Cruise the Rhine and Mosel Rivers

Cruise the Rhine and Mosel Rivers

Delight in splendid river valleys lined with vineyards and hilltop castles on this seven-night, first-class cruise through the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Glide along Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals, and marvel at UNESCO World Heritage cathedrals in Cologne and Speyer. In Cochem, walk along cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and visit the picturesque castle above town. Cruise through the Rhine Gorge, a winding stretch renowned for its beauty, and stroll through lovely Koblenz, where the Rhine and Mosel rivers meet. Tailor this journey to your interests with a choice of included excursions. In Amsterdam, opt for the Rijksmuseum’s famed art, a countryside bike ride, or a food tour in the hip Jordaan district. Choices in Rüdesheim and Heidelberg feature cultural visits and scenic walks. In Strasbourg, France, take a panoramic tour, explore the charming Petite France area by land and water or sample Alsatian cuisine. Enjoy an ample meal plan, plus wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner. No single supplement!

Trip Itinerary:

July 18 Depart gateway city

AHI FlexAir passengers depart for Amsterdam, Netherlands. Please check your luggage from your gateway city to your arrival city. Your claim checks should have the following airport code: AMS.

July 19 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing customs, AHI FlexAir passengers traveling on flights that qualify for the group arrival transfer and Cruise Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer should exit the baggage claim area and proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where an AHI Travel representative will meet you.

Transfer to the pier and embark the MS Amadeus Queen. Please note, if you arrive before check-in time, your cabin may not be immediately available.

Enrichment: Contemporary Europe. Join a discussion with a local expert regarding the latest issues affecting Europe. Learn about the European Union, which began in 1951 as a small group of countries cooperating economically.

Discovery: Canals of Amsterdam. This evening, board a canal cruiser to see this beguiling city from the water. More than 60 miles of tree-lined canals and waterways crisscross Amsterdam. Accompanied by a local expert, see its charming, iconic gabled homes, as well as some of the city’s 1,500 bridges and dozens of islands. (Mild)

July 20 Amsterdam

After breakfast, set off this morning on your chosen excursion.

Personalize Your Journey | Choose one of the following excursions.

Rijksmuseum. Take a scenic ride through Amsterdam on your way to this famed museum. Then marvel at its outstanding collection of masterpieces, featuring works by 17th-century Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals. Highlights include Rembrandt’s portraits, self-portraits and drawings, as well as his largest canvas, “The Night Watch.” Study the way Vermeer captured natural light so beautifully in paintings like “The Milkmaid” and “Woman Reading a Letter.” (Moderate)

Waterland Bicycle Ride. Embrace Holland’s bicycle culture like a local and pedal through lush Waterland on a guided ride. Just outside Amsterdam, Waterland is made up of nine historical villages surrounded by marshy wetland. As you bike through this rural area, admire the villages along your route and stop for a pastry in the village of Broek. (Active)

Jordaan District Walking and Food Tour. From its 17th-century roots as a working-class neighborhood, the Jordaan district has transformed into Amsterdam’s hippest place to shop, dine and unwind. With your guide, learn about its past as you meander through its tiny lanes and canals, lined with coffee bars, art galleries, vintage shops and boutiques. Along your route, pop into local eateries and shops to sample tasty traditional snacks and treats, including poffertjes, fluffy mini-pancakes; kibbeling, crispy, battered fish with dipping sauce; flavorful herring with onions; and varieties of fresh Dutch cheese. (Moderate)

Free Time: Enjoy some free time in Amsterdam.

The ship sails to Cologne, Germany, later this afternoon.

This evening, get better acquainted with your fellow travelers during the Captain’s festive Welcome Reception and Dinner.

July 21 Cologne, Germany

The ship arrives in Cologne this afternoon.

Discovery: Cologne. Germany’s oldest major city, Cologne takes pride in its vibrant cultural scene and its awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral. Topped by two ornately decorated spires, the church was under construction for more than 630 years. During a guided walking tour of the old town, marvel at the cathedral’s impressive exterior as you stand in Cathedral Square, and then step inside to see the stone columns soaring upward toward the vaulted ceiling. After your walk through the old town, shop or linger in a quaint café. (Moderate)

The ship departs Cologne this evening and sails overnight.

July 22 Mosel River | Cochem

After sailing through a narrow portion of the Mosel River flanked by quaint villages and tiered vineyards, the ship will dock in Cochem early this afternoon.

Discovery: Frühschoppen. On board the ship, delight in this delectable traditional German treat — a frothy beer, complemented by fresh pretzels, sausages and mustards.

