DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy
DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Baveno
Arrive in Milan and transfer to your hotel in the town of Baveno, on Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's most romantic destinations. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the beautiful surroundings. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend you to select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Baveno, Lake Maggiore
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Tuesday - Cross Lake Maggiore, Visit Isola Bella & Isola dei Pescatori
Today, cruise across Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella and visit the palace of Prince Borromeo with its splendid gardens and famous white peacocks. Continue to the charming Fishermen's Island (Isola dei Pescatori) that gets its name from the occupation of its inhabitants. Walk along the windy medieval streets and marvel at the incredible views of the lake. Sail back to Baveno with time to experience the delights of this lakeside town with its spectacular mountain views
Overnight: Baveno, Lake Maggiore
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Wednesday - Locarno, St. Gotthard Tunnel & Lucerne's Old City
Travel this morning to Locarno in southern Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region on the northern Swiss shore of Lake Maggiore. Its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures is similar to Italy's northern Lombardy region and reflected in its architecture. The palm trees give way to Alpine peaks and glaciers as you continue heading north traversing through the St. Gotthard Tunnel built under the Swiss Alps. On your journey to Lucerne, pass magnificent Alpine scenery, roaring waterfalls and running rivers. In the stunning lakeside Swiss city of Lucerne, get acquainted with the city on your walking tour to the sentimental Lion Monument, the 14th century Chapel Bridge and the cobbled streets of the well-preserved medieval Altstadt (Old Town)
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Thursday - Full Day in Lucerne
The day is yours to independently discover Lucerne, in the heart of central Switzerland. Wander through the lively streets, over bridges and along the picturesque lakeshore. Shop to your heart's content for chocolates, watches, the famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks, or sip coffee at an outdoor café. Perhaps, join the exciting optional tour to the summit of Mt. Pilatus. Ascend the world's steepest cogwheel railway that winds up through lush meadows and sparkling mountain streams to nearly 7,000 feet. After time to admire the splendid panoramic views, descend by aerial cableway
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour (AM)
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Friday - Basel City Tour, Cruise Embarkation
This morning depart Lucerne and travel to Basel. Upon arrival, take a city tour of Basel, the geographical point where the Swiss, German, and French borders meet. Explore the Kleinbasel district along the Rhine River, the old buildings and narrow alleyways of Grossbasel, and "Tinguely Fountain," a unique fountain designed by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. This afternoon, transfer to the port. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Saturday - Breisach Walking Tour
Arrive this morning in the small city of Breisach, which dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. Alternatively, join the optional tour to Colmar, nestled in the heart of the Alsace region*. Begin the walking tour in the heart of Colmar's Old Town. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, and marvel at the colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-adorned canals. Free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship as it sets sail for Strasbourg
*Passengers who choose this optional, will not be able to participate in the included walking tour of Breisach.
Optional: Half Day Colmar Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Sunday - Strasbourg City Tour
Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, the ship sets sail towards Speyer
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Monday - Morning in Speyer & Evening in Rudesheim
This morning arrive in Speyer. Perhaps take a refreshing morning walk through this picturesque town founded by the Romans, or alternatively, join the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. The ship will continue sailing this morning and passengers joining the tour will rejoin the ship at lunchtime and relax on board this afternoon. After dinner, arrive in Rudesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. Perhaps take a leisurely walk through town or visit a quaint wine tavern
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Tuesday - Afternoon in Koblenz
This morning take in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards, and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. After lunch on board, the ship docks in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years
Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Wednesday - Cologne City Tour
Today the ship will dock in Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops, and taverns
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Thursday - Amsterdam City Tour
Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. This evening bid farewell to your Cruise Director on your final night on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Friday - Disembarkation, Giethoorn en route to Bremen
This morning, disembark the ship, and travel to the colorful, and charming Hanseatic town of Bremen on the Weser River. Along the way, stop in Giethoorn, known as the "Venice of the Netherlands." This village can only be reached on foot, or by boat. We will embark on a cruise through the village's enchanting canals, passing under wooden bridges, and past lush gardens. Spend free time to explore, and for lunch on your own. Arrive in Bremen in the late afternoon and check into the hotel. Later, join your Tour Manager on an orientation walk of Bremen
Overnight: Bremen
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Saturday - Explore Bremen, Hamburg Harbor Cruise
Begin the day with a walking tour of the Old Town. View the Town Hall, Market Square, and the Bremen Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure dating back to the 11th century. During the tour, your guide will share stories, and legends associated with Bremen, such as the famous fairy tale of the Town Musicians of Bremen. In the early afternoon, depart for Hamburg, the largest port city on the Elbe River. A major center of international trade, its dynamic port has brought great wealth to the city, and World Heritage recognition by UNESCO. Upon arrival, embark on a harbor cruise and experience the distinctive maritime flair of the Hamburg Port
Overnight: Hamburg
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15, Sunday - Tour of Hamburg
This morning, explore Alster Lake in the heart of the city, with its well-used Outer, and Inner walkways and waterside villas owned by Hamburg's wealthiest merchants. View the Landing Bridge of St. Pauli, Baroque style Michel Church, bearing a large tower clock and the Town Hall. Afternoon at leisure or perhaps join the optional tour to Lübeck, former capital of the Hanseatic League that served as the trade hub of Northern Europe. This picturesque town is a jewel of Brick Gothic architecture, full of medieval charm and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the historic Old Town and walk along cobbled streets with rows of Renaissance gabled houses. View St. Mary's church, that served as a model for the Gothic brick style of churches around the Baltic region. Afterward, return to Hamburg. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager during dinner
Optional: Lübeck Tour (PM)
Overnight: Hamburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16, Monday - Depart Germany
This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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