The Enchanting Rhine.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise.
Day 2: Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. 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.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest (weather permitting), a magical land full of cultural traditions.
Day 3: Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, 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. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, 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. For the active adventurer, take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 4: Ludwigshafen is your gateway to three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. For a more active adventure, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you’ll have free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. 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 Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, made with brandy.
Day 5: Your time in Rüdesheim continues with a choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy views of the river. Afterward, indulge in a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. For a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll visit Lahneck Castle.
Day 6: Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and potato pancakes served with applesauce.
Day 7: Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums—all of which are at your fingertips on this eventful day. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise. Or opt for a rare experience with a journey into the Netherland’s Floriade Expo in Almere, which features stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, souvenirs, and food stalls. If you prefer a culinary experience, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges, and houseboats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café.
Day 8: Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.
Welcome Back to Romance.
8-Days & 7-Nights
Grand cities blend in harmony with their historic past and progressive future. Inspirational towns give way to great stories, poetry, and music, and age-old traditions remain intact—from the making of Kölsch (Cologne’s legendary brew), to the production of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks, and onward to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.
$3,699* per person
Your Experience Includes:
7-night accommodations from Basel to Amsterdam
Computer usage with Internet access
Entertainment-on-demand, movies, and music library
Wellness activities with fitness coach
All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Immersive tours in every destination
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Because Romance Matters.
jeff@jefflavender.com | +1 310.774.7611
This experience is being brought to you in partnership with AmaWaterways.