Enchanting Rhine

Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise. (D)

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking 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 for a more active excursion can cycle through the 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:

• Colmar excursion OR Kaiserstuhl Vineyard hike OR Breisach wine country bike tour

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

Excursions:

• “The Gem of Alsace” tour OR Strasbourg bike 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 be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you'll have some 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 Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B/L/D)

*Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.

Excursions:

• “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion OR Heidelberg Philosopher's hike OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour OR Ladenburg bike tour
• 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, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim's vineyards, taking in views of the town, 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 enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B/L/D)

*Cruises departing in February will dock in Mainz in place of Rüdesheim, and a selection of alternative excursions will be made available.

Excursions:

• Gondola ride and wine tasting OR Vineyard hike OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
• Exclusive Burg Lahneck visit

The quaint town of Monheim is your gateway to both Cologne and Düsseldorf. In the morning, choose either a half-day or full-day tour of Cologne. 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—the Magi— are believed to rest.

In the afternoon, for those who have not chosen the full-day tour in Cologne, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, or cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Cologne half-day walking tour OR Cologne Full-day excursion
• Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting OR Düsseldorf bike tour

Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. Begin the day with a scenic cruise around this beautiful city before setting out on Amsterdam's famous canals. Embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Canal cruise OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)