Captivating Rhine

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Captivating Rhine cruise.

 

There are 165 Canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

 

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Dusseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day's excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditinal techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. 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 Fishmarket, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church.

 

Day 4, Rhine Gorge Rudesheim Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising 

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO- designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beatiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later int he 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, Rudsheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whiped cream.

 

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 18-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 of rhte largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-and the medieval Old Gate, Altportel. 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.

 

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique before walking through its iconic ":a Petite France" district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de 'Orangerie.

 

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. 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 and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have "the most beautiful spire on earth." Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.

 

*Please Note: Black Forest Hike is weather dependant and may only operate at certain times of the year. Please refer to your final documents for details.