Reflections on the Rhine (Southbound)

Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.

During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Canals of Captivating Amsterdam.

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

• Classic: Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
• Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's “Golden Age."

This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam's vibrant streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN

Wildlife and WWII Valor.

• Active: Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:
• Classic: Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen— the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman - era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII.

During lunchtime, enjoy a brief cruise to Arnhem.

ARNHEM: WWII Valor and Medieval Castle.

• Classic: This afternoon, discover Arnhem, a key site during WWII's Operation Market Garden, and enjoy a Guided Tour featuring the city's historical highlights and war memorials, followed by a tasting of herb and vegetable products at a medieval castle.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

• Classic: Discover the people and true spirit of one of Cologne's hippest and most creative districts on this fascinating Guided Walking Tour through the Belgian Quarter, OR:
• Classic: Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne's incredible Chocolate Museum, OR:
• Classic: Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.

Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.

En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren's songs lured ill-fated sailors.

• Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
• Classic: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

Charm in Frankfurt.

• Active: Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:
• Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city's cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.

Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN

Castle Walls and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel.

• Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
• Classic: Discover Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, OR:
• Classic: Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World's Largest Wine Barrel.”

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France.

Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

• Active: Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
• Classic: Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg's Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France—or visit Alsace's wine country today.

Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH

Winemaking and Wonderful Woods of the Black Forest.

• Active: Explore Breisach by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
• Active: Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
• Classic: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air - museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
• Classic: Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.