Dramatic rivers yielding to fairytale towns and iconic cities all come alive as you discover four countries along the
storied Rhine and Moselle. From Switzerland’s pristine cities—Lucerne and Zurich—to the colorful canals of
Amsterdam, delve deeply into the history, legends and culture. Throughout your journey, wander through
postcard-perfect towns such Riquewihr, Freiburg, Bernkastel and Cochem. Let your inner adventurer out as you
hike through vineyards and bike along the rivers. Soar high above the Rhine with a gondola ride in Rüdesheim and
above the Moselle with a hike to Reichsburg Castle. Uncover the secrets of Trier’s Porta Nigra—Germany’s oldest
city and often referred to as the second Rome. Grand Baroque palaces, whimsical gardens and a plethora of
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, provide lovers of enchantment, artists and architectures, historians and
connoisseurs of fine wine, beer and food with the best these regions offer.
Dramatic rivers yielding to fairytale towns and iconic cities all come alive as you discover four countries along the storied Rhine and Moselle. From Zurich to the colorful canals of Amsterdam, delve deeply into history, legends and culture. Throughout your journey, wander through postcard-perfect towns, let your inner adventurer out as you hike through vineyards and bike along rivers, and be enchanted by fairytale castles and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
COUNTRIES:
France, Germany, Netherlands, SwitzerlandFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
RIVERS:
Rhine, Moselle
Rhine & Moselle Delights
At A Glance
On our 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.
Embark your ship in Basel, Switzerland and meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Breisach | Riquewihr walking tour |
|
| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your
interests. 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 as well as famous sights, such as
the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s
Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active
excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of
cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and
Germany. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de
la République. Then walk through its 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. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a
guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg excursion |
|
| | OR Mannheim Baroque Palace |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest.
Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle
Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on a tour of the glorious Schwetzingen Baroque Palace. Or, you may
decide to visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens with more than 100 sculptures and an assortment of whimsical
buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and
the most spectacular, the Türkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. Later in
the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or taste one of
the town’s special delights, Rüdsheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three
excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a
sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. Alternatively, 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Sail along the scenic Moselle to Bernkastel, located in the middle of the Moselle
Valley’s wine-producing region. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and
Renaissance buildings on a guided tour, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can
choose to join a bike tour along the shores of the Moselle River, and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of
Landshut Castle. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Trier | “Rome of the North” tour |
|
| | OR “Ancient Tales of the Porta Nigra” |
|
Set sail for Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a city tour why it has been
called the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World
Heritage Sites. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a
time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through
the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Cochem with its majestic Reichsburg Castle. Discover how
the castle has been an integral part of the town’s history, and afterwards, go on a walking tour along Cochem’s
narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses. For a more active excursion, hike to the castle or go on a biking tour along the Moselle River. As an alternative excursion, you can visit one of Europe’s oldest working
mustard mills where you will sample Cochem’s famous mustard. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral |
|
Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral.
Continue on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. For a
different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise and city tour |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk
to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Zurich | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
|
Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)
| Day 3 | Zurich | Scenic drive to Vitznau |
|
| Vitznau | Scenic Lake Lucerne cruise |
|
Check out of your hotel and head off on a scenic drive past Alpine lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Once in Lucerne, you’ll check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 4 | Lucerne | Walking tour, Lion Monument and the medieval city walls |
|
Lucerne’s beauty and charm is unrivaled. You’ll discover this beauty on a walking tour. The mighty mountains of Mount Pilatus and Rigi overlook the swans that glide along the scenic lake and are part of Lucerne’s everlasting allure, as is the iconic Lion Monument, which you’ll visit. Sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792, it has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries. You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)
| Day 5 | Lucerne | Transfer to Basel |
|
Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Before boarding the ship, you’ll go on a highlights tour of the city. (B,D)
| Day 6 | Breisach | Riquewihr walking tour |
|
| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your
interests. 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 as well as famous sights, such as
the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s
Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active
excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of
cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and
Germany. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de
la République. Then walk through its 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. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a
guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg excursion |
|
| | OR Mannheim Baroque Palace |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest.
Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle
Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on a tour of the glorious Schwetzingen Baroque Palace. Or, you may
decide to visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens with more than 100 sculptures and an assortment of whimsical
buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and
the most spectacular, the Türkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. Later in
the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or taste one of
the town’s special delights, Rüdsheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three
excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a
sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. Alternatively, 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Sail along the scenic Moselle to Bernkastel, located in the middle of the Moselle
Valley’s wine-producing region. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and
Renaissance buildings on a guided tour, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can
choose to join a bike tour along the shores of the Moselle River, and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of
Landshut Castle. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Trier | “Rome of the North” tour |
|
| | OR “Ancient Tales of the Porta Nigra” |
|
Set sail for Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a city tour why it has been
called the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World
Heritage Sites. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a
time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through
the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Cochem with its majestic Reichsburg Castle. Discover how
the castle has been an integral part of the town’s history, and afterwards, go on a walking tour along Cochem’s
narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses. For a more active excursion, hike to the castle or go on a biking tour along the Moselle River. As an alternative excursion, you can visit one of Europe’s oldest working
mustard mills where you will sample Cochem’s famous mustard. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral |
|
Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral.
Continue on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. For a
different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise and city tour |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk
to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home. (B)