|
9 Days Romantic Rhine Tour Package
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Priced From: $1,989 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: May, Jul, Aug, Oct /08
Begin this 7-night cruise in colorful Amsterdam with a canal boat tour past the city’s stately homes and 16th-century merchant houses, then cruise to Cologne for a guided tour. Stop for a visit of Coblenz, situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, before sailing through the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim. There you will visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and have a chance to try the region’s famous Riesling wines. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, as well as excursions to Heidelberg to visit the red-walled castle of Student Prince fame and Germany’s Black Forest, before ending your cruise in Basel, Switzerland.
Itinerary
Day 1
Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.
Day 2 Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you on aboard. (D)
Day 3 Amsterdam
There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (FB,L,D)
Day 4 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent Gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns, and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.” (FB,L,D)
Day 5 Coblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim
Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Coblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The Deutsches Eck, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Pretty Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Explore the Drosselgasse, pick up some souvenirs, and be sure to try one of the vintages in any of the little wine taverns. (FB,L,D)
Day 6 Excursion to Heidelberg
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. The ruins of the imposing red sandstone CASTLE tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! (FB,L,D)
Day 7 Strasbourg, France
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (FB,L,D)
Day 8 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest
Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is a charming little medieval town. Once surrounded by city walls, the gates to the city still stand today. Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region, an area of unrivalled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake. (FB,L,D)
Day 9 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Homebound flights should not leave Zurich Airport before 10 a.m. (FB)
Highlights
AMSTERDAM
Welcome reception; canal cruise
COLOGNE
Guided sightseeing
COBLENZ
Guided sightseeing
RÜDESHEIM
“Winzerexpress” mini train
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
HEIDELBERG
Guided visit of the castle
STRASBOURG
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral
BREISACH
Excursion to the Black Forest
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Europe vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
10/08
|
