Enchanting Rhine River Cruise

On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

1 ZURICH Hotel check­in

 Day 2, ZURICH. Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)

Day 3, ZURICH ­ LAKE LUCERNE. Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lake Lucerne, where you’ll enjoy a cruise across its tranquil waters. As part of your
included excursion, you will ascend a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Take in breathtaking views of the
city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your hotel. (B)

Day 4, LAKE LUCERNE. Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the
13th century. (B)

Day 5, LAKE LUCERNE ­ BASEL ­ EMBARKATION. Check out of your hotel and visit the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards
massacred during the French Revolution. Later, head to Basel. Upon arrival in Basel, enjoy a highlights tour of Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important
university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th century patrician homes. Then enjoy free time for
lunch on your own before the drive to the ship. (B,D)

Day 6, BREISACH. Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town

of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in 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 Colmar birthplace. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded
in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle
through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

 Day 7, STRASBOURG. Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour
past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its 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 Cathédrale de Nôtre 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. (B,L,D)

Day 8, LUDWIGSHAFEN ­ RÜDESHEIM. 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 Great Vat, an 18th­century 49,000­gallon
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 Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim* where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the
town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
*Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.

 Day 9, RÜDESHEIM ­ RHINE GORGE ­ LAHNSTEIN. Your exploration of Rüdesheim* 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 Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike
ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein
where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

 Day 10, DÜSSELDORF. As a leading hub for German culture, commerce and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must­visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will
have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed
using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of
Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which
dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. (B,L

Day 11, 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
close­up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and
house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D)
**Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.