One of Europe's most legendary rivers awaits on this fascinating Rhine river cruise journey. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as an excursion to majestic Heidelberg and a canal cruise in picturesque Amsterdam. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, take pictures of the famous Lorelei rock, and visit Siegfried's fascinating Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rudesheim.

INCLUDED FEATURES

Cruise:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam or Amsterdam to Basel in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Strasbourg:
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral

Heidelberg:
Guided visit of the castle including the Giant Vat

Rudesheim:
Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Rhine Gorge:
Cruise through the gorge

Koblenz:
Guided sightseeing

Cologne:
Guided sightseeing

Amsterdam:
Canal cruise

Notes:

• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
  
  

  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, welcome dinner, and Captain's dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements

  INSIDE VISITS

  Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

  Itinerary
  

  Day 1

  (Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

  Day 2Zurich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation)

  (Sun.) Flights into Zurich 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 3Strasbourg, France

  (Mon.) 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 Kleber, 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. (B,L,D)

  Day 4Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany-Mainz

  (Tue.) Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university town of Student Prince fame, a world-famous love musical. The ruins of the imposing HEIDELBERG CASTLE, built of red sandstone, tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! (B,L,D)

  Day 5Mainz-Rudesheim

  (Wed.) 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 Rudesheim 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 6Koblenz

  (Thu.) Downstream from Rudesheim is the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river 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 7Cologne

  (Fri.) 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, cafes, and shops. The favorite local beer here is Kolsch. (B,L,D)

  Day 8Amsterdam, Holland

  (Sat.) 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, cafes 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 9Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

  (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)