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The Middle Rhine
Rudesheim & Winzerexpress
Rijksmuseum
Volendam & Edam with Cheese Tasting
Local Culture & Food
Chris Lincoln
Chris Lincoln
Since 1974 Chris Lincoln has been part of the Oklahoma National and International Sports Scene. Chris started as the Sports Director at KTUL-TV (ABC-8), and then with the ABC and ESPN Networks. He hosted the Oklahoma Football Replay show with OU…
Explore one of the most spellbinding river systems in Europe with a cruise down the Rhine River aboard a luxurious AMADEUS ship. All onboard meals are included! Begin in Lucerne, Switzerland with a ferry ride across the sparkling blue waters of Lake Lucerne, a cog railway ride up Mount Rigi, and a tour of the medieval city. We then begin our spectacular seven-night cruise with many ports of call throughout France, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as sightseeing along the Middle Rhine and Moselle River. Enjoy a guided tour to view the best attractions in each city and a variety of included excursions, from canal cruises to wine, beer, and cheese tastings! Disembark in Amsterdam to visit Holland’s largest art museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Zaanse Schans open-air museum before concluding our getaway with a celebratory Farewell Dinner.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Amsterdam
Explore the Netherlands’ charismatic capital city, nicknamed “Venice of the North.” Marvel at how the city is shaped by water with 165 canals that make up the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canal Ring and experience it for yourself on an enchanting canal cruise. Take in its rich history during our guided tour, featuring sights of Dam Square, and the Royal Palace. We also visit the iconic Rijksmuseum, boasting nearly a millennium of Dutch art with a magnificent collection of 16th and 17th-century masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt.
Mount Rigi
Venture into the heart of central Switzerland for a historic journey to “Queen of the Mountains,” a massif of the soaring Swiss Alps. Europe’s first mountain railway brings us to the very top, coined Rigi Kulm, where otherworldly 360˚ panoramic views of plummeting valleys, shimmering lakes, snow-capped peaks, and the Swiss plateau await. We then descend on an aerial cable car, gliding above the lush forest below.
Zaanse Schans
Explore Dutch history in this expansive open-air museum. Admire the iconic windmills, distinctive green houses, and workshops that showcase 18th and 19th-century life in Holland. Stroll past the bakery museum to enjoy the smell of fresh cookies and see an interactive chocolate making exhibit. Marvel at the talent of local artisans as they craft wooden clogs, then visit the cheese factory, a replica of a traditional farm from Oostzaan, to enjoy delicious samples.
- Day 1: Fly to EuropeOur journey begins with an overnight flight to Switzerland.
- Day 2: Mount RigiUpon arriving in Zurich, we motorcoach to Lucerne, a city known for its medieval architecture and mountain landscapes. Next, a relaxing ferry ride takes us across the glistening blue water of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau for a special cogwheel rail journey up Mount Rigi. Spend time soaking up breathtaking panoramic views of Swiss Mittlelland at the highest point, Rigi Kulm, before descending by cable car. Later, we return to Lucerne and check in to our accommodations, then get to know fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: Lucerne & Set SailAfter breakfast, we embark on a walking tour of Lucerne to see iconic sights like Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge that spans the river Reuss and is decorated with interior paintings. Next, experience a Swiss folklore lunch at Stadtkeller with hearty fare and traditional Swiss music that features cowbells, flag throwing, and yodeling by locals dressed in customary outfits. We then board the luxurious AMADEUS Riva in Basel for a seven-night cruise with beautiful views and all meals included. This evening, we gather for a reception and dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: StrasbourgOur first port of call is Strasbourg, located on the French border with Germany and home to European Parliament. Settle into a comfortable motorcoach with a local guide for a city tour to view incredible architecture and the historic center, where we visit the famous Strasbourg Cathedral and the Grand Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our sightseeing continues with a canal cruise, featuring vistas of old half-timbered houses and a former mill in “Petite France.” We also see the Palais de Rohan, Council of Europe, and Ponts Couverts, a 13th-century set of three bridges and four towers. Later, relax on the sun deck or treat yourself to a massage as we sail to Germany.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Speyer & HeidelbergWe start our day docking in the beautiful town of Speyer. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the most noteworthy attractions, like Speyer Cathedral, which dominates the landscape with its grand structure and beauty. Afterwards, there’s time to grab lunch and relax aboard the ship on our way to Mannheim. Once docked, we take a short drive to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Our time here includes an enchanting tour of Heidelberg Castle from the early 1200s, the country’s most popular castle ruin.