Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Riquewihr. Then there is Breisach, rising above the vineyards of the Rhine, and Freiburg, one of Germany’s sunniest cities and gateway to Black Forest. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Kölsch beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.
Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Riquewihr. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Kölsch beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.
Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Wine Cruise)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
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Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise tour |
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| | Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam |
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Day 3 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting |
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| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
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Day 4 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
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| Rüdesheim | Rüdesheim wine tasting |
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| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
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| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
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Day 5 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
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| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike |
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| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
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Day 6 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
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Day 7 | Basel | “City of Art” tour |
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Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
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Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Zaanse Schans |
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Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
Day 3 | Amsterdam | Panoramic city tour and transfer to ship |
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Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)
Day 4 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise tour |
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| | Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam |
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Day 5 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting |
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| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
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Day 6 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
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| Rüdesheim | Rüdesheim wine tasting |
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| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
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| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
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Day 7 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
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| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike |
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| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
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Day 8 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
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Day 9 | Basel | “City of Art” tour |
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Day 10 | Basel | DISEMBARKATION |
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| | Transfer to Lake Como with Bellinzona tour |
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Disembark the ship and transfer to Lake Como, Italy, stopping in Lucerne, Switzerland along the way, where you will enjoy a brief tour and free time for lunch. Once in breathtaking Lake Como, nestled at the foot of the Alps, check into your hotel for the evening. (B)
Day 11 | Lake Como | Walking tour |
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Be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean’s Twelve and Casino Royale. (B)
Day 12 | Lake Como | Lake Como boat excursion to the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio |
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Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio’s restaurants before returning to the boat. (B)
Day 13 | Lake Como | Return flight home |
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Bid farewell to Lake Como and prepare for your flight home. (B)