Romantic Rhine plus Lucerne pre cruise

Itinerary Details

Day 1 Lucerne

Welcome to Lucerne! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River.

Day 2 Lucerne

On your GUIDED WALK this morning, admire Thorwaldsens impressive LION MONUMENT, dedicated to the Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution, and ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit church. This afternoon, you are free to explore on your own. (B)

Day 3 LucerneBasel (Embarkation)

This morning, another true Swiss experience: a trip to the top of nearby Mount Pilatus, the Guard of Lucerne, for spectacular vistas over Lucerne, its lake, and the Alpine scenery. Departures WZAE 1019 to 1102 will visit the Swiss Museum of Transport, as transportation up Mount Pilatus will be closed for maintenance during this period. This afternoon, a short transfer takes you to Basel to board your river cruise vessel (D)

Day 4 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest

Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germanys BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty. The area got its name because the pine forests are so dense, local residents described them as black. The most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, Black Forest cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks! You may opt to visit the workshop of a local woodcarver who produces clocks and other carvings, or to the open-air Vogtsbauernhof Museum to see how life was lived in this area centuries ago (B, L, D)

Day 5 Strasbourg, France

Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. On your walking tour you will discover Europe at its most quintessential. Visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Explore Place Klber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. This afternoon, optional excursions into the Alsace wine country or to the Black Forest are available. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Excursion to Heidelberg, GermanyMainz

This morning, an excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to Germanys oldest university, which was founded in 1386. Visit the ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Youll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the Worlds Largest Wine Barrel. At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, it holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor on top of it! In the afternoon, arrive in Mainz, which today is Germanys largest and most important wine market. The Altstadt (Old Town) has many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz is a tribute to the jesters at the citys annual Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here, and during a GUIDED WALK youll visit the captivating GUTENBERG MUSEUM. (B, L, D)

Day 7 RdesheimRhine GorgeKoblenz

This morning, dock in pretty Rudesheim, a typical Rhine Valley wine town. Visit SIEGFRIEDS MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM to see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, and enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT. Downstream from Rdesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured sailors to their doom. Then, arrive at the place where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meetthe Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its impressive statue of German Emperor William I. Join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR of 2,000-year-old Koblenz, which reveals an eventful past through its castles, fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Cologne

One of Germanys largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steeples gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED CITY WALK or JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. The Old Town abounds with cafs, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Klsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! (B, L, D)

Day 9 Amsterdam, Holland

Amsterdam, Holland. Welcome to Amsterdam! Hollands sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafs, and restaurants has a distinct ambiance. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdams Golden Age. Theres free time this afternoon to enjoy the city or perhaps join an optional excursion. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Amsterdam, Holland

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)