Enchanting Rhine

DEPART USA TO BASEL

BASEL – EMBARKATION

Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Upon arrival in Basel, enjoy a highlights tour of 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. Then enjoy free time for lunch on your own before the drive to the ship. (D)

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 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 small 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 scenic countryside, or go on a hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity. (B,L,D)

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a short drive to the Place de la Republique. 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
Notre-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)

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

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’II enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

MONHEIM – DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY

Monheim is your gateway to the nearby city of Cologne,
where you may join a guided tour of its 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. If you would like more time in Cologne, you may opt for a full-day excursion, which includes ample free time to explore independently. In the afternoon, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Begin your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide to Amsterdam. During your afternoon in Amsterdam, you may embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. 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 cafe. (B,L,D)

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

DISEMBARKATION – AMSTERDAM

Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)