Day 1
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation)
(Sun.) Flights into Zurich must arrive before 3 pm. Basel is situated on the
Rhine where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. This afternoon the crew of
your vessel awaits to welcome you on board. (D)
Day 3 Strasbourg, France
(Mon.) 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. A Local Guide shows
you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE
district, Place Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of
the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An
optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany - Mainz
(Tue.) Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university town of Student Prince fame, a
world-famous love musical. The ruins of the imposing HEIDELBERG CASTLE, built of
red sandstone, tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an
18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! (B,L,D)
Day 5 Mainz - Rudesheim
(Wed.) Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main
River, Mainz is Germany's largest and most important wine market. The OLD TOWN
has many interesting shops, tea rooms, and restaurants, and a fountain on the
Schillerplatz is decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every
year. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you'll visit
the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. The pretty little town of Rudesheim is the perfect example
of a Rhine Valley wine town. SIEGFRIED'S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is
a real surprise! A SPECIAL TREAT is planned, then you have free time to explore
the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Koblenz
(Thu.) Downstream from Rudesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful
stretch of river dotted every mile with castles. Pass the legendary rock of the
Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their
doom. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Cologne
(Fri.) Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany's largest
cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne's magnificent gothic cathedral -
which took more than 600 years to build - dominate the river skyline. The
Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! The OLD
TOWN abounds with taverns, cafes, and shops. The favorite local beer here is
Kolsch. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Amsterdam, Holland
(Sat.) Holland's capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and
fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and
classic architecture, cafes and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a
distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in
world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no
better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant
grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's 'Golden Age.'
(B,L,D)
Day 9 Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
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