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Captivating Rhine

Resort:
Operator: AMA Waterways
Destination: Europe, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
Price From: Contact for latest offers

Overview

Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of Frances Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Riquewihr. Discover Breisach, rising above the vineyards of the Rhine, and Freiburg, one of Germanys sunniest cities and gateway to the Black Forest. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavorsRdesheimer coffee and Klsch beerand to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdams colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Amsterdam

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Captivating Rhine cruise.

Day 2 – Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and youll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Cologne

Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germanys most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germanys oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus, and the Festival Hall. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Klsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Rhine Gorge & Rudesheim

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue and afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the towns beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg. Later in the day, let Siegfrieds Mechanical Music Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the towns special delights, Rdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Ludwigshafen

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germanys Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosophers Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germanys oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europea UNESCO World Heritage Siteand the medieval Old Gate, Altprtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Strasbourg

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de lOrangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Rpublique before walking through its iconic La Petite France district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathdrale de Ntre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de lOrangerie. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Breisach

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburgs Mnster, a Gothic cathedral said to have the most beautiful spire on earth. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Day 8 – Basel

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)