Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a frontrow seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.

OVERVIEW RIVER CRUISE:

DAY DESTINATION ACTIVITIES

1

BASEL

EMBARKATION

2

BREISACH

Riquewihr excursion

OR Freiburg excursion

OR Black Forest hike

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

3

STRASBOURG

“The Gem of Alsace” tour

OR Strasbourg bike tour

4

LUDWIGSHAFEN

“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion

OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike

OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour

OR Ladenburg bike tour

Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet

OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

5

RÜDESHEIM

Gondola ride and wine tasting

OR Vineyard hike

OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau

Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Exclusive Burg Lahneck visit

6

DÜSSELDORF

OR Düsseldorf Bike tour

Cologne “Holy City” walking tour

OR Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting

7

AMSTERDAM

Scenic cruising

Canal cruise tour

OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

8

AMSTERDAM

DISEMBARKATION

RIVER CRUISE ITINERARY DETAILS :

Day 1: BASEL

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

Day 2: BREISACH

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

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 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
49,000gallon 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)

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: DÜSSELDORF

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce and architecture, Düsseldorf is a mustvisit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the 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. (B,L,D)

Day 7: AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. Begin the day with a scenic cruise around this beautiful city before setting out on Amsterdam’s famous canals. Embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a closeup 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 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

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