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13 Days The Rhine and Moselle - Northbound Tour Package
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Priced From: $4,290 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: May, Sep. Oct /08
New for 2008! So many delights lie along the banks of The Rhine and Moselle rivers – let us share them with you on this brand-new cruising adventure aboard the MS Swiss Diamond. From Switzerland to the Netherlands, through Germany, France and Luxembourg, this Moselle and Rhine River cruise travels through engaging cities, charming towns and rural landscapes. See the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with the jet setters in the glamorous spa town of Baden-Baden; and discover the secrets of the ancient university town of Heidelberg, 2,000-year-old Boppard, and medieval masterpieces such as Bernkastel, Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the Battle of the Bulge at the American Cemetery and Memorial in Luxembourg, and get a true taste of Europe with regional culinary specialties, locally grown wines and traditional songs and dances.
Itinerary
Day 1: Willkommen nach Basel
Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Basel, Switzerland. A transfer is included from Basel-Mulhouse International Airport to the Swiss Diamond. Your Moselle and Rhine River cruise begins when all guests check in at 4:00 PM.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 2: Beguiling Basel
This lovely city on the banks of the Rhine River will engage you today during an orientation tour followed by a walking tour in the Old Town, where you’ll see the bright-red Rathaus, Basel’s Town Hall. After lunch, explore more of one of Europe’s most attractive and best-preserved Old Towns on your own or perhaps visit one of the city’s 40 museums. This evening, the Captain welcomes you aboard with a festive dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 3: A taste of France, past and present
Awaken in stunning Strasbourg, France, seat of the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights. You’ll see the Parliament Buildings before stepping back in time to discover La Petit France, noted for its medieval half-timbered houses set beside its lovely canals. While visiting the famous Gothic Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, you’ll be inspired by the graceful, expressive statuary of the Pilier des Anges [Pillar of Angels], dating from the 13th century, and the magnificent stained glass windows. Return to the Swiss Diamond for lunch or choose to dine at one of the city’s many intriguing restaurants on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 4: Lifestyles of the rich and healthy in Baden-Baden
Your Rhine River cruise reveals that the elegant Belle Epoch period is still alive and well in the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden. For generations, wealthy folks have flocked here to see and be seen, and to take the healing thermal waters for which the town is famous. Join us for private champagne reception in the ornate 250-year-old Casino, which movie star Marlene Dietrich once described as “the most beautiful casino in the world.”
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 5: The Realm of The Student Prince
A full day in the historic college town of Heidelberg, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, as well as the setting for the famous operetta, The Student Prince, awaits you today during your Rhine River cruise. Take a walking tour of Heidelberg for a close-up look at the Old Town and imposing Heidelberger Schloss, perched 300 feet above the city; view its examples of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Perhaps you’ll be as captivated by this lovely old city as much as America’s first travel writer, Mark Twain, was when he spent three months here with his family. Rejoin the riverboat in Speyer.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 6: In the Middle Rhine Valley
Today on your Rhine River cruise, explore the Middle Rhine Valley and the land of the Lorelei. During its 2,000-year history, Celts, Romans and Franconians have all called Boppard home. Discover this marvelous medieval town on a walking tour and enjoy lunch at the Old Monastery Cellar. Swiss Diamond continues on to Koblenz, where you’ll be indulged with some lively local entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 7: In the shadow of Reichsburg Castle
Stepping ashore at Cochem in the Moselle Valley is like stepping into the pages of a medieval fairy-tale. Tour picture-perfect 1,000-year-old Reichsburg Castle, which looks down on the quaint market square. Explore this jewel of a town complete with Baroque town hall and ancient town gates on a guided walking tour, breathing in its historic charm and ambiance. Honor the area’s centuries-old winemaking with a tasting of the excellent locally produced wines at a famed winery before returning to the riverboat.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 8: Luxembourg bound
Dock in Trier, the oldest city in Germany, this morning for a poignant journey to tiny Luxembourg, site of the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial. Over 5,000 American casualties of the Battle of the Bulge lie buried here, as does General George S. Patton. After lunch at a historic restaurant, return to Trier and discover this ancient city during a walking tour that includes a visit to Dom St. Peter, a historic cathedral dating from Roman times.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 9: The rhythm of the river
After a walk through Bernkastel to admire the half-timbered houses for which this 700-year-old town is renowned, enjoy an afternoon of classic river cruising, watching the scenery slip by from the sun deck as the MS Swiss Diamond glides along the Moselle toward Koblenz.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 10: The many faces of Bonn
Beethoven’s birthplace, the home of musicians Robert and Clara Schumann, and Karl Marx’s college town, Bonn was the capital of Germany from 1949 to 1991 and is still a center of administration and politics. Tracing its roots back to the Romans, the city engages with history spanning ancient times to the present day. Discover it all during a guided tour, and enjoy a memorable lunch in the former German State Government House.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 11: Works of art by Mother Nature and Vincent van Gogh
Set off for Arnhem and the 5,500-hectare De Hoge Veluwe National Park, home to many endangered plant and animal species. In the midst of this natural glory, you’ll find the inspiring Kröller Müller Museum, featuring works of such luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Georges Seurat and Vincent van Gogh, along with Europe’s largest sculpture garden. Rejoin Swiss Diamond in Nijmegen for lunch, followed by a free afternoon to spend exploring 2,000-year-old Arnhem as you choose. Whether you’re intrigued by Roman and medieval history, the legacy of World War II, African art or modern-day Dutch life, you’ll find something interesting here. Join us for the Captain’s farewell dinner aboard Swiss Diamond this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 12: Amazing Amsterdam
As your Moselle and Rhine river cruise comes to an end, indulge yourself in all the many charms of this city of canals today. Spend the morning exploring Amsterdam by coach, followed by a visit to the engaging Vincent van Gogh Museum. After lunch, board small boats for a cruise of discovery through the city’s scenic canals while sampling wine and the cheese for which Holland is so famous, before enjoying some leisure time to explore further on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 13: Journey’s end
Tour ends: Amsterdam. Your Moselle and Rhine River cruise ends today after breakfast. A transfer is included from the Swiss Diamond to Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport for your flight home; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by Europe vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-415-446-5252 or 1-800-330-8820
10/08
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