Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals (Festive Delights)

Board the ship for your Grand Rhine cruise. (D)

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok.

Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar on a walking or biking tour. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Amsterdam canal cruise
• Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam
• Walking tour with Museum Speelklok (organ museum) visit OR Castle de Haar visit OR Castle de Haar bike tour

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your tour of this medieval harbor town, you may see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses.

Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. On another excursion, you can visit the fully operational “Dry Dock Jan Blancken,” the oldest stone dry dock in the Netherlands, and tour Linquenda II, a special flat bottom ship known as a clipperaak, built in 1914.

For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Cruising the Delta
• Zierikzee “Medieval Harbor Town” walking tour OR Delta Works Tour OR Traditional Dutch Flat Bottom Boat visit OR Haringylietdam bike tour

There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo.

If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent's moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B/L/D) *Other excursions are not combinable with full-day tour on this day.

Excursions:

• Ghent “Capital of East Flanders” walking tour OR Full-day Bruges “Capital of West Flanders” walking tour and Church of Our Lady visit* OR Bike tour
• Highlights of Bruges tour OR Castle of the Counts of Flanders

Explore Belgium's captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Laeken Park on a guided bike ride, taking in the unique architecture of the Far East Museums, as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Gaasbeek Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “Capital of Belgium” tour OR Belgian chocolate tasting OR Laekan bike tour
• Gaasbeek Castle tour

Explore Belgium's trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you'll see Antwerp's Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp.

Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium's culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “City of Diamonds” walking tour and cathedral visit OR Bike tour
• Belgian beer tour OR Flavors of Belgium OR Bike tour with Red Star Line Museum

Established in 1220, Holland's oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city's wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht's fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.

In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country's greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “Holland's Oldest City” walking tour OR Rotterdam tour and Delfshaven OR Bike tour
• Kinderdijk UNESCO Windmills OR Kinderdijk bike tour

Enjoy a special tour of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Considered The Netherlands' national museum, the Rijksmuseum encompasses 800 years of Dutch history. Wander through the world's largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art, where some of the most renowned works are housed, and marvel at such historic paintings as Rembrandt's “The Night Watch” and Vermeer's “The Milkmaid.” (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Rijksmuseum

Explore the city through your tastebuds by joining a walking tour that includes a sampling of local delicacies such as bitterballen and Dutch cheese at one of the city's grand cafes. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Tastes of Amsterdam**
• Scenic cruising out of Amsterdam
• Walking tour OR Beer tasting

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, then kick up your feet with a tasting of Altbier, a Düsseldorf specialty brewed using traditional techniques. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, German's oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Alternatively, explore Düsseldorf on two wheels with our guided bike tour. (B, L, D)

Excursions:

• Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting OR Cologne walking tour OR Bike tour

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, then enjoy a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River.

Later in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
• Rüdesheim Gondola ride and wine tasting OR Vineyard hike OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
• Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

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 enjoy panoramic views of the city. 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion OR Heidelberg Philosopher's hike OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour OR Ladenburg bike tour

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a short drive to the Place de la République before walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “The Gem of Alsace” tour OR Strasbourg bike 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 Colmar. On your 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 a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, followed by a tasting of delicious Black Forest cake. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Colmar excursion OR Black Forest hike OR Breisach wine country bike tour

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)