Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
(Sun.) 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 the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you on board. (Dinner)
Day 3Amsterdam
(Mon.) 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4Cologne, Germany
(Tue.) 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.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim
(Wed.) 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! A SPECIAL TREAT is planned, then free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6Excursion to Heidelberg
(Thu.) Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. The ruins of the imposing red sandstone CASTLE tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7Strasbourg, France
(Fri.) 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 Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest
(Sat.) 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
(Sun.) Homebound flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (Breakfast)