Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards and the stunning remnant of a world frozen over with glaciers, Italy’s Lake Como, as part of this all-encompassing Rhine River Wine Cruise and land fantasy. Start by spending time in Italy’s haven for the rich and famous, Lake Como. Continue on to Basel before crossing the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg where you will have the opportunity to sample the distinctive Alsatian white wines.. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne and its Kölsch beer, but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg, known for its Great Vat of wine. You’ll also enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks. Conclude your cruise by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy, as well as iconic iconic landmarks, majestic mountain landscapes, and special lectures and tastings on board, this distinctive host-led Wine Cruise itinerary is truly a dream come true.
Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards and the stunning remnant of a world frozen over with glaciers, Italy’s Lake Como, as part of this all-encompassing Rhine River cruise and land fantasy. Start by spending time in Italy’s haven for the rich and famous, Lake Como. Continue on to Basel before crossing the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg. Then it’s off to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. You’ll also enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the river banks. Conclude your cruise by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true.
Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (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.
Board the ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Basel | “City of Art” tour |
|
| | OR Three countries bike tour |
|
| Lucerne | OR Full-Day Lucerne excursion* |
|
| | Wine tasting at Weingut Röschard |
|
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, venture off on a full-day guided excursion to Lucerne, known for its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, for those not participating in the full-day tour, visit Lucerne for a half-day tour or choose a wine-themed excursion to Weingut Röschard, a family winery, where you will enjoy a tasting of local wines. (B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 3 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. Later in the day, taste Alsatian wines, highly praised for their fragrant aromas, ranging from bright and fruity to crisp and spicy. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path hike |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
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 enjoy panoramic views of the city. Or, enjoy a bike tour shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. After dinner, your ship will arrive in the intimate village of Rüdesheim, where you can either let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will be treated to a unique guided tour of the medieval Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise tour |
|
| | OR A Taste of Amsterdam** |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. If you prefer experiencing the world through your taste buds, follow your taste buds past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. (B,L,D)
**May be replaced with alternate tour based on docking location
Day 8 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Lake Como | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Lake Como and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Lake Como | Walking tour |
|
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 3 | Lake Como | Lake Como boat excursion to the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio |
|
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 4 | Basel | Transfer to Basel with Bellinzona visit |
|
Check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, be treated to a Bellinzona orientation tour. Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D)
Day 5 | Basel | “City of Art” tour |
|
| | OR Three countries bike tour |
|
| Lucerne | OR Full-Day Lucerne excursion* |
|
| | Wine tasting at Weingut Röschard |
|
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, venture off on a full-day guided excursion to Lucerne, known for its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, for those not participating in the full-day tour, visit Lucerne for a half-day tour or choose a wine-themed excursion to Weingut Röschard, a family winery, where you will enjoy a tasting of local wines. (B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 6 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. Later in the day, taste Alsatian wines, highly praised for their fragrant aromas, ranging from bright and fruity to crisp and spicy. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path hike |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
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 enjoy panoramic views of the city. Or, enjoy a bike tour shores of the river Neckar, ultimately arriving in the medieval town of Ladenburg. 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. After dinner, your ship will arrive in the intimate village of Rüdesheim, where you can either let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will be treated to a unique guided tour of the medieval Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer tasting |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise tour |
|
| | OR A Taste of Amsterdam** |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. If you prefer experiencing the world through your taste buds, follow your taste buds past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. (B,L,D)
**May be replaced with alternate tour based on docking location
Day 11 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home. (B)