Itinerary

1. Day1

   DEmbarkation-Basel-Switzerland

    

   Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (D)

   
   
2. Day2

   B,L,DBreisach-Germany

    

   Riquewihr excursion

   OR Freiburg excursion

   OR Breisach wine country bike tour

   OR Black Forest excursion  

   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)

   
   

   
   
3. Day3

   B,L,DStrasbourg-France

    

   The Gem of Alsace” tour

   OR Strasbourg bike tour 

    

   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)

   
   
4. Day4

   B,L,DLudwigshafen-Germany-Rüdesheim

    

   Ludwigshafen:

   “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion

   OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

   OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour 

    

   Rüdesheim: 

   Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

   OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

    

   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. 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 Music Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

   
   
5. Day5

   B,L,DRüdesheim-Rhine Gorge-Lahnstein

    

   Rüdesheim:

   Gondola ride and wine tasting

   OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour

   OR Vineyard hike

    

   Rhine Gorge:

   Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

    

   Lahnstein: 

   Lahneck Castle Visit

    

   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, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. 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)

   
   
6. Day6

   B,L,DCologne

    

    “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit

   OR Kölsch Beer tasting 

   OR Cologne bike tour 

    

   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—potato pancakes served with apple sauce. (B,L,D)

   
   
7. Day7

   B,L,DAmsterdam-The Netherlands

    

   Canal cruise tour

   OR Jordaan Tour* 

    

   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 followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jordaan tour. (B,L,D)

   
   
8. Day8

   BAmsterdam

    

   Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)