
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:
BaselTransfer from Basel airport to ship
Day 3:
Breisach, StrasbourgDiscover this well-preserved Medieval city while following your guide through Colmar's cobblestone streets. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Colmar (Alsace) walking tour
Day 4:
StrasbourgAdmire picturesque Strasbourg on a canal cruise; you'll feel like you are in a fairytale. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg canal cruise
Day 5:
Speyer, Mainz, RüdesheimYour walking tour takes you to Old Town and the grand Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Speyer walking tour
Day 6:
Rüdesheim, AlkenIn the morning, you'll cruise the scenic 40 miles of the middle Rhine Valley, classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its vine-filled slopes and its 40 or so castles strung like pearls along the river banks, this is the perfect example of the romantic Rhine. In Rüdesheim, visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, showcasing a unique collection of self-playing musical instruments. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum
Day 7:
Alken, CochemHistory comes to life in Cochem's half-timbered houses and Gothic Reichsburg Castle. Enjoy a winetasting at a vintner's private wine estate in the idyllic village of Ediger-Eller. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Cochem walking tour, Reichsburg Castle, and Ediger-Eller winetasting
Day 8:
TrierYour panoramic tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trier-one of the oldest Roman outposts along the Moselle-takes you by the Roman Imperial Baths and the Porta Nigra, and is capped off by a visit to Constantine's throne room. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Trier city tour
Day 9:
Trier, WasserbilligYour guided tour of the independent sovereign state of Luxembourg includes viewing Our Lady Cathedral, the Grand Ducal Palace, and a WWII cemetery, which is the resting place of General Patton. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Luxembourg and WWII cemetery
Day 10:
BernkastelDiscover Bernkastel with its more than 500 years of winemaking history, historic vineyards, and one of Germany's most picturesque market squares. Savor the area's fine Rieslings at the renowned wine estate of Dr. Pauly Bergweiler. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Walking tour and wine experience
Day 11:
KoblenzAmble through the picturesque streets of Koblenz, learning from your guide this town's history and importance to the region. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Koblenz walking tour
Day 12:
Koblenz, CologneStroll through Old Town's streets to the fascinating Roman-Germanic Museum, which illustrates everyday life during the Roman Empire. (BB, L, D) Note: On Mondays, the Roman-Germanic Museum is closed; it will be replaced with a visit to the Cologne Cathedral instead.
Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour and Roman-Germanic Museum visit
Day 13:
AmsterdamEnjoy a canal cruise through Amsterdam. Later, marvel at the works of the Dutch Masters in the renowned Rijksmuseum. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Amsterdam city tour, canal cruise and Rijksmuseum visit
Day 14:
Amsterdam (disembark)Transfer from ship to Amsterdam airport