Saturday, September 26 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND (Embarkation)
Board Ship
Begin your Enchanting Rhine adventure by boarding your luxurious cruise ship in Basel, Switzerland's picturesque gateway to the Rhine. As you step onto the vessel, friendly crew members will warmly welcome you, efficiently managing your luggage and guiding you to your stateroom. With Basel's charming cityscape as your backdrop, you'll receive your cruise card, enjoy a complimentary welcome drink, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through some of Europe's most stunning riverside landscapes.
(Dinner Included)
Sunday, September 27 - BREISACH, GERMANY
Colmar excursion OR Kaiserstuhl Vineyard hike
OR Breisach wine country bike tour
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which retains its appearance almost unchanged since 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 birthplace in Colmar. Those hoping for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside or hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Monday, September 28 - STRASBOURG, GERMANY
"The Gem of Alsace" tour
OR Strasbourg bike tour
Bordering on France and Germany, Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, offers a taste of both. Enjoy walking through the 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 Cathedrale de 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.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Tuesday, September 29 - LUDWIGSHAFEN-RUDESHEIM, GERMANY
LUDWIGSHAFEN - "Romantic Heidelberg" excursion
OR Heidelberg Philosopher's hike
OR "Secrets of Speyer" tour OR Ladenburg bike tour
RÜDESHEIM - Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet
OR Rudesheimer 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 the 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 Altportel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rudeshem, where you can visit Siegfreid's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Wednesday, September 30 - RUDESHEIM - RHINE GORGE - LAHNSTEIN, GERMANY
RÜDESHEIM - Gondola ride and wine tasting
OR Vineyard hike
OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
RHINE GORGE - Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
LAHNSTEIN - Exclusive Berg Lahneck visit
Your exploration of Rudesheim 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 Rudesheim's vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge, and Bremersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ridethrough the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Groge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein, where you'll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Thursday, October 1 - MONHEIM - DUSSELDORF, GERMANY
COLOGNE half-day walking tour
OR Cologne full-day excursion
DUSSELDORF walking tour and Altbeier tasting
OR Düsseldorf bike tour
The quaint town of Monheim is your gateway to both Cologne and Düsseldorf. In the morning, choose either a half-day or full-day tour of Cologne. 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. In the afternoon, for those who have not chosen the full-day tour in Cologne, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, or cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Friday, October 2 - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Scenic cruising
Canal cruise
OR A Taste of 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 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 houseboats to taste Dutch specialties in grand Amsterdam.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
Saturday, October 3 - AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.
(Breakfast Included)