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As it winds through castle-dotted hillsides, dramatic rocky gorges and picturesque Old World villages, the Rhine River is the essence of romance. Born as an untamed river in the Swiss Alps, the Rhine takes the scenic route to the North Sea, illuminating some of Europe's most fascinating sights and customs. Historically and culturally, the Rhine has been a crucial source of sustenance, pride and inspiration. Fortresses and castles along the Rhine's embankments highlight the value ancient empires placed on these waters. While ancient times saw the Rhine as a dividing force, today the cities along its shores are an intriguing blend of cultures. Vineyards along the Rhine produce world-renowned vintages and riverside cafés and restaurants celebrate the region by pairing local wines with delectably fresh fare. With scenic splendor and enriching surprises around every bend, the waters of the Rhine set the stage for the very finest moments to be had in Europe.
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as an excursion to Heidelberg and a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rüdesheim.
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1, Sat., Depart USA
Board your overnight transatlantic flight to Zurich, Switzerland.
Day 2, Sun., Transfer to Basel - Embarkation
Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France, Germany, and Switzerland meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (D)
Day 3, Mon., Strasbourg, France
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. Attend CME Program (B,L,D)
Day 4, Tue., Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame, a world-famous love musical. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city, and enjoy free time to explore. (B,L,D)
Day 5, Wed., Mainz/ Rüdesheim
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. The Old Town has many interesting shops, tea rooms, and restaurants, and a fountain on the Schillerplatz is decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every year. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you’ll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. The pretty little town of Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)
Day 6, Thu., Koblenz
Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river and dotted every mile with castles. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. (B,L,D)
Day 7, Fri., Cologne
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne’s magnificent gothic cathedral—which took more than 600 years to build—dominate the river skyline. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. The favorite local beer here is Kölsch. Attend CME Program (B,L,D)
Day 8, Sat., Amsterdam, Holland
Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” (B,L,D)
Day 9, Sun., Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Transfer to the airport, your homebound flight departs from Amsterdam and arriving USA the same day. (B)
Cruise: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
Basel: Welcome Reception
Strasbourg: Guided Sightseeing, Visit La Petite France District And The Gothic Cathedral
Heidelberg: Take Pictures Of The Castle
Mainz: Visit The Gutenberg Museum
Rüdesheim: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; Special Treat
Rhine Gorge: Cruise Through The Gorge
Koblenz: Guided Sightseeing
Cologne: Guided Sightseeing
Amsterdam: Canal Cruise
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day.
Gateway for arrival is Zürich, Switzerland
Inside visits & special features are shown in uppercase
Airport transfers included with purchase of air
In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Departures 2011:
| Dates | Category/Deck | Book by
Oct 31st, 2010 | Cost |
July 16 -
July 24 |
E |
Indigo Deck |
$ 3,664 |
$ 3,964 |
| B |
Sapphire Deck |
$ 4,163 |
$ 4,463 |
| A |
Sapphire Deck |
$ 4,213 |
$ 4,513 |
| P |
Royal Deck |
$ 4,313 |
$ 4,613 |
| Jr. Suite Royal Deck |
$ 4,863 |
$ 5,163 |
|
October 8 -
October 16 |
E |
Indigo Deck |
$ 3,254 |
$ 3,554 |
| B |
Sapphire Deck |
$ 3,753 |
$ 4,053 |
| A |
Sapphire Deck |
$ 3,803 |
$ 4,103 |
| P |
Royal Deck |
$ 3,903 |
$ 4,203 |
| Jr. Suite Royal Deck |
$ 4,453 |
$ 4,753 |
All Cruise departures are guaranteed.
- Cost is per person based on double occupancy, and includes air from New York.
- Government taxes and fees are not included.
- Port charges $98 are not included.
- Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Extra nights per person in Amsterdam:
in single room $539, in twin room $308
Extra nights per person in Zürich:
in single room $193, in twin room $127
Optional Excursions
Amsterdam
Volendam - Fisherman's Village On The Former Zuiderzee
Legend has it that the Volendam coat of arms is a compliment to the beauty of the Volendam girls! No wonder that a famous singer sang the praise of this characteristic Dutch fishing village in the words: "Anyone who wants to see the real beauty of Holland, goes to Volendam". As a result of its completely insulated location, this village preserved its character for six centuries, also because of the tough vitality of the fishermen. The characteristic small houses, which together with the canals and the drawbridges form the most picturesque spots, present the visitor with an atmosphere of geniality and romance.
Anne Frank Museum
The former hiding place, where Anne Frank wrote her diary, is now a well-known museum. The museum tells the history of the eight people in hiding and those who helped them during the war. Anne Frank's diary is among the original objects on display.
Strasbourg
Excursion To The Alsace Countryside
Although modest in size, Alsace's geography is such that it offers an incredible variety of landscapes and climates. With the Vosges mountains and the rest of France to the West, and the Rhine and then Germany to the east, Alsace really is a mini-kingdom to itself, which has absorbed aspects from both French and German cultures. This is not surprising, as the region has changed hands four times in the past few hundred years. Since the Great War, however, Alsace has remained French. The famous Riesling, the Pinot Noir, the Tokay-Pinot Gris, the Gewurztraminer, a Muscat or a Pinot Blanc are the varieties of wine that you find here. But you can discover more. Follow our local expert on a tour of the Alsace with its charming half-timbered houses, the quiet villages and the vineyards. Taste some of the wines of the region, as we will visit one of its wine farms...
Excursion To The Black Forest
The Black Forest region ('Schwarzwald') is essentially known for three distinctive features: its highlands: scenery and woods, the typical Black Forest Cake ('Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte'), whose success is based on tasty cherry schnapps, and the traditional cuckoo-clock. The name Black Forest was quite accurate in earlier times, when the forest was impenetrable. When the wood trade began to falter, clock-making stepped in and has been a successful industry for the Black Forest ever since the 17th century. Listen to your local expert's stories and fairy tales, as the region is blessed with a particularly rich mythological landscape. Visit the open Air Museum, Vogtsbauernhof at Gutach, and see how life in this area was centuries ago.
Zurich
Excursion To Lucerne's Mount Pilatus
The giant mountain looming above Lucerne to the southwest is Mount Pilatus (2132m / 7000 ft). There are two means of transport to the top, making it easy to do a half- or full-day round trip from Lucerne - simpler than in 1868, when Queen Victoria made the excursion riding on the back of a mule. We start at Kriens; from here a cable-car rises to Frakmuntegg, itself connected to the summit by gondola. The walk to the highest point of the mountain, the Tomlishorn, takes less than thirty minutes from the top station, with breathtakingly expansive views out over the lake along the entire clifftop path. We will make our way down with the steepest rack railway in the world running at a gradient touching 48 percent directly to the bottom of the valley. The descent takes a careful forty minutes, but time flies when watching the breathtaking scenery.
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