Rhine River Cruise
Itinerary
Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Zurich. (in-flight meals)
Zurich - Lucerne
Arrive in Zurich today and we board our deluxe motorcoach which will transfer us to Lucerne, Switzerland and transfer to your hotel. This beautiful city sits amid snowcapped mountains on the north end of Lake Lucerne.
Lucerne - Basel
Today after breakfast enjoy a panoramic tour of Lucerne, and see the world famous Lion of Lucerne, a monument spectacularly carved into the cliffside, before traveling to Basel where you will board the Amadeus Cara. Enjoy meeting your fellow cruisers at the Welcome Aboard Dinner this evening. (B, D)
Strasbourg
Included morning city tour of Strasbourg. This city, situated on the border of France and Germany, blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. You will come to appreciate how the city has retained its historic charm and beauty. No tour would be complete without a visit to the historic ‘Petite France’ quarter and Strasbourg Cathedral. Return to the ship in time for lunch. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening after dinner, the ship will depart France for Germany. (B, L, D)
Speyer - Mannheim
Free morning in Speyer. This former Roman settlement is one of the oldest in Germany. Religious architecture steeped in history, impressive facades, winding alleys and romantic squares characterize Speyer. Enjoy exploring on your own or sign up for our Optional guided walking tour of Speyer. Re-board for lunch and our departure for Mannheim, Germany. Early this afternoon we arrive in Mannheim, which sits at the confluence of the Rhine and the Neckar Rivers. Enjoy an afternoon Heidelberg Tour which includes the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Take a visit to Heidelberg’s Old Quarter and enjoy stroll through the baroque style town which was largely spared during the Second World War. Re-board the ship in time for dinner. (B, L, D)
Rudesheim - Koblenz
Included city tour of Rüdesheim. Small picturesque Rüdesheim is a typical Rhine Valley wine town. Our tour includes entrance to the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, with its curious self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. We will return to the ship for lunch and our departure to Koblenz. Be sure to fling open your balconies or head to the Sun Deck as we cruise the most beautiful section of the Rhine that is legendary for its ancient castles and lofty cliffs. This afternoon we arrive in the 2,000 year old city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Enjoy a free afternoon or join our optional city Walking Tour of Koblenz. (B, L, D)
Cochem
This morning is spent at leisure as we cruise toward Cochem, leaving the Rhine and cruising along the Moselle river. Upon arrival, feel free to get off the ship and explore this small romantic town on your own or join our Optional Walking Tour of Cochem with Wine Tasting which will afford you the opportunity to sample the world famous Moselle wines. We head back to the Rhine this evening as we enjoy dinner onboard the ship. (B, L, D)
Cologne
Included city tour of Cologne. One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steeples gothic cathedral. Enjoy a guided tour and learn a bit about the 2000 year history of this former Roman colony. After lunch, your floating hotel departs Cologne. The afternoon is spent on board and in the evening, the captain invites you to a festive Gala Dinner, full of wonderful regional dishes. (B, L, D)
Hoorn - Amsterdam
By lunchtime you will have crossed yet another country border to arrive in the Dutch town of Hoorn. Enjoy a short walk through the quaint village of Hoorn with its rich history, before continuing on to Volendam. Take a drive through the Dutch Polder landscape to the old fishing village of Volendam, built on the shore of the former Zuiderzee. The Volendam houses are built very close together, forming the typical neighborhoods of Volendam. Take a stroll through the old village and see people still dressed in traditional costumes. Continue into the countryside to visit a local cheese farm. Here, you will learn how Dutch cheese is made and to sample the local product. Afterwards, you will continue to Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centers in Europe, with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Royal Palace, numerous canals and the Museum Quarter. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip. (B, L, D)
Amsterdam - USA
After breakfast, disembark in Amsterdam and make your way to the airport for your return flight home. (B)Extensions
Amsterdam Pre-Tour
Accommodations
7 Nights
Amadeus Cara
Accommodations
7 Nights
Amadeus Cara