DAY 3, Tuesday - Amsterdam City Tour
Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. 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. The rest of the day is on your own
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Tuesday - Amsterdam City Tour
This morning visit the world famous Rijksmuseum. On your guided tour you will explore the vast collection of works from some of the world's greatest artists including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. This afternoon transfer to the port for embarkation. 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: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Wednesday - Rijksmuseum Tour & Cruise Embarkation
Spend the morning at leisure on board or pick up some last-minute Dutch souvenirs. This afternoon, the ship sets sail south for Germany
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Thursday - Leisure Morning, Afternoon Cruising
Cruise on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving as you have lunch on board. 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. Explore the city's Christmas markets on your own this afternoon. Later enjoy free time to discover the city, before you set sail for Koblenz
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Friday - Cologne City Tour & Christmas Market
The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour this morning, followed by free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year-old city. Before returning to the ship, be sure to explore Koblenz's picturesque Christmas market, located in the Old Town with a variety of stalls full of decorations, holiday gifts, and gingerbread. At noon, set sail and spend a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship cruises 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. This evening, arrive in Rüdesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Saturday - Morning in Koblenz & Christmas Market, Afternoon Cruising
Today, continue sailing towards Speyer. The ship will make a stop, where passengers may depart for the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. Tour the city and view the ruins of 13th century Heidelberg Castle before returning to the ship in Speyer. In the afternoon, stroll the lanes of this picturesque city founded by the Romans, with its prized red sandstone cathedral named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, the ship sails for Strasbourg
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Sunday - Afternoon in Speyer
A lovely day awaits you in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, 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. Visit France's largest and oldest Christmas market on your own this afternoon. Taste the tiny traditional cakes of Alsace called bredeles and stroll the stalls that stretch as far as the eye can see with artisans showing off their handcrafted wares. Indulge in mulled wine and gingerbread delights at the themed markets radiating from the center, featuring a towering Christmas tree and streets aglow with lights and decorations. This evening, return to the ship as you sail towards Breisach in the Rhine Valley
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Monday - Strasbourg City Tour & Christmas Market
Arrive this morning in the small city 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. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. Alternatively, join the optional tour to Colmar, nestled in the heart of the Alsace region*. Begin the walking tour in the heart of Colmar's Old Town. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, and marvel at the colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-adorned canals. Free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship when it sets sail for Basel. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Cruise Director
*Passengers who choose this optional, will not be able to participate in the included walking tour of Breisach.
Optional: Half Day Colmar Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Tuesday - Breisach Walking Tour
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport in Basel for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Wednesday - Depart Switzerland
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