| Day 1 | DEPART USA/CANADA
Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam, Holland. |
| Day 2 | ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND - EMBARKATION
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (D) |
| Day 3 | AMSTERDAM
After breakfast, your morning tour begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see many top landmarks and stop for photos at the Rembrandt Windmill. Afterwards, you will return to the ship for an afternoon wine lecture and tasting prior to dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | COLOGNE, GERMANY - KOBLENZ
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic heart of Cologne, including a visit to its famous 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Your tour will also include a beer tasting to sample the city’s renowned Kölsch beer. As an alternative to the walking tour, take a guided bike tour of Cologne (capacity controlled). You will then enjoy an afternoon wine lecture as the ship cruises to Koblenz, where you will have an evening walking tour. Tonight, the Captain’s Gala Dinner takes place on board. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | KOBLENZ - RÜDESHEIM
This morning, sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, famous for its forts, castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. After arriving in Rüdesheim in the afternoon, you will have a wine tasting at a local winery. This evening, you may join a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th-20th centuries. As an alternative, sample a cup of the city’s famous Ruedesheimer coffee, made with cognac, chocolate and whipped cream and served in a very distinctive cup. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | SPEYER - HEIDELBERG
Enjoy a morning wine lecture and tasting as you cruise to Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities. You may take a guided tour of Speyer or join a half-day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask) and beautiful views. This evening, the ship sails to Strasbourg, France. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Dinner with wine pairing. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Alsace’s principal city is situated on the Ill River where it flows into the Rhine at the German border. This morning, take a tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobblestone streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. In the afternoon, you will travel down the fabled “Alsace Wine Road” to visit a wine town, where you will sample Riesling, Gewurztraminer and other famous wines of this region. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | BREISACH - COLMAR, FRANCE
This morning, enjoy a wine lecture and tasting during a scenic cruise to Breisach, Germany. You have your choice of afternoon excursions: a scenic tour of Breisach and Frieburg, or a visit to the wine villages of Colmar and Riquewihr. Both excursions include a special wine tasting opportunity. This evening, enjoy Alsatian wines at an onboard wine tasting before dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | BASEL, SWITZERLAND - DISEMBARKATION - LUCERNE
Disembark after breakfast. If you are doing the Lucerne extension, you will have a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel, located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. 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. After free time for lunch on your own, depart for Lucerne. You will visit the Lion Monument en route and arrive mid-afternoon to check in to your hotel. (B) |
| Day 10 | LUCERNE
Situated on Lake Lucerne, this city is truly a medieval gem. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city’s famous cobblestone streets, monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon includes a scenic lake cruise and free time to shop for watches, knives and delicious Swiss chocolate. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride (seasonal) to the top of Mount Pilatus, the mountain which dominates the city. The return trip from the mountain is via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. (B) |
| Day 11 | LUCERNE - ZURICH
Enjoy a free morning in Lucerne before checking out of your hotel. Afterwards, you will take a leisurely cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, where you will board a motor coach for a scenic drive to Zurich. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B) |
| Day 12 | ZURICH
Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zurich will include Grossmünster, St. Peter (with the largest church clock face in the world), Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zurich. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the city on your own. (B) |
| Day 13 | DEPART ZURICH
After breakfast, bid farewell to Zurich as you prepare for your return flight home. (B) |
| Day 1 | DEPART USA/CANADA
Board your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland. |
| Day 2 | ARRIVE IN ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Arrive in Zürich and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city. (B) |
| | |
| Day 3 | ZURICH
Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zürich will include Grossmünster, St. Peter (with the largest church clock face in the world), Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zürich. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the town on your own. You might return to the Old Town, which offers engaging cafés, restaurants and a wealth of nightlife, or shop along Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf. (B) |
| Day 4 | ZURICH - LUCERNE
Enjoy a free morning in Zurich, followed by a scenic drive to Vitznau on Lake Lucerne, located at the base of Mount Rigi. Admire the spectacular scenery surrounding the lake during a lake cruise that will take you to Lucerne. You will dock within walking distance of your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. (B) |
| | |
| Day 5 | LUCERNE
After breakfast, a walking tour will take you along Lucerne’s famous cobblestone streets to see monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for watches, knives and delicious Swiss chocolate. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride (seasonal) to the top of Mt. Pilatus, the mountain that dominates the city. The return trip from the mountain is via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. (B) |
| | |
| | |
| Day 6 | LUCERNE - BASEL - EMBARKATION
This morning, depart from Lucerne, visiting the Lion Monument en route to Basel. Arrive in Basel for a city tour before boarding your luxurious river cruise ship. Switzerland’s second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. 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. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast as you commence your wine-themed itinerary through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions. (B,D) |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Day 7 | BREISACH, GERMANY – COLMAR, FRANCE
This morning, enjoy a wine lecture and tasting during a scenic cruise to Breisach, Germany. This afternoon, you have your choice of excursions: a scenic tour of the villages of Breisach and Frieburg, or a visit to the wine villages of Colmar and Riquewihr. Both excursions include a special wine tasting opportunity. This evening, enjoy Alsatian wines at an onboard wine tasting before dinner. The ship moors overnight in Breisach. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Alsace’s principal city is situated on the Ill River where it flows into the Rhine at the German border. This morning, take a tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobblestone streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. In the afternoon, you will travel down the fabled “Alsace Wine Road” to visit a wine town, where you will sample Riesling, Gewurztraminer and other famous wines of this region. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | SPEYER - HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
