Rhine & Moselle Delights with Zurich and Lake Lucerne

Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)

Excursions:

• “Little Big City” tour

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lake Lucerne. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Then enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Continue to your hotel to check in. (B)

Excursions:

• Transfer to Lake Lucerne
• Mount Rigi excursion & Lake Lucerne Cruise

Lake Lucerne's beauty and charm is unrivaled. 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. The interior eaves of the roof have paintings depicting the city's rich history. (B)

Excursions:

• Lake Lucerne Walking Tour

Board the ship for your Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise. (D)

Excursions:

• Depart Hotel
• Transfer to Basel and Basel City 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 Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as 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 hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity. . (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Riquewihr walking tour OR Freiburg excursion OR Kaiserstuhul vineyards hike OR Breisach Wine Country bike tour

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany. Enjoy a walk through the 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. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “The Gem of the Alsace” tour OR Strasbourg bike tour

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. 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. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion OR Mannheim Baroque Palace OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path hike
• Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. 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. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Gondola ride and wine tasting OR Vineyard hike OR Guided Bike Tour of the Rheingau
• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Walking tour and wine tasting OR Moselle bike tour OR Landshut Castle hike

Take a city tour of Trier and find out 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, join a guided hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise to your next destination. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Trier “Rome of the North” tour OR Petrisberg Hill hike
• Scenic cruising

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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Reichsburg Castle and walking tour OR Reichsburg Castle hike OR Cochem bike tour

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Cologne walking tour and Kölsch Tasting OR Cologne bike tour

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 alternative tour based on docking location

Excursions:

• Canal cruise OR Tastes of Amsterdam**