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9 Days Romantic Rhine Tour Package
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Priced From: $1,789 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: Apr - Aug, Oct /08
Your 7-night cruise on the Rhine River takes you from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam, Holland. There is guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Coblenz, and Cologne, as well as a full-day excursion to Heidelberg to see the red-walled castle of Student Prince fame. Visit the marvelous Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim, and don’t miss the chance to try a glass of the Riesling wine for which the area is famous. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and take pictures of the famous rock of the Lorelei. End your cruise in Amsterdam, where a canal boat tour takes you past Amsterdam’s stately homes and 16th-century merchant houses.
Itinerary
Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation)
Flights into Zurich must arrive before 3 p.m. Basel is situated on the Rhine where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. This afternoon, the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard. (D)
Day 3 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. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Beer Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (FB,L,D)
Day 4 Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany–Mainz
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame, a world-famous love musical. The ruins of the imposing HEIDELBERG CASTLE, built of red sandstone, tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! (FB,L,D)
Day 5 Mainz–Rüdesheim
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. The Old Town has many interesting shops, tea rooms, and restaurants, and a fountain on the Schillerplatz is decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every year. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and the GUTENBERG MUSEUM is well worth a visit. The pretty little town of Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! 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 Coblenz
Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river that is dotted every mile with castles. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs lured enchanted sailors to their doom. 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. (FB,L,D)
Day 7 Cologne
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral—which took more than 600 years to build—dominate the river skyline. The Germano- Roman Museum, located next to the cathedral, is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. The favorite local beer here is Kölsch. (FB,L,D)
Day 8 Amsterdam, Holland
Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” (FB,L,D)
Day 9 Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)
Highlights
BASEL
Welcome reception
STRASBOURG
Guided sightseeing
Visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral
HEIDELBERG
Guided visit of the castle
MAINZ
Visit the Gutenberg Museum
RÜDESHEIM
“Winzerexpress” mini train
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
COBLENZ
Guided sightseeing
COLOGNE
Guided sightseeing
AMSTERDAM
Canal cruise
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
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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
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