Overview

Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers, the Rhine. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and spectacular scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sip the region’s renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. From Basel and Cologne to Amsterdam, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.

7 Nights 8 Days Available on request Rhine River
Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • 7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
  • Fine dining, including unlimited complimentary hand-selected wines,
  • beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
  • Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala
  • Dinner
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
  • Small group guided shore excursions with a variety of choices and activity levels
  • Live local entertainment​

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Any meals/services not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
  • Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
  • Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances
  • Insurance 
  • Taxes as applicable
Itinerary

DAY 1 

EMBARKATION – BASEL, SWITZERLAND 

Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise. (D)

 

DAY 2 

BREISACH, GERMANY 

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your  interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr,  which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour,  admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate.  Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic  cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more  active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the  Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D) 

*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at  certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details. 

 

DAY 3 

STRASBOURG, FRANCE 

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany  because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de  l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk  through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which  appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through  these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous  astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride  through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 4 

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM 

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of 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 be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the river  Neckar to the medieval town of 

Ladenburg where you’ll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint  Marktplatz. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer,  known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World  Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to  Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument  Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee,  ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 5 

RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN 

Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take  a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic  views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling  wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through  Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and  Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the  Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll  enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 6 

COLOGNE 

Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne  Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a  guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated  cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to  rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten;  or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato  pancakes served with applesauce. (B,L,D) 

 

DAY 7 

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS 

Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a  choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await  discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise. If you prefer  exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled  houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand  Amsterdam café. (B,L,D) 

*Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate;  therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

 

DAY 8 

AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION 

BID FAREWELL TO AMSTERDAM AND PREPARE FOR YOUR HOMEWARD FLIGHT.

Pickup point
Rhine River View on Map