Classical Rhine & Switzerland Extension

Embarkation from 4:00pm

This afternoon, embark and unpack. Enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner. Enjoy a rousing Shanty Choir performance to end the evening. The vessel remains in Amsterdam overnight.

Canal boat tour in Amsterdam

Choose to spend the morning exploring Amsterdam with a relaxing canal cruise. You will be back on board for lunch and set off with us from Utrecht upstream to Cologne.

Visit Cologne Cathedral, the town's landmark

After breakfast, view our arrival at the beautiful cathedral city of Cologne. Explore the historic Old Town with its High Gothic architecture, the famous twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, and sample the famous Kölsch beer brewed in Cologne.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon or venture farther afield for a more active excursion to Siebengebirge National Park and the remains of Castle "Drachenfels" (Dragon Rock). After a wonderful day in Cologne, enjoy dinner on board as the vessel continues cruising the Rhine River.

Panoramic cruising along the Moselle River

This morning our AMADEUS vessel takes a special trip down the romantic Moselle River, the largest tributary of the Rhine. This area is the 5th largest German wine region with some of the steepest, terraced vineyards along the river.

After lunch, your vessel will arrive in Cochem. Explore the town which is filled with narrow streets, twisting alleys, medieval town gates, churches and walls on your own, or discover the beauty of Cochem and visit the stunning Reichsburg Castle on a guided tour. After dinner on board, join a visit to a local winery and sample some of the spectacular wines produced in this region. Before midnight, the vessel continues toward Koblenz.

Sailing past Castles and Lorelei Rock along the Rhine Gorge

Early this morning, arrive in Koblenz, ideally situated at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle Rivers. Join this morning's tour exploring the town of Koblenz on foot.

This afternoon, spend time on deck as we cruise the most beautiful section of the river - the legendary Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This area is registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its dramatic riverbanks dotted with vineyards and picturesque castles.

Late afternoon, arrive in the winegrowers town of Rüdesheim. Choose a walking tour of the town, with a visit to the unique Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum's private collection of self-playing instruments. Or visit a local vineyard for a tasting of the local wines and a walk through the famous Drosselgasse with its wine taverns, garden restaurants, beer bars and live music venues. Back on board, your AMADEUS crew awaits with a delicious dinner.

Heidelberg Castle & Pretzel Tasting

Before breakfast, your vessel docks in the bustling town of Mannheim, your gate to an excursion to nearby Heidelberg, another old university city with its beautiful Heidelberg Castle.

This afternoon's call is at Speyer, a city known for its cathedral where eight Roman emperors and German kings are interred. Join us for a guided tour of one of the oldest cities in Germany and discover the secrets of the Speyer Brezel, one of Germany's staple snacks and famously celebrated at the annual Pretzel Festival in Speyer. At night, your floating luxury hotel sets sail to Strasbourg.

Boat tour on the river Ill

This morning we arrive in the dynamic capital of Alsace. This beautiful city's sights include the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster and the Petite France quarter, a former mill and tanner district that still maintains its medieval charm. Half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, and the Council of Europe are among the wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you. The Grand Island, the city center, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is connected to the rest of the city by 22 stone bridges.

See Strasbourg by canal boat on this morning's guided excursion. After lunch on board, take in the views of the romantic Rhine as we move toward Switzerland, our final destination.

A Breath of Lucerne

Your Rhine journey may be ending, but another adventure begins. After breakfast, board your comfortable coach and travel through the breathtaking Swiss Alps to Lucerne. Your local guide welcomes you to a city affectionately known as the “Swiss Paradise by the Lake.” On a leisurely walking tour, explore the enchanting Old Town and cross the iconic Chapel Bridge, a 700-year-old wooden viaduct leading to the historic Water Tower—once a medieval prison. Nearby restaurants invite you to sample Swiss specialties, and your guide will gladly share a few insider tips for lunch.

In the afternoon, check in at the centrally located Hotel Astoria Lucerne (or similar) and enjoy some free time to relax or explore further. This evening, continue your journey of taste with a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Breathtaking Alpine Adventures

After breakfast, the mountains are calling. Ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, soaring 2,128 meters above sea level. From here, take in the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps—or the tempting menus of mountaintop restaurants. Later, descend by aerial cableway and panoramic gondola before returning to Lucerne. This evening, enjoy free time to browse the city's stylish shops or unwind along the shimmering shores of Lake Lucerne, letting the day's memories gently settle in.

The Many Faces of Zurich

This morning, enjoy breakfast and check out as you set off for Zurich—by way of a scenic bus journey through postcard-perfect landscapes: crystal-clear lakes, rolling green hills, and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, a panoramic city tour introduces you to the highlights of Switzerland's cosmopolitan cultural capital. For lunch, perhaps indulge in one of the many acclaimed restaurants dotting the city's vibrant neighborhoods.

Spend your afternoon entirely at your leisure: visit world-class museums, explore chic fashion boutiques, or relax by the lake. You've already checked into the elegant AMERON Zurich Bellerive au Lac (or similar), where a restful final night awaits.

Farewell Switzerland

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye. Your private transfer takes you to Zurich Airport, bidding you farewell with a heart full of memories and a suitcase full of stories.