Immerse yourself in a feast for the senses as you travel through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Taste rich Belgian chocolates. Listen to the distinctive clanks and charms of mechanical instruments at Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok. Admire the beautiful architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s de Haar, Brussels’ Gaasbeek Castle, and Ghent’s Caste of the Counts of Flanders. Inhale the aroma of freshly pressed Belgian waffles and Dutch street fries. Experience timeless traditions, from the brewing of Germany’s legendary beers to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Glide along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks. With a diverse array of knowledgeable and gracious local guides sharing each destination’s unique history with you, you’ll return from this cruise having experienced the best of Holland, Belgium, and the Rhine River.
Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city.
Immerse yourself in a feast for the senses as you travel through the Netherlands and Belgium. Taste rich Belgian chocolates. Listen to the distinctive clanks and charms of mechanical instruments at Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok. Admire the beautiful architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s de Haar, Brussels’ Gasbeek Castle and Ghent’s Caste of the Counts of Flanders. Inhale the aroma of freshly pressed Belgian waffles and Dutch street fries. And feel the gentle breeze dance along your cheeks as you cruise through the Amsterdam canals. As a diverse array of knowledgeable and gracious local guides share each destination’s unique history with you, you’ll return from this cruise having experienced the best of Holland and Belgium!
Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals (Taste of Christmas)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
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Board the ship for your Grand Rhine cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Amsterdam canal cruise |
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| | Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam |
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| Utrecht | Walking tour with Museum Speelklok (organ museum) visit |
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| | OR Castle de Haar bike tour |
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There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar on a walking or biking tour. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Hellevoetsluis | Cruising the Delta |
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| | Zierikzee “Medieval Harbor Town” walking tour |
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| | OR Traditional Dutch Flat Bottom Boat visit |
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| Hellevoetsluis | OR Haringylietdam bike tour |
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Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your tour of this medieval harbor town, you may see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. On another excursion, you can visit the fully operational “Dry Dock Jan Blancken,” the oldest stone dry dock in the Netherlands, and tour Linquenda II, a special flat bottom ship known as a clipperaak, built in 1914. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Ghent | Ghent “Capital of East Flanders” walking tour |
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| | OR Full-day Bruges “Capital of West Flanders” walking tour and Church of Our Lady visit* |
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| | Highlights of Bruges tour |
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| | OR Castle of the Counts of Flanders |
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There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B,L,D)
*Other excursions are not combinable with full-day tour on this day.
Day 5 | Brussels | “Capital of Belgium” tour |
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| | OR Belgian chocolate tasting |
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Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Laeken Park on a guided bike ride, taking in the unique architecture of the Far East Museums, as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Gaasbeek Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders. (B, L, D)
Day 6 | Antwerp | “City of Diamonds” walking tour and cathedral visit |
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| | OR Bike tour with Red Star Line Museum |
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Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Dordrecht | “Holland’s Oldest City” walking tour |
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| | OR Rotterdam tour and Delfshaven |
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| | Kinderdijk UNESCO Windmills |
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Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Amsterdam | Rijksmuseum |
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Enjoy a special tour of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Considered The Netherlands’ national museum, the Rijksmuseum encompasses 800 years of Dutch history. Wander through the world’s largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art, where some of the most renowned works are housed, and marvel at such historic paintings as Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.” (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Amsterdam | Tastes of Amsterdam** |
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| | Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam |
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Explore the city through your tastebuds by joining a walking tour that includes a sampling of local delicacies such as bitterballen and Dutch cheese at one of the city’s grand cafes. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting |
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As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, then kick up your feet with a tasting of Altbier, a Düsseldorf specialty brewed using traditional techniques. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, German’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Alternatively, explore Düsseldorf on two wheels with our guided bike tour. (B, L, D)
Day 11 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
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| Rüdesheim | Rüdesheim Gondola ride and wine tasting |
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| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
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| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
