Cruise the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, experiencing the world's largest flower auction, taking in the majesty of the Swiss Alps and sampling local beer, wine, cheese and chocolate on shore, for an authentic taste of Europe.
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 11
DAY 1
Arrive in Amsterdam, where you are met and transferred to your boutique hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, join your Resident Tour Director for a welcome dinner.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
Stop at the Douwes Fine Art gallery, seven generations in the same family, to learn how old-master paintings are restored for exhibition. Next, visit the famous Rijksmuseum to see some of the highlights of its extensive collection of Dutch masters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens. After lunch at leisure, take a private canal cruise in Amsterdam, the best way to see this city famously linked by 165 canals spanning more than 30 miles. Finally, enjoy priority boarding onto your river ship. After settling in to your premium cabin or suite, gather for a welcome cocktail and dinner aboard.
'Amadeus Imperial'
'Amadeus Queen'
‘Amadeus Cara’
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations vary by departure date. See Dates & Prices for details.
DAY 3
This morning, transfer by coach to the university town of Leiden, where you enjoy a private (before-hours) visit to the American Pilgrim Museum. Afterwards, spend some time at leisure to explore Leiden at your own pace. Rejoin the ship in Utrecht for lunch as your cruise continues. This evening, enjoy a private cocktail party.
'Amadeus Imperial'
'Amadeus Queen'
‘Amadeus Cara’
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations vary by departure date. See Dates & Prices for details.
DAY 4
Arrive this morning in Cologne, where you disembark to explore the major sites on a walking tour, including the Gothic cathedral, an edifice so massive its construction spanned centuries; it was only officially completed in 1880. Following your sightseeing, return to the ship for lunch and some time at leisure. Late this afternoon, regather for visit to a 100-year-old brewery, where you enjoy a beer tasting and light snacks.
'Amadeus Imperial'
'Amadeus Queen'
‘Amadeus Cara’
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations vary by departure date. See Dates & Prices for details.
DAY 5
Arrive in Cochem on the Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine, this afternoon. Disembark to visit the neo-Gothic castle, including its famous Witches Tower, the only part of the original Gothic structure still standing. Tonight, sit down to a private Chef ’s Highlights dinner aboard the ship.
'Amadeus Imperial'
'Amadeus Queen'
‘Amadeus Cara’
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations vary by departure date. See Dates & Prices for details.
DAY 6
Cruise to Koblenz, where you rejoin the Rhine River. Koblenz’s history dates back to Roman times, when Julius Caesar built nearby the first bridge to span the Rhine. Take a guided walking tour of the city this morning. Then, cruise the lovely Rhine Gorge, one of the most scenic stretches in all of Europe. Its magical mix of rocky, winding riverbanks, quaint riverside towns and castles perched high on the cliffside helped to earn it a spot on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Arrive later in Rüdesheim, known throughout the region for its excellent wines. Join your Resident Tour Director for a wine tasting and dinner ashore at a local restaurant.
'Amadeus Queen'
‘Amadeus Cara’
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations vary by departure date. See Dates & Prices for details.
DAY 7
Set out on a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, seeing the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Abandoned in the 18th century, the crumbling fortress nevertheless remained a source of inspiration for later Romantic painters and poets, who seized on it as a symbol of faded glory. After lunch, proceed to the Altstadt (old town) for time at leisure; the Market Square is an excellent place to soak up local life. Tonight, attend a captain’s gala dinner aboard your vessel.
'Amadeus Imperial'
'Amadeus Queen'
‘Amadeus Cara’
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations vary by departure date. See Dates & Prices for details.
DAY 8
The capital of France’s Alsace region, Strasbourg has been a focal point of French-German conflict for centuries, bearing the combined stamp of both nations as a result. Experience this for yourself on a walking tour of the old town that includes a specially arranged tasting at the Cave des Hospices, the city’s oldest wine cellar. Cruise to Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city.
'Amadeus Imperial'
'Amadeus Queen'
‘Amadeus Cara’
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations vary by departure date. See Dates & Prices for details.
DAY 9
Disembark and drive to Mount Pilatus, journeying to the top via cog railway for lunch, accompanied by amazing, postcard-worthy mountaintop views. After a cable-car descent, take a walking tour of Lucerne. Since the mid-19th century, this beautiful city has been the most visited in Switzerland, and today, it strikes an ideal balance between timeless historic beauty and modern development. The city’s most famous landmark is the Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. View its interior, decorated with vivid paintings, many of which date back to the 17th century and depict events from the city’s history. Also visit the Lion Monument, a rock relief commemorating the Swiss Guard. Continue to Zurich and check in to your hotel.
The Storchen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10
Switzerland is synonymous with chocolate, and no visit to Zurich is complete without a stop at a Swiss chocolatier’s workshop, where you enjoy some delectable treats. After time at leisure for lunch, gather for a guided walking tour of the city, taking in its alluring mix of modern and Old World architecture while strolling its pedestrian-friendly avenues. Zurich is known for its churches, and your walk incorporates several noteworthy ones, including the Fraumünster, with its Marc Chagall-designed stained glass windows, and the Grossmünster, supposedly founded by Charlemagne and later playing a key part in establishing the Reformation in Switzerland. Tonight, attend a farewell dinner.
The Storchen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
Transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
'Amadeus Imperial'
'Amadeus Queen'
‘Amadeus Cara’
The Storchen
