylvan woods, ancient Roman ruins, medieval villages, and vineyards where vines cling bravely to spectacularly steep slopes. Indulge in the Moselle's distinguished vintages of full-bodied Rieslings as you pay homage to one of Europe's most charming river valleys, the Moselle. Travel through five amazing countries 'France, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands' all rich in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And all along the way, savor the excellent wines and distinctive local cuisine, sampling the best these regions have to offer! Who will enjoy this cruise: Connoisseurs of food and wine will savor hearty meals, delicate pastries, fine chocolates, and full-bodied Rieslings. Art aficionados and nature lovers will treasure an abundance of museums, castles, architecture, and spectacular natural scenery.
Day 1:
Depart Home Gateway City to BaselDay 2:
Basel (embark)Arrive in Basel where you�ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. (D)
Day 3:
Breisach (Colmar), StrasbourgColmar is so quaint you may feel you�re on a film set. Follow your guide through its cobblestone streets, which are lined with brightly colored half-timbered houses, and see the well-preserved canal quarter, known as Petite Venice. (BB, L, Captain�s Welcome Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Half-day tour of ColmarDay 4:
Strasbourg, SpeyerSee Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries�on a canal cruise. In addition to viewing the town�s covered bridges and medieval watchtowers, you�ll see Petite France, a picturesque district that seems as if it has been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale. In the evening, enjoy a walk in Speyer to the Old Town and the grand Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the final resting place of German emperors. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg canal cruise and Evening Walk in SpeyerDay 5:
Speyer, R�desheimEnjoy the day at leisure exploring the beautiful town of Speyer, or join us on our optional tour to Heidelberg.
Day 6:
R�desheim, Scenic Cruising Romantic Rhine and MoselleWhile in R�desheim, a celebrated wine town, you�ll enjoy a gondola ride to the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany. In the afternoon, as you sail you�ll enter the most beautiful section of the Rhine River Valley, the scenic 40 miles of the Middle Rhine Valley, a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its vine-filled slopes, its 40 or so castles strung like pearls along the river banks, and the famous Lorelei Rock, this is the perfect example of the romantic Rhine. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Gondola ride to Niederwald MonumentDay 7:
CochemCochem is an architectural gem typical of the Moselle region. Your guide takes you through Cochem�s narrow alleys with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses, and also up to gothic Reichsburg Castle. To top it off, we take you to local vintners who proudly present their treasures at their private wine estates. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Visit to Reichsburg Castle and wine tasting hosted by the village vintners at their private estatesDay 8:
TrierTrier is the site of one of the oldest Roman outposts along the Moselle and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A panoramic view from Petrisberg Mountain is the perfect introduction to your guided tour. You�ll drive by the ruins of the Roman Imperial Baths, and visit Constantine�s throne room. See the well-preserved fortified Roman gate called Porta Nigra. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Trier panoramic city tourDay 9:
Wasserbillig (Luxembourg), TrierVisit to a World War II cemetery, the resting place of General Patton. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Visit to the World War II CemeteryDay 10:
BernkastelYour day in Bernkastel�with more than 500 years of wine-making history�includes a tour of Old Town, where you�ll see many of the famous half-timbered houses, the Slate Tower and the Market Square�one of the most picturesque in Germany. Cap the morning off with a winetasting of the area�s fine Rieslings. Sit back and enjoy the vistas of the meandering Moselle while cruising in the afternoon. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Walking tour and wine experienceDay 11:
KoblenzArrive in Koblenz, situated on the beautiful corner at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. Your guided walking tour will highlight the appeal of Koblenz � its romantic narrow streets and historical squares, the picturesque alleyways and fountains in the old quarter and the 12th-century churches of St. Florin and Our Lady. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Koblenz walking tourDay 12:
CologneStart right at the pier for a guided walking tour of Cologne, the art capital of the Rhine. Old Town's narrow streets lead to the cathedral, the city's most famous landmark and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit inside features the Shrine of the Three Magi and the beautiful glass windows that survived WWII. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour and cathedral visitDay 13:
AmsterdamYour panoramic Amsterdam tour takes you through the canal-lined streets to view Mint Tower, Dam Square, the Royal Palace and Museum Square. Visit the renowned Rijksmuseum, which holds the most important collection of Dutch paintings in the world, including Rembrandt�s Night Watch. (BB, L, Captain�s Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Amsterdam city tour and RijksmuseumDay 14:
Amsterdam (disembark), transfer to airportDisembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam Airport for your flight home.