Discovery: Cochem and the Reichsburg Castle. Beautifully situated along a bend in the Mosel, Cochem charms with half-timbered houses, winding streets and hilltop Reichsburg castle overlooking the town. Learn about the old town’s folklore and landmarks on a guided walk, then tour the castle. Admire impressive views of the Mosel river valley from high above. (Moderate)

Late tonight, the ship will depart for Koblenz.

July 23 Koblenz | Rhine Gorge | Rüdesheim

Arrive early this morning in Koblenz.

Discovery: Koblenz. More than 2,000 years ago, the Romans established a settlement at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers, the spot now occupied by lovely Koblenz. Meander with your guide through the historic center’s cobbled lanes and see the Church of Our Lady with its onion-domed towers, the romantic square, Jesuitenplatz, and other highlights. (Moderate)

Today, sail through the river’s most dramatic and stunning scenery in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Known as the Rhine Gorge, this beautiful, gently curving 40-mile stretch was named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its combined historical, cultural and geological significance. Pass Loreley Rock en route to Rüdesheim.

Enrichment: Castles and Legends of the Rhine. This celebrated river boasts some 40 castles, more than any other river in the world. The region is also rich with legends including the folk tale of Loreley, the siren whose song bewitched many sailors and caused ships to crash into the rocks. Gain a deeper appreciation for this storied locale from our cruise expert.

Continue sailing to Rüdesheim, where the ship will dock for the evening.

Personalize Your Journey | Choose one of the following excursions.

Wines of the Rhine. As you glide along the Rhine, you are surrounded by steeply terraced vineyards that hug the hillsides. This is Riesling country, blessed with the ideal climate and soil to produce exceptional grapes. Walk along the Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim’s Old Town. Then, visit a local winery for a tasting of the region’s fine vintages. (Moderate)

A Musical Walk in Time. In Rüdesheim’s charming Old Town, stroll with your guide along medieval walls and see the Eagle Tower. Head down Drosselgasse, the main street, which features the city’s popular restaurants, wine houses, taverns and shops, to visit Siegfried’s Mechanisches Musikkabinett. At this unique, captivating museum, delight in the ingenuity and melodies of self-playing mechanical musical instruments, including music boxes, player pianos, calliopes and other varieties. (Active)

Late tonight, the ship will depart for Mannheim.

July 24 Mannheim | Heidelberg | Speyer

The ship arrives in Mannheim early this morning.

Personalize Your Journey | Choose one of the following excursions.

Heidelberg Castle and Town. On this half-day excursion, visit historic and romantic Heidelberg, including the red-walled castle with its giant 18th-century wine cask. Take in scenic views of the Neckar Valley and the city below, followed by an easygoing walk through the city center. (Moderate)

Hike on Heidelberg’s Philosopher’s Way. Hike up this famous winding path. Relax in the Philosopher’s Garden, take a snack break and relish the marvelous views of the castle and old town. (Active)

Return to ship for lunch and cruise to Speyer.

Discovery: Speyer Walk. Take a guided stroll within the center of one of Germany’s oldest cities. Marvel at the extraordinary Romanesque cathedral, the burial place of emperors for almost 300 years and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the grand, 13th-century Altpörtel, or Old Gate, once part of the town’s fortification walls. (Moderate)

Tonight, the ship departs for Strasbourg, France.

July 25 Strasbourg, France

This morning, the ship arrives in Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace region. The city’s lovely historic center, called the “Grande Ile” or Big Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Personalize Your Journey | Choose one of the following excursions.

Strasbourg Panorama. Discover Strasbourg’s unique blend of German and French influences. Pass by the highlights, including Palais Rohan, an 18th-century building modeled after the noble mansions of Paris; St. Thomas Church, the main Protestant church; and the European Parliament buildings. Continue your exploration of Strasbourg with a guided walking tour of the historic center and a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, considered one of the finest Gothic masterpieces. (Moderate)

Strasbourg Canal Cruise and Petite France Walking Tour. Discover the 16th- and 17th-century heritage of Petite France, a delightful and picturesque district, during a canal cruise and walking tour. Fishermen, tanners and millers once lived in the many half-timbered houses lining the waterways. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral along the way. (Moderate)

Culinary Strasbourg. Experience the Alsatian culinary scene on a guided tour that takes you to the city’s winstubs (small wine pubs) and other local cafés and shops. Along the way, sample traditional dishes and wines of Alsace. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral during your walk. (Moderate)

The ship cruises to Basel, Switzerland, this afternoon.

Tonight, share stories of your Rhine and Mosel adventures with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Reception and Dinner.

July 26 Depart for gateway city

After breakfast, disembark the ship in Basel. AHI FlexAir passengers traveling on flights that qualify for a group transfer and Cruise Program passengers who have purchased seats on the group transfer depart for Zürich Airport for your return flights home. Your Travel Director will provide the details.

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