Rhine & Moselle Delights (Basel to Amsterdam)

BASEL – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise.

BREISACH, GERMANY. 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, renowned for its picturesque Old Town brimming with historic architecture, such as the restored 16th-century Mason Pfister with its octagonal turret, plus enjoy free time to visit the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Your time in Freiburg also includes time to browse the Christmas Markets. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside.

STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Following your tour, you’ll have free time to visit the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie.

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on a tour of the glorious Schwetzingen Baroque Palace. Or, you may decide to visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens with more than 100 sculptures and an assortment of whimsical buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and the most spectacular, the Türkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can or taste one of the town’s special delights, Riesling wine or Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.

RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE, GERMANY. Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of four excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue followed by a visit to the Christmas Markets. Or, enjoy a whimsical visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, treating your senses to the delight of historic instruments. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy Christmas traditions from all over the world at Rüdesheim Christmas Market. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles.

BERNKASTEL, GERMANY. Sail to Bernkastel, located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the shores of the Moselle River, and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle.

TRIER, GERMANY. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise along the Moselle River to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a city tour why it has been called the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg.

COCHEM, GERMANY. Discover how the castle has been an integral part of the town’s history, and afterwards, go on a walking tour along Cochem’s narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses. For a more active excursion, hike to the castle or go on a biking tour along the Moselle River.

COLOGNE, GERMANY. Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS.. View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. Or taste the local flavor on a guided walk past the city’s iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats, tasting Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam cafe. (B,L,D) **May be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour based on docking location

AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home.