Enchanting Rhine

Tour members board their overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to the pier. This afternoon, embark and unpack. A welcome cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared welcome dinner awaits. Enjoy a Shanty Choir performance to end the evening. The vessel remains in Amsterdam overnight. 

ms Amadeus Star (7 nights)

This morning offers various options. Explore Amsterdam via a canal cruise, or visit Volendam and Edam for Dutch cheese tasting and meet the vessel in Utrecht. Another choice is an excursion to Haarlem and the Cathedral of St. Bavo. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising on the Ijsselmeer, one of Holland's largest freshwater lakes. In the evening, dine with your fellow travellers.

After breakfast, witness our arrival at the stunning cathedral city of Cologne. Explore the historic Old Town with its striking High Gothic architecture, visit the iconic twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, and savor the renowned Kölsch beer brewed in the city. You can either enjoy a relaxed afternoon or opt for a more active excursion to Siebengebirge National Park and the remnants of Castle "Drachenfels" (Dragon Rock).

Our vessel cruises along the Moselle River, known for its steep terraced vineyards and as Germany's 5th largest wine region. After lunch, we reach Cochem. Explore the charming town with its narrow streets, medieval gates, and churches on your own, or take a guided city tour including the impressive Reichsburg Castle. Following dinner on board, visit a local winery to taste the region's exceptional wines before continuing to Koblenz.

Explore Koblenz on foot and by cable car to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress overlooking the town. In the afternoon, cruise through the stunning Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vineyard-covered riverbanks and picturesque castles. We then reach the winegrowers town of Rüdesheim. Choose between a walking tour of the town with a visit to the Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum's private collection of self-playing instruments, or a visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting and a stroll through the lively Drosselgasse with its wine taverns, garden restaurants, beer bars, and live music venues.

Today we dock in Mannheim, offering an excursion to Heidelberg, renowned for its beautiful Heidelberg Castle. Later we visit Speyer, famous for its cathedral where eight Roman emperors and German kings rest. You can opt for a
guided tour of the city, including a visit to the medieval Jewish Mikvha, or explore independently. To conclude your day, savor the Captain's Gala Dinner back on board.

In the morning, we reach the vibrant capital of Alsace, Strasbourg. Discover the city's highlights, including the
famous Straßburger Münster cathedral and the Petite France quarter, a former mill and tanner district. Strasbourg boasts half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, and the Council of Europe, all within its medieval charm. The Grand Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is connected to the city by 22 stone bridges. Explore Strasbourg by canal boat on a guided tour. After lunch on board, enjoy the scenic Rhine views as we make our way toward Switzerland, our final destination.

Disembark and meet your local guide for a walking tour in Basel, Switzerland's second-largest city, strategically situated at the crossroads of Switzerland, France, and Germany. Explore its rich history through landmarks like the medieval Town Hall and charming 18th-century homes. Depart from Basel and have free time for lunch on your own. On our way to Lucerne, make a stop to visit the Lion Monument. In the evening, indulge in a Swiss Folklore Show accompanied by dinner. 

Hotel Astoria or similar (2 nights)

Enjoy a walking tour of this charming medieval lakeside town. You'll have the opportunity to explore its picturesque cobblestone streets, admire monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges, and the vibrant frescoed buildings. In the afternoon, you're free to indulge in shopping for Swiss-made watches, knives, and delicious chocolates.

We check out from our hotel, and make our way to Lake Lucerne. Here, relish a serene cruise across the tranquil
waters of Lake Lucerne, heading towards Vitznau, where you'll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Upon arrival, head off on a scenic drive that takes you past three lakes before reaching Zurich. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure before we meet for dinner. 

Hotel Crown Plaza or similar (2 nights)

Begin your day with breakfast, followed by a half-day tour to the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen, Europe's largest waterfall. The tour includes a boat ride that takes you right up to the rock at Rhine Falls, where you'll witness the incredible force of about 600,000 liters of water per second rushing down the falls. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore the town at your leisure. We conclude our day with dinner at the hotel.

All too soon our journey comes to an end as we bid farewell to Zurich and prepare for our return flight home.