Region: Cruises, Europe Type: Guaranteed Departures Length: 14 Days Tap Rating: TAP Exceptional
7-Night Cruise with 2-Nights Amsterdam Pre-Cruise and 2 Nights Lake Lucerne, 2 Nights Zurich Post-Cruise
Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Colmar. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and legendary German beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.
COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
RIVERS: Rhine
SAT
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges, and
distinctive architecture.
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the
Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to
18th-century village.
*For those who choose not to do the pre-cruise land package, book flights to arrive in Amsterdam (AMS)*
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of
Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting
tour.
As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any traveler on the
Rhine. Here, you may explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a
local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of
Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus,
Germany's oldest town hall, the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century, and the Great St. Martin Church.
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before
reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim*. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or
drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more
active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later
in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical
instruments; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and
whipped cream.
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city
nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and
Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up
the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you
can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar
and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg.
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its location on the border. Enjoy walking through the iconic.
"La Petite France" district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale
de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de
l'Orangerie.
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of
Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and
perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a miniature replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the
sculptor's Colmar birthplace. Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside or hike through
the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and
exceptional biodiversity.
After breakfast, disembark the ship and before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel, Switzerland’s
third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval
Town Hall and exquisite 18th century patrician homes. After that, depart for Lake Lucerne.
*For those who choose not to do the post-cruise land package book flights to leave Basel (BSL)*
Check out of your hotel and, before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. As part of your
included excursion, you will ascend a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the "Queen of the
Mountains." Take in breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your hotel in Zurich.
Switzerland's largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display
during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town, where you will find yourself amongst
medieval houses, churches, and the modern Bahnhofstrasse.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home.
*Book return flights from the Zurich Airport (ZRH)*