DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Switzerland
Depart for Basel, Switzerland
DAY 2, Friday - Cruise Embarkation
Arrive in Basel and transfer to the port. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. Earlier arrivals have access to the ship lounge or can drop off luggage prior to check-in. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Saturday - Breisach Walking Tour
Arrive this morning in the small town of Breisach that dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored to its original beauty. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. After lunch set sail for Strasbourg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday - Strasbourg City Tour
A lovely day awaits you in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, the ship sets sail towards Speyer
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Monday - Morning in Speyer & Evening in Rudesheim
This morning arrive in Speyer. Perhaps take a morning walk through this picturesque town founded by the Romans, or alternatively, join the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. The ship will continue sailing this morning and passengers joining the tour will rejoin the ship at lunchtime and relax on board this afternoon. After dinner, arrive in Rudesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. Perhaps take a leisurely walk through town or visit a quaint wine tavern
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Morning Cruising & Afternoon in Koblenz
This morning take in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. After lunch on board, the ship docks in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour and later, spend free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years
Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday - Cologne City Tour
Today the ship will dock in Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Amsterdam City Tour
Cruise into Amsterdam* as you enjoy breakfast on board and join a panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. This evening bid farewell to your Cruise Director on your final night on board
*Departure Aug 7: the Monarch Baroness will be docked in Utrecht. The Amsterdam city tour will be starting and ending at Utrecht port and shuttle buses will be provided during the day to reach Amsterdam city center.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Friday - Disembarkation, Bruges City Tour
This morning, disembark your ship and travel through the countryside to reach Bruges. Take a tour of one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Walk along picturesque cobbled lanes lined with historic churches and whitewashed almshouses. View the Church of Our Lady, housing the Madonna statue by Michelangelo, and visit the Market Square with its astonishing Belfry. This evening, treat yourself to an extraordinary dinner, or perhaps just sample the city's famous chocolate and beer
Overnight: Bruges
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Saturday - Afternoon in Paris, the "City of Light"
On to Paris, the "City of Light." Upon arrival, start your discovery of one of the world's greatest cities with its endless treasures. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps, visit the bustling Montmartre and see spectacular views of the city, visit the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, and walk the winding streets to mingle with the street artists selling their wares at Place du Tertre
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Sunday - Tour of Paris
Drive along the famous Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower, symbol of Paris. On to the celebrated "Rive Gauche," the vivacious Left Bank where artists, philosophers and writers in a long gone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse. View the Latin Quarter, home to many of France's higher education establishments, such as the Sorbonne. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture on the visit to the Palace and extravagant State Apartments. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Monday - Depart France
This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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