Rhine River Cruise

CRUISE FROM : BASEL TO AMSTERDAM
Castles from ancient empires and steep vineyards sprout up from every angle, which makes cruising on the Rhine River feel like entering a scene out of a storybook. Wind through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, diving deep into the history and wine regions of this vital waterway. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, such as Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote “A Tramp Abroad.” Timeless traditions still remain intact—from the making of Cologne’s Kölsch beer to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Sample wines from France’s Alsace region while in Riquewihr, Freiburg and Strasbourg; and walk through the vineyards of Rüdesheim tasting the Rheingau’s Rieslings. Take a front-row seat on this enchanting journey along the Rhine.
COUNTRIES: FRANCE, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND
RIVERS: RHINE
Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise)

AT A GLANCE
On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

BASEL TO AMSTERDAM

Munster cathedral and Rhine river in Basel in a beautiful summer day, Switzerland

DAY 1 Basel
EMBARKATION
Welcome Aboard Wine Toast
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)

BREISACH, GERMANY – JULY 6: View of Breisach by the Rhine River, on July 6 2017 in Breisach, Germany

DAY 2 Breisach
Riquewihr and wine tasting
OR Freiburg and wine tasting
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. While there, enjoy a visit to a winery for a tasting of locally produced Alsatian wines. 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.” You’ll visit a winery where you will have the opportunity to taste their locally produced wines, and then continue on with a walking tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 Strasbourg
City tour
OR Old town bike tour
Alsatian wine tasting
One of the most enchanting cities in Europe and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Grand Île, Strasbourg will captivate you. Discover its many treasures with a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. You’ll then walk through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Prefer to enjoy the city more actively, then join a guided bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l’Orangerie. Later in the afternoon, be treated to a special Alsatian wine tasting of some of the region’s most delicious and notable wine. Discover how the Vosges Mountains provide the Alsace with ideal winemaking conditions, and as such, Alsatian wines are not only delightful on the palate, but they’re also highly praised for their fragrant aromas, ranging from bright and fruity to crisp and spicy. (B,L,D)

Bridge in Heidelberg, Germany

DAY 4 Mannheim
Heidelberg excursion
OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike
OR Medieval Speyer excursion
Rüdesheim
Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum
OR Rüdesheim Coffee
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 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, set sail to Rüdesheim, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or enjoy a tasting of Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

RUDESHEIM, GERMANY – JUNE 30, 2016: Old architecture of Rudesheim near the river Rhine, Germany on June 30, 2016

DAY 5 Rüdesheim
Gondola Ride
OR Rheingau bike tour
OR Ehrenfel’s Castle hike
Wine tasting
Koblenz
Evening walk
Take a scenic gondola ride soaring high above the vineyards en route to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Alternatively, opt for a hike that takes you through the vineyards to Ehrenfels Castle, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Rhine. A third choice is cycling along the Rhine and through this scenic town. After your morning excursion, enjoy a tasting of Riesling wines. Later in the day, the ship sails through the enchanting UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Koblenz, where you will enjoy a guided walk through the lovely Old Town. (B,L,D)

Cologne Cathedral along river rhine Germany.

DAY 6 Cologne
City tour, cathedral visit and Kölsch beer and local specialties 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)

DAY 7 Amsterdam
Canal Cruise and City Tour
OR Jordaan District walking tour
OR Amsterdam Jewish Heritage tour
Eclectic Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have three choices 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 District walking tour or the Jewish Heritage tour. The Jordaan District tour begins at the Westerchurch and takes you past the Noordermarkt, the Karthuizerhof and the “9 streets;” afterwards, you’ll stop in a local café for a hot beverage and Dutch apple pie. The Jewish Heritage tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum chronicling the history of the Jews in Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 Amsterdam
DISEMBARKATION
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

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