Rhine River Cruise

Day 1 (Oct 19): DEPART USA
Those hoping for additional time in the beautiful city of Amsterdam can sign up for our 2 night pre-cruise option. You will be glad you did!

Day 2 (Oct 20): AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Upon arrival you will be met by our Chamber representatives and directed to your transfer. Motorcoach transfer from Amsterdam airport to ship boarding site. See some of the gorgeous Amsterdam surroundings before boarding and exploring the Charles Dickens. This evening enjoy meeting your fellow cruisers at the Welcome Aboard Dinner (D).

Day 3 (Oct 21): AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS and afternoon in VOLENDAM, NETHERLANDS
This morning is our included city tour of Amsterdam. Sit back and enjoy the sights along the elegant Grachten (city canal) lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Enjoy this opportunity to see some of the main sights in this Dutch harbor city. Next on our itinerary, we embark on the Holland Waterland included tour. Our tour includes Volendam, which was a major fishing port before the construction of the Ijsselmeer dyke in 1932. Today it is a dreamy little Dutch village where you will enjoy strolling through the picturesque town and then on to a cheese dairy specializing in local Dutch cheeses (B, L, D).

Day 4 (Oct 22): COLOGNE, GERMANY
Included city tour of Cologne. One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steeples Gothic cathedral. Enjoy a guided tour and learn a bit about the 2000 year history of this former Roman colony. Ship departs for Cochem this afternoon so enjoy some time on the Sun Deck (B, L, D).

Day 5 (Oct 23): COCHEM, GERMANY
This morning is spent at leisure as we cruise toward Cochem, leaving the Rhine and cruising along the Moselle river. Upon arrival, feel free to get off the ship and explore this small romantic town on your own or join our Optional Walking Tour of Cochem with Wine Tasting which will afford you the opportunity to sample the world-famous Moselle wines. We head back to the Rhine this evening as we enjoy dinner onboard the ship (B, L, D).

Day 6 (Oct 24): KOBLENZ, GERMANY and afternoon in RUDESHEIM, GERMANY
On our sail to Koblenz, be sure to fling open your balconies or head to the Sun Deck as we cruise the most beautiful section of the Rhine that is legendary for its ancient castles and lofty cliffs, where we will see the famed Lorelei Rock. This morning arrive in the 2,000 year old city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Enjoy some free time or join our Optional City Walking Tour of Koblenz…your choice! We will return to the ship for lunch and our departure to Rudesheim, where we will take an included tour of the city. Small picturesque Rudesheim is a typical Rhine Valley wine town. Our tour includes entrance to the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, with its curious self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries (B, L, D).

Day 7 (Oct 25): MANNHEIM, GERMANY and afternoon in SPEYER, GERMANY
This morning we arrive in Mannheim which sits at the confluence of the Rhine and the Neckar Rivers. Enjoy our complimentary Heidelberg Tour which includes the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle. A visit to Heidelberg’s Old Quarter is sure to please as you stroll through the baroque style town which was largely spared during the Second World War. Reboard for lunch and our departure for Speyer, Germany. This former Roman settlement is one of the oldest in Germany. Religious architecture steeped in history, impressive facades, winding alleys and romantic squares characterize Speyer. Enjoy exploring on your own or sign up for our Optional guided walking tour of Speyer. Reboard the ship in time for dinner. This evening after dinner the ship will depart Germany for France (B, L, D).

Day 8 (Oct 26): STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Included morning city tour of Strasbourg. This city, situated on the border of France and Germany, blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. You will come to appreciate how the city has retained its historic charm and beauty. No tour would be complete without a visit to the historic ‘Petite France’ quarter and Strasbourg Cathedral. Return to the ship in time for lunch. There is an optional afternoon Alsace with Wine Tour for those who are interested in venturing off the ship and into the countryside. This evening after dinner the ship will depart France for Germany. Tonight enjoy a special occasion as we celebrate the Captain’s Gala Dinner (B, L, D).

Day 9 (Oct 27): BASEL TO LUCERNE
Breakfast included. Get an overview and a few insights into the Swiss town Basel, known as Switzerland’s cultural capital, after boarding our deluxe motorcoach for a 30-minute transfer to Lucerne. The beautiful city sits amid snowcapped mountains on the north end of Lake Lucerne. During the included city tour, you will learn the history of the world-famous Lion of Lucerne, a monument spectacularly carved into the cliffside. (Overnight in Lucerne) (B)

Day 10 (Oct 28): ZURICH-USA
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Travelers will be transferred to Zurich airport this morning. (B)