Length: 8 days from Amsterdam to Basel
Overview
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam as well as guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Delight in excursions to Germany’s Black Forest and to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town with its imposing castle. Also sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz.
Duration: 8 Days
Ships Serving this Tour: Affinity Felicity Luminary Visionary
| Start Date |
End Date |
| 08 April, 2012 |
15 April, 2012 |
| 15 April, 2012 |
22 April, 2012 |
| 22 April, 2012 |
29 April, 2012 |
| 06 May, 2012 |
13 May, 2012 |
| 13 May, 2012 |
20 May, 2012 |
| 20 May, 2012 |
27 May, 2012 |
| 27 May, 2012 |
03 June, 2012 |
| 03 June, 2012 |
10 June, 2012 |
| 10 June, 2012 |
17 June, 2012 |
| 17 June, 2012 |
24 June, 2012 |
| 24 June, 2012 |
01 July, 2012 |
| 01 July, 2012 |
08 July, 2012 |
| 08 July, 2012 |
15 July, 2012 |
| 15 July, 2012 |
22 July, 2012 |
| 22 July, 2012 |
29 July, 2012 |
| 29 July, 2012 |
05 August, 2012 |
| 05 August, 2012 |
12 August, 2012 |
| 12 August, 2012 |
19 August, 2012 |
| 18 August, 2012 |
25 August, 2012 |
| 19 August, 2012 |
26 August, 2012 |
| 26 August, 2012 |
02 September, 2012 |
| 01 September, 2012 |
08 September, 2012 |
| 02 September, 2012 |
09 September, 2012 |
| 09 September, 2012 |
16 September, 2012 |
| 16 September, 2012 |
23 September, 2012 |
| 30 September, 2012 |
07 October, 2012 |
| 07 October, 2012 |
14 October, 2012 |
| 14 October, 2012 |
21 October, 2012 |
| 21 October, 2012 |
28 October, 2012 |
| 28 October, 2012 |
04 November, 2012 |
City Highlights
CRUISE: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel in an outside stateroom with hotel-style bedsAMSTERDAM: Welcome reception; canal cruiseCOLOGNE: Guided sightseeingKOBLENZ: Guided sightseeingRHINE GORGE: Cruise through the gorgeRÜDESHEIM: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; special treatMAINZ: Visit the Gutenberg MuseumHEIDELBERG: Take pictures of the castleSTRASBOURG: Guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralBREISACH: Excursion to the Black Forest
Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation). Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)
Day 2 Amsterdam. There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Cologne, Germany. Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim. 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. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg. Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important wine town. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you’ll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing red sandstone castle towering above the city, and enjoy free time to explore. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Strasbourg, France. 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. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest. Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (B)
Meals: Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements |
Danube
