MEALS

Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain's dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

Itinerary

Day 1

(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation)

(Sun.) Flights into Zurich must arrive before 3 pm. Basel is situated on the Rhine where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. This afternoon the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you on board. (D)

Day 3 Strasbourg, France

(Mon.) 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. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany-Mainz

(Tue.) 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! (B,L,D)

Day 5 Mainz-Rudesheim

(Wed.) 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 you'll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. The pretty little town of Rudesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. SIEGFRIED'S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! A SPECIAL TREAT is planned, then you have free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Koblenz

(Thu.) Downstream from Rudesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river dotted every mile with castles. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Cologne

(Fri.) 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 next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! The OLD TOWN abounds with taverns, cafes, and shops. The favorite local beer here is Kolsch. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Amsterdam, Holland

(Sat.) 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, cafes 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." (B,L,D)

Day 9 Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.