Rhine River Cruise

Overview
We have chartered the Amadeus Silver III for a glorious cruise up the Rhine. Over the course of this 10-day trip, you will discover the legendary beauty of the Rhine considered one of Europe’s most important waterways. All from an exciting new ship, cruise through a total of four countries (the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland) from Basel and Zurich in the Swiss Alps to Amsterdam on the North Sea. The romantic Rhine landscape with its gently rolling vineyards and picturesque river banks cannot fail to impress and will transform this trip into a truly unforgettable experience. Please join us on our Journey of Discovery.
Highlights
- Roundtrip scheduled airfare
- 7 nights aboard the 5-star Amadeus Silver III
- 1 night in Lucerne, Switzerland
- Welcome Aboard Dinner
- Superb dining with all meals included during your cruise
- Regional red and white wines served with every dinner onboard ship
- Coffee and tea after lunch and dinner
- Daily onboard music performances
- Services of an English speaking Cruise Director
- Fuel surcharges, air and port charges are included
- City Tours included: Amsterdam, Volendam, Cologne, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Basel, Lucerne
- Captain’s Gala Dinner
- City sightseeing in Lucerne
Itinerary

Day
1
Depart the USA
Depart the United States for Amsterdam Those hoping for additional time in the beautiful city of Amsterdam can sign up for our 2 night pre-cruise option. You will be glad you did!
Day
2
Arrive in Amsterdam
Upon arrival you will be met by our Chamber representatives and directed to your transfer. Motorcoach transfer from Amsterdam airport to ship boarding site. See some of the gorgeous Amsterdam surroundings before boarding and exploring the Amadeus Silver III. This evening enjoy meeting your fellow cruisers at the Welcome Aboard Dinner. (D)
Day
3
Amsterdam - Volendam
This morning is our included city tour of Amsterdam. Sit back and enjoy the sights along the elegant Grachten (city canal) lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Enjoy this opportunity to see some of the main sights in this Dutch harbor city. Next on our itinerary, we embark on the Holland Waterland included tour. Our tour includes Volendam, which was a major fishing port before the construction of the Ijsselmeer dyke in 1932. Today it is a dreamy little Dutch village where you will enjoy strolling through the picturesque town and then on to a cheese dairy specializing in local Dutch cheeses. (B, L, D)
Day
4
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. Ship departs for Cochem this afternoon so enjoy some time on the Sun Deck. (B, L, D)
Day
5
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 worldfamous Moselle wines. We head back to the Rhine this evening as we enjoy dinner onboard the ship. (B, L, D)
Day
6
Koblenz - Rudesheim
On our sail 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, where we will see the famed Lorelei Rock. This morning arrive in the 2,000 year old city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Enjoy some free time or join our Optional City Walking Tour of Koblenz...your choice! We will return to the ship for lunch and our departure to Rudesheim, where we will take an included tour of the city. Small picturesque Rudesheim 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. (B, L, D)
Day
7
Mannheim - Speyer
This morning we arrive in Mannheim which sits at the confluence of the Rhine and the Neckar Rivers. Enjoy our complimentary Heidelberg Tour which includes the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle. A visit to Heidelberg’s Old Quarter is sure to please as you stroll through the baroque style town which was largely spared during the Second World War. Reboard for lunch and our departure for Speyer, Germany. 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. Reboard the ship in time for dinner. This evening after dinner the ship will depart Germany for France. (B, L, D)
Day
8
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. There is an optional afternoon Alsace with Wine Tour for those who are interested in venturing off the ship and into the countryside. This evening after dinner the ship will depart France for Germany. Tonight enjoy a special occasion as we celebrate the Captain’s Gala Dinner. (B, L, D)
Day
9
Basel - Lucerne
Breakfast included. Get an overview and a few insights into the Swiss town Basel, known as Switzerland’s cultural capital, after boarding our deluxe motorcoach for a 30-minute transfer to Lucerne. The beautiful city sits amid snowcapped mountains on the north end of Lake Lucerne. During the included city tour, you will learn the history of the worldfamous Lion of Lucerne, a monument spectacularly carved into the cliffside. (Overnight in Lucerne) (B)
Day
10
Zurich - USA
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Travelers will be transferred to the Zurich airport this morning. (B)Extensions

Days
Pre 1-3
Amsterdam Pre-Tour
Accommodations

Accommodations
