HI Everyone, I had the most fabulous time on my cruise last week on the Rhine river. Below was the itinerary. I have booked group space for Nov 26, 2014 down the Danube to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Come Join ME!!!
Below is the schedule of our trip and all the different countries we visited.
ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND – EMBARKATION
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner.
AMSTERDAM
After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the great landmarks of Amsterdam including a photo stop at a windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship. We depart early this afternoon for Germany. (B,L,D)
COLOGNE, GERMANY
The ship arrives in Cologne around lunch time. You will have a guided tour of the city, strolling through the Old Town and Cathedral Square, and visiting the fabled 13th- century Gothic Cathedral. During your free time, browse the festive Christmas Market in Cathedral Square – one of Europe’s best – or explore the city on your own. The ship cruises overnight. (B,L,D)
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM
This morning, we cruise through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim in time for an early afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner. Explore the town’s Christmas Markets during your free time, or the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. This evening, visit the historic Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and its collection of robotic and self-playing musical instruments, made during the 18th-20th centuries. The ship departs very late tonight and cruises to Speyer. (B,L,D)
SPEYER – HEIDELBERG
Arrive in Speyer around lunchtime. Speyer is one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Cathedral, churches, and the Altpörtel – a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a tour of Medieval Speyer or a half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle and its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and see beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. You will have free time to wander what is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, the “Haupstrasse,” or some of the city’s colorful Christmas Markets. This evening, the ship cruises to Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the German border. After arriving this morning, you will visit Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market – said to be the oldest and best of its kind in the country. You will also take a walking tour along the town’s narrow cobbled streets, see the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, with its sandstone Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg. (B,L,D)
BREISACH, GERMANY
The ship arrives in Breisach after lunch today. Choose between a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, enjoy your drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Your tour will include a stop at a cuckoo clock factory. As an alternative, choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated on along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” During your city tour you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses, the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns, canals and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine cellar visit and wine tasting, where you will sample different wines presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts and plenty of laughter. This evening, we set sail for Basel, Switzerland. (B,L,D)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark after breakfast and head off on a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes and a visit to Basel’s fantastic Christmas Market on Barfsserplatz.
