Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise) (Basel to Amsterdam)

EMBARKATION – BASEL, SWITZERLAND. Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers.

BREISACH, GERMANY. Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity.

STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy walking through the iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie.

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM. Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s 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 Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.

RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE. Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle.

MONHEIM - DÜSSELDORF. The quaint town of Monheim is your gateway to both Cologne and Düsseldorf. In the morning, choose either a half-day or full-day tour of Cologne. Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. In the afternoon, for those who have not chosen the full-day tour in Cologne, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, or cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city.

UTRECHT – AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. In the morning, explore charming Utrecht on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. Then, enjoy a scenic cruise to Amsterdam before setting out on the city's famous canals. Embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D) *Depending on docking location, Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.