DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Switzerland
Depart for Basel, Switzerland
DAY 2, Wednesday - Cruise Embarkation in Basel
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, Thursday - 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. 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 Strasbourg
*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 4, Friday - Strasbourg City Tour & Christmas Market
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 dozen themed markets that fan out from the center, along with a towering Christmas tree and streets aglow with lights and decorations. This evening, the ship sets sail towards Speyer
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday - Morning in Speyer & Evening in Rudesheim
This morning arrive in Speyer. Perhaps take a refreshing 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, Sunday - Morning Cruising, Afternoon in Koblenz & Christmas Market
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 then have 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 check Koblenz's picturesque Christmas market, located in the Old Town with a variety of stalls full of decorations, holiday gifts, and gingerbread
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - Cologne City Tour& Christmas Market
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. Explore the city's Christmas market on your own. The festively decorated stalls offer Christmas specialties, straw stars, tree decorations, wooden toys, carvings, ceramics, candles, and much more
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, 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. This evening bid farewell to your Cruise Director on your final night on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Depart the Netherlands
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast
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