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Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, then enjoy a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
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| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike |
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| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
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Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)
Day 13 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
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Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Breisach | Colmar excursion |
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| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
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Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar. On your tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, followed by a tasting of delicious Black Forest cake. (B,L,D)
Day 15 | Basel | DISEMBARKATION |
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After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
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Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Walking tour |
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Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
Day 3 | Amsterdam | Haarlem canal cruise |
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Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, enjoy an enchanting cruise along the canal in Haarlem outside of Amsterdam, passing historic architecture, bridges and even a windmill iconic of the region. Later in the day, transfer to your ship. (B,D)
Day 4 | Amsterdam | Amsterdam canal cruise |
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| | Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam |
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| Utrecht | Walking tour with Museum Speelklok (organ museum) visit |
|
| | OR Castle de Haar bike tour |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar on a walking or biking tour. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Hellevoetsluis | Cruising the Delta |
|
| | Zierikzee “Medieval Harbor Town” walking tour |
|
| | OR Traditional Dutch Flat Bottom Boat visit |
|
| Hellevoetsluis | OR Haringylietdam bike tour |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your tour of this medieval harbor town, you may see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. On another excursion, you can visit the fully operational “Dry Dock Jan Blancken,” the oldest stone dry dock in the Netherlands, and tour Linquenda II, a special flat bottom ship known as a clipperaak, built in 1914. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Ghent | Ghent “Capital of East Flanders” walking tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Bruges “Capital of West Flanders” walking tour and Church of Our Lady visit* |
|
| | Highlights of Bruges tour |
|
| | OR Castle of the Counts of Flanders |
|
There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B,L,D)
*Other excursions are not combinable with full-day tour on this day.
Day 7 | Brussels | “Capital of Belgium” tour |
|
| | OR Belgian chocolate tasting |
|
Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Laeken Park on a guided bike ride, taking in the unique architecture of the Far East Museums, as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Gaasbeek Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders. (B, L, D)
Day 8 | Antwerp | “City of Diamonds” walking tour and cathedral visit |
|
| | OR Bike tour with Red Star Line Museum |
|
Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Dordrecht | “Holland’s Oldest City” walking tour |
|
| | OR Rotterdam tour and Delfshaven |
|
| | Kinderdijk UNESCO Windmills |
|
Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Amsterdam | Rijksmuseum |
|
Enjoy a special tour of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Considered The Netherlands’ national museum, the Rijksmuseum encompasses 800 years of Dutch history. Wander through the world’s largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art, where some of the most renowned works are housed, and marvel at such historic paintings as Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.” (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Amsterdam | Tastes of Amsterdam** |
|
| | Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam |
|
Explore the city through your tastebuds by joining a walking tour that includes a sampling of local delicacies such as bitterballen and Dutch cheese at one of the city’s grand cafes. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting |
|
As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, then kick up your feet with a tasting of Altbier, a Düsseldorf specialty brewed using traditional techniques. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, German’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Alternatively, explore Düsseldorf on two wheels with our guided bike tour. (B, L, D)
Day 13 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Rüdesheim Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, then enjoy a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
|
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)
Day 15 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 16 | Breisach | Colmar excursion |
|
| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar. On your tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, followed by a tasting of delicious Black Forest cake. (B,L,D)
Day 17 | Basel | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Lake Lucerne | Hotel check-in |
|
After breakfast, disembark the ship and before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. 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. After that, depart for Lake Lucerne and check into your hotel. (B)
Day 18 | Lake Lucerne | Lucerne City tour |
|
Today, enjoy a walking tour of Lucerne, situated where the Reuss River flows into Lake Lucerne. Small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and frescoed buildings typify Lucerne. Easily the symbol of the city, the Chapel Bridge is a medieval covered bridge and is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. (B)
Day 19 | Lake Lucerne | Lucerne Lake cruise |
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| | Queen of the Mountains excursion and Transfer to Zurich |
|
Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (B)
Day 20 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
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Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. (B)
Day 21 | Zurich | Return flight home |
|
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)