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13 Days The Rhine and Moselle - Southbound 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 newest Rhine River cruises 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: Welcome to the Netherlands
Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport to the MS Swiss Diamond. Your cruise on the Moselle and Rhine rivers begins when all guests check in at 4:00 PM. Welkom aan boord!
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 2: Amazing Amsterdam
As this most exciting of Moselle and Rhine river cruises begins, 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. Join us this evening for the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner followed by local entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 3: 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 a unique and varied landscape. 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 – plus Europe’s largest sculpture garden, showcasing the creations of such noted sculptors as Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore. Rejoin Swiss Diamond in Rees for lunch, followed by a delightful afternoon and evening of river cruising.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 4: 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 5: In the shadow of Reichsburg Castle
This most engaging of Moselle and Rhine River cruises takes you to Cochem today, where stepping ashore 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 6: Luxembourg bound
Dock in Trier, the oldest city in Germany, this morning for a journey to tiny Luxembourg, where you’ll explore the old town and pay a poignant visit to 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 12th-century castle, 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. Enjoy some special on-board entertainment this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 7: Bernkastle, a Moselle masterpiece
The first settlements in this middle region of the Moselle River date back to the 30th century BC. Charming Bernkastle, known as the both the “Pearl of the Moselle” and the “international town of vines and wine,” is known for its wines and its medieval market square surrounded by half-timbered houses. After a walking tour of the town, explore on your own; the 1608 city hall, the narrow 15th century Spitzhäuschen (Pointed House), St. Michael’s Well, and the town museum located at the impressive Graachter Tor, an old town gate, are well worth seeing. Cruise to Boppard this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 8: To Boppard in the Middle Rhine Valley
As this most delightful of Rhine River cruises continues, 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. As Swiss Diamond glides along the Rhine toward Worms this afternoon, you’ll hear about the legend of the Lorelei, and see for yourself why this beautiful part of the river has inspired composers, writers and artists for centuries.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 9: 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. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 10: 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 11: A taste of France, past and present
Your exploration of the Rhine River cruises to 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 12: 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 of 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, join the Captain for a farewell reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Swiss Diamond
Day 13: Homeward Bound
Tour ends: Basel. A transfer is included from Swiss Diamond to Basel-Mulhouse International Airport; please allow 2 ½ 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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