Basel to Amsterdam, NL
DAY 1 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, where you will be transferred to the ship.
DAY 2 - BREISACH (KAYSERSBERG AND RIQUEWIHR OR COLMAR)
Starting from medieval Breisach, the gateway to the Black Forest, you will cross the Rhine and head for the Alsatian Wine Road to Colmar.
You may prefer to linger in Colmar’s enchanting historic center or continue on to the wine villages of Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, where you will ramble along narrow lanes and pass half-timbered medieval houses.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be treated to an Alsatian specialty, flammekeuche, a delectable flatbread topped with bacon and onions. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.
DAY 3 - KEHL (STRASBOURG)
Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” The heart of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is crisscrosse with medieval canals.
You’ll board a canal boat and cruise past ancient covered bridges and their watchtowers, the picturesque Petite France district with its beautiful half-timbered houses and flower-filled window boxes, and the magnificent Gothic cathedral.
Or, if you prefer, take an intimate walking tour through Old Town, strolling through lively Broglie Square to elegant Place Kléber.
Learn about the culinary traditions of Alsace and indulge in tasty pastries and coffee at a charming café.
Then spend your afternoon at leisure in this beautiful city.
DAY 4 - GERMERSHEIM (SPEYER)
A guided walking tour through Speyer reveals a medieval town with a grand heritage and a compact historic center dominated by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe.
With its basilica laid out in the form of a Latin cross, this architectural marvel is a symbol of medieval imperial power.
Nearby, a well-preserved mikvah, or ritual bath, bears witness to a Jewish community that dates to roughly the same era; it is the oldest remaining bath of its kind in Europe.
Alternatively, come with us to discover a unique aperitif - wine vinegars made from grapes grown in the wine lands of the Palatine - with a visit to the Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate, where antique vinegar recipes find new life.
Tour the cellars and taste the honey- or herb-flavored elixirs made there.
DAY 5 - RÜDESHEIM, CRUISING THE ROMANTIC RHINE RIVER, BOPPARD
Explore Ru¨desheim and its famous Drosselgasse, a narrow alleyway lined with wine taverns and shops, at your leisure.
Then be our guest at a princely wine tasting at prestigious Castle Vollrads, a handsome 14th-century castle perfectly situated in the vineyard-covered hills of the Rheingau (a region renowned for its delicious Rieslings).
Later, find a spot on deck for an afternoon of scenic cruising along the romantic Rhine and take in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Picturesque castles appear around every bend in the river of this astonishing 40-mile stretch.
End your day with a guided stroll around Boppard, a quintessential wine village on the shores of the Rhine.
DAY 6 - CRUISING THE ROMANTIC RHINE RIVER, KOBLENZ
Awaken on the romantic Rhine and enjoy a morning cruise along the castle-lined river.
Then, choose a walking tour highlighting the appeal of ancient Koblenz - its charming lanes and historic squares, the picturesque alleyways and fountains in the old quarter, and the 12th-century churches of St. Florin and Our Beloved Lady;
or take a thrilling ride on an aerial tram across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for dazzling views overlooking the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers.
DAY 7- COLOGNE
Stroll through the narrow streets of Old-Town Cologne with your guide as you make your way to Cologne Cathedral, the city’s most famous landmark.
Inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the earthly remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi—are believed to lie at rest.
You’ll learn about the history of the cathedral and its artwork, especially the pieces surrounding the Shrine of the Magi.
Christian pilgrims have been flocking here for centuries. In fact, one of the cathedral’s expansions was intended to accommodate the many faithful who travel from far and wide to experience the wonder of this sacred site.
In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.
DAY 8 - AMSTERDAM
Disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in bustling Amsterdam.