Discover the many beautiful facets of Father Rhine on a scenic 500-mile journey from Switzerland, through France and Germany, to the enchanting Netherlands. Begin in Basel, a cultural gem that's home to dreiländereck, a monument representing the intersection of France, Germany, and Switzerland. Explore Strasbourg, the capital of France's Grand Est region (formerly Alsace), wander through storybook wine villages, and visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer.
Marvel at the legendary Middle Rhine Valley, where sunlit vineyards and medieval castles crown the hillsides around every bend, and the fabled Lorelei watches over the waters below. Take a detour along the romantic Moselle River, its winding banks lined with blossoming vineyards, before continuing to the cathedral city of Cologne. This unforgettable journey ends in beautiful Amsterdam, a city of canals, culture, and timeless charm.
Itinerary:
7 nights aboard AMADEUS Riva
Day 1: Basel
Board the luxurious AMADEUS Riva cruise ship in Basel. Embarkation begins at 4:00PM, and we set sail at 5:00PM. Enjoy beautiful views and all meals included on board. Once settled, we gather for a reception and dinner together.
7 nights aboard Amadeus Riva
Day 2: Strasbourg
Our first port of call is Strasbourg, home to European Parliament. Settle into a comfortable motorcoach with a local guide for a city tour to view incredible architecture and the historic center, where we visit the famous Strasbourg Cathedral and the Grand Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our sightseeing continues with a canal cruise, featuring vistas of old half-timbered houses and a former mill in Petite France. We also see the Palais de Rohan, Council of Europe, and Ponts Couverts, a 13th-century set of three bridges and four towers. Later, relax on the sun deck as we sail to Germany.
Day 3: Speyer & Heidelberg
We start our day docking in the beautiful town of Speyer. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the most noteworthy attractions, like Speyer Cathedral. Afterwards, there's time to grab lunch and relax aboard the ship on our way to Mannheim. Once docked, we take a short drive to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town. Our time here includes an enchanting tour of Heidelberg Castle, the country's most popular castle ruin.
Day 4: Vineyards & the Middle Rhine
This morning's port is Rüdesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the Rheingau wine region. We board the Winzerexpress for a tram ride through the scenic Rhine Valley vineyards to a local winery and indulge in regional flavors. Next, wander down the area's charming alley, Drosselgasse, to see fabulous wineries, markets, and historic buildings. Head to the ship's top deck this afternoon for spectacular views of castles and steep hillsides as we cruise the gorgeous Middle Rhine into Rhine Gorge. Later in the day, we arrive at one of the oldest and most diverse cities in Germany, Koblenz. Marvel at the architecture of churches, castles, and palaces, then take a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, dating back to 1000 AD.
Day 5: Moselle River & Cochem
Today, we cruise through one of Germany's most beautiful river valleys along the Moselle. Gaze upon vineyards, castles, ruins, and quaint villages near the riverbanks. Our ship docks in Cochem, known for its traditional half-timbered houses and wine culture dating back over a thousand years. Enjoy a walking tour down medieval streets and learn how the town was nearly destroyed in the 1600s while occupied by French troops.
Day 6: Cologne
Our port of call today is 2,000-year-old Cologne. This cultural hub is a landmark of High Gothic architecture, with its twin-spired cathedral being the most impressive example. On our guided walking tour, hear how the city was rebuilt after the World War II bombing and has since become an affluent area. We also enjoy a tasting of Cologne's famous beer, Kölsch! Our cruise ship departs in the afternoon, allowing time for relaxation before the evening's Captain’s Gala this evening.
Day 7: Amsterdam, Volendam & Edam
This morning, we embark on a guided tour of Amsterdam and a quintessential canal cruise. Later, enjoy an excursion to two charming fishing villages. Our first stop is Volendam, known for its vibrant harbor, distinctive music, and time-honored traditions. A short drive out to the countryside brings us to a local cheese farm, where we learn the Dutch cheesemaking process and sample some ourselves. Before returning to our ship, we also visit Edam, known for its cheese, Carillon tower, and narrow cobblestone streets.
Day 8: Amsterdam
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. We hope to welcome you again soon!
Inclusions:
Included shore excursions at each port of call:
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