DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for the Netherlands
Depart for the Netherlands
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated and modern capital, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to discover the many cultural sites this delightful city has to offer. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel at approximately 6 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 2 PM
Overnight: Amsterdam
DAY 3, 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. The rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Rijksmuseum Tour & Cruise Embarkation
This morning visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum. On your guided tour, you will explore the vast collection of works from some of the world's greatest artists, including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. This afternoon transfer to the port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, rest and 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 5, Saturday - Afternoon Cruising
Spend the morning at leisure on board or pick up some last minute Dutch souvenirs. This afternoon, the ship sets sail south for Germany
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday - Cologne City Tour
Cruise on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving as you savor lunch on board. 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. Later enjoy free time to discover the city, before you set sail for Koblenz
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - Morning in Koblenz
The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour this morning and spend free time exploring the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year-old city. Or, choose 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. At noon, set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship cruises 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. This evening, arrive in Rüdesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns
Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday - Afternoon in Speyer
Today, continue sailing towards Speyer. The ship will make a stop, where passengers may depart for the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. Tour the city and view the ruins of 12th century Heidelberg Castle before returning to the ship in Speyer. In the afternoon, stroll the lanes of this picturesque city founded by the Romans, with its prized red sandstone cathedral named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, the ship sails for Strasbourg
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Strasbourg City Tour
A lovely day awaits you in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. 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, return to the ship as you sail toward Breisach in the Rhine Valley
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - 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 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 Basel. Tonight, at dinner, share wonderful memories of your Rhine journey
*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 11, Friday - Disembarkation, Basel City Tour, Travel to Lucerne
This morning, disembark your ship and 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 the Tinguely Fountain, a unique fountain designed by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. Later, take a scenic drive to Lucerne. On arrival in the 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 12, Saturday - Full Day in Lucerne
The day is free to discover Lucerne independently, in the heart of central Switzerland. Wander through the lively streets, over bridges, and along the 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 optional tour to the summit of Mt. Pilatus. Ascend on the world's steepest cogwheel railway, winding 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 13, Sunday - Locarno, St. Gotthard Tunnel, Baveno
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, similar to Italy's northern Lombardy region, is reflected in its architecture. As you continue heading south traversing through the St. Gotthard Tunnel built under the Swiss Alps, glaciers and Alpine peaks, give way to palm trees. Arrive in the town of Baveno, on Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's most romantic destinations and check into your hotel
Overnight: Baveno, Lake Maggiore
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Monday - 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 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 and enjoy time to experience the delights of this lakeside town, known for its spectacular mountain views
Overnight: Baveno, Lake Maggiore
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15, Tuesday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport in Milan for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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