Depart this morning for Speyer, enjoying an onboard wine lecture and tasting en route. You may take a guided tour of Speyer, or join a half-day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask) and beautiful views. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Dinner with wine pairing. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | RÜDESHEIM – RHINE CASTLES – KOBLENZ
This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, followed by a wine tasting at a local winery. Depart after lunch for Koblenz. You will cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, famous for its forts, castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz, a wine town at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, where you will take an evening walking tour. Later, enjoy a delectable onboard meal with paired wines at the Captain’s Gala Dinner. The ship moors in Koblenz overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | KOBLENZ – COLOGNE
This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as the ship cruises to Cologne, famous for its university and legendary 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Upon arrival, you will take a walking tour through the old part of the city and visit the cathedral. As an alternative, take a guided bike tour of Cologne (capacity controlled). This evening, head to a local brewery for a dinner of regional specialties and Kölsch, a distinctive yellow-hued beer brewed only in Cologne. (B,L,D) |
| Day 12 | AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Arrive in Amsterdam at mid-day. Admire beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches and 16th-century merchant houses on a guided canal boat cruise. Later, take a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. This evening, enjoy one last night with your fellow passengers at the Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 13 | AMSTERDAM –DISEMBARKATION
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND - EMBARKATION
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (D) |
| Day 2 | AMSTERDAM
After breakfast, your morning tour begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see many top landmarks and stop for photos at the Rembrandt Windmill. Afterwards, you will return to the ship for an afternoon wine lecture and tasting prior to dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | COLOGNE, GERMANY - KOBLENZ
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic heart of Cologne, including a visit to its famous 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Your tour will also include a beer tasting to sample the city’s renowned Kölsch beer. As an alternative to the walking tour, take a guided bike tour of Cologne (capacity controlled). You will then enjoy an afternoon wine lecture as the ship cruises to Koblenz, where you will have an evening walking tour. Tonight, the Captain’s Gala Dinner takes place on board. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | KOBLENZ - RÜDESHEIM
This morning, sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, famous for its forts, castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. After arriving in Rüdesheim in the afternoon, you will have a wine tasting at a local winery. This evening, you may join a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th-20th centuries. As an alternative, sample a cup of the city’s famous Ruedesheimer coffee, made with cognac, chocolate and whipped cream and served in a very distinctive cup. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | SPEYER - HEIDELBERG
Enjoy a morning wine lecture and tasting as you cruise to Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities. You may take a guided tour of Speyer or join a half-day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask) and beautiful views. This evening, the ship sails to Strasbourg, France. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Dinner with wine pairing. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Alsace’s principal city is situated on the Ill River where it flows into the Rhine at the German border. This morning, take a tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobblestone streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. In the afternoon, you will travel down the fabled “Alsace Wine Road” to visit a wine town, where you will sample Riesling, Gewurztraminer and other famous wines of this region. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | BREISACH - COLMAR, FRANCE
This morning, enjoy a wine lecture and tasting during a scenic cruise to Breisach, Germany. You have your choice of afternoon excursions: a scenic tour of Breisach and Frieburg, or a visit to the wine villages of Colmar and Riquewihr. Both excursions include a special wine tasting opportunity. This evening, enjoy Alsatian wines at an onboard wine tasting before dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | BASEL, SWITZERLAND - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark after breakfast. (B) |
| Day 1 | BASEL, SWITZERLAND - EMBARKATION
Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a “Welcome Aboard” Wine Toast as you commence your wine-themed itinerary through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions. (D) |
| Day 2 | BREISACH, GERMANY – COLMAR, FRANCE
This morning, enjoy a wine lecture and tasting during a scenic cruise to Breisach, Germany. This afternoon, you have your choice of excursions: a scenic tour of the villages of Breisach and Frieburg, or a visit to the wine villages of Colmar and Riquewihr. Both excursions include a special wine tasting opportunity. This evening, enjoy Alsatian wines at an onboard wine tasting before dinner. The ship moors overnight in Breisach. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Alsace’s principal city is situated on the Ill River where it flows into the Rhine at the German border. This morning, take a tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobblestone streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. In the afternoon, you will travel down the fabled “Alsace Wine Road” to visit a wine town, where you will sample Riesling, Gewurztraminer and other famous wines of this region. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | SPEYER - HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
Depart this morning for Speyer, enjoying an onboard wine lecture and tasting en route. You may take a guided tour of Speyer, or join a half-day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask) and beautiful views. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Dinner with wine pairing. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | RÜDESHEIM – RHINE CASTLES – KOBLENZ
This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, followed by a wine tasting at a local winery. Depart after lunch for Koblenz. You will cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, famous for its forts, castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz, a wine town at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, where you will take an evening walking tour. Later, enjoy a delectable onboard meal with paired wines at the Captain’s Gala Dinner. The ship moors in Koblenz overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | KOBLENZ – COLOGNE
This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as the ship cruises to Cologne, famous for its university and legendary 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Upon arrival, you will take a walking tour through the old part of the city and visit the cathedral. As an alternative, take a guided bike tour of Cologne (capacity controlled). This evening, head to a local brewery for a dinner of regional specialties and Kölsch, a distinctive yellow-hued beer brewed only in Cologne. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Arrive in Amsterdam at mid-day. Admire beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches and 16th-century merchant houses on a guided canal boat cruise. Later, take a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. This evening, enjoy one last night with your fellow passengers at the Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | AMSTERDAM –DISEMBARKATION
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
