Romantic Rhine 2011 (Amsterdam to Basel)

Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)

Day 2 Amsterdam
There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.” (B,L,D)

Day 4 Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim
Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Main is Germany’s largest and most important wine town. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you’ll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing red sandstone castle towering above the city, and enjoy free time to explore. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Strasbourg, France
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Breisach, Germany
Excursion to the Black Forest. Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (B)

• CRUISE: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• AMSTERDAM: Welcome reception; canal cruise
• COLOGNE: Guided sightseeing
• KOBLENZ: Guided sightseeing
• RHINE GORGE: Cruise through the gorge
• RÜDESHEIM: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; special treat
• MAINZ: Visit the Gutenberg Museum
• HEIDELBERG: Take pictures of the castle
• STRASBOURG: Guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
• BREISACH: Excursion to the Black Forest

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam and an excursion to Heidelberg, as well as guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Also sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rüdesheim, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz.

• Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
• Deluxe cruise in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• Services of a professional Cruise Director
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly piano music
• Sightseeing with Local Guides
• Headsets for all guided shore excursions
• Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges, where applicable

Extra nights per person in Amsterdam:
Departures April 2 - June 25 & Sept 17 - Oct 29: in single room $315, in twin room $190
Departures July 9 - Sept 3: in single room $265, in twin room $160

Extra nights per person in Zürich:
in single room $130, in twin room $88

• Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Port charges of $98 per person are not included in the prices shown above.
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive prices are displayed, these prices do not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.