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 6: Vineyards & the Middle RhineThis morning’s port is Rudesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the Reingau wine region – famous for its Rieslings. We board the Winzerexpress for a tram ride through the scenic Rhine Valley vineyards to a local winery and indulge in regional flavors. Next, wander down the area’s charming alley, Drosselgasse, to see fabulous wineries, markets, and historic buildings. Head to the ship’s top deck this afternoon for spectacular views of castles and steep hillsides as we cruise the gorgeous Middle Rhine into Rhine Gorge. Later in the day, we arrive at one of the oldest and most diverse cities in Germany, Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Marvel at the architecture of churches, castles, and palaces, then take a cable car ride above the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Dating back to 1000 AD, it houses the Koblenz State Museum and is one of Europe’s largest preserved fortresses.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: Moselle River & CochemToday, we cruise through one of Germany’s most beautiful river valleys along the Moselle. Gaze upon vineyards, castles, and ruins dotting the rolling hillsides, with quaint villages and towns near the riverbanks. Our ship docks in enchanting Cochem, known for its traditional half-timbered houses and wine culture dating back over a thousand years. Enjoy a walking tour down the picturesque medieval streets to admire historic buildings and learn how the town was almost completely destroyed in the 1600s while occupied by French troops.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8: CologneOur port of call today is 2,000-year-old Cologne. This cultural hub is a landmark of High Gothic architecture, with the extraordinary twin-spired cathedral being the most impressive example. On our guided walking tour, hear how the city was rebuilt after the World War II bombing and has since become an affluent area boasting numerous museums and art galleries, including masterpieces by Picasso. We also enjoy a tasting of Cologne’s famous beer, called Kolsch! Our cruise ship departs in the afternoon, allowing time for relaxation before this evening’s Captain’s Gala.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9: Amsterdam, Volendam & EdamThis morning, we embark on an incredible guided tour of Amsterdam and a quintessential canal cruise for unique views from the city’s waterway. Later, we board our motorcoach for an afternoon excursion to two charming fishing villages. Our first stop is Volendam, known for its vibrant harbor, distinctive music, and time-honored traditions, including authentic costumes that can still be seen today. A short drive out to the countryside brings us to a local cheese farm, where we learn the fascinating process of how Dutch cheese is made and sample some ourselves. Before returning to our ship, we also visit Edam, known for its cheese and Carillon tower. Stroll down its narrow cobblestone streets to appreciate the beautiful historic buildings and visit the Cheese Weighhouse.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10: Rijksmuseum & HaarlemWe disembark in Amsterdam for a morning packed with fine arts at the country’s largest museum, Rijksmuseum. Immerse yourself in 800 years of Dutch history as you stroll the halls decorated with 16th- and 17th-century art featuring works by Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt. Our exploration continues with a walking tour in Haarlem to see exterior views of St. Bavo Church and the Corrie ten Boom Museum, a hiding place for Jews during World War II. Our accommodations for the next two evenings are at a wonderful hotel in Haarlem.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 11: Zaanse SchansOur last full day begins with a step back in time at Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum that brings Dutch heritage to life with a recreated 18th-19th century village. Admire the traditional buildings and restored windmills, learn about regional costumes, explore exhibits on chocolate making, and watch artisans at work. Tonight, we gather to celebrate our travels with a Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 12: Fly HomeWe return home today with treasured memories of our European river cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night in the Lucerne area
- 7 nights aboard the AMADEUS Riva with complimentary Wi-Fi
- 2 nights in the Amsterdam area
Attractions & Highlights
- Mt. Rigi cog railway & gondola ride
- Lucerne guided walking tour
- Ports of call: Strasbourg, France; Speyer, Mannheim, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem & Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Strasbourg guided city tour feat. canal cruise
- Heidelberg guided walking tour feat. Heidelberg Castle
- Speyer guided walking tour
- Koblenz guided walking tour feat. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress by cable car
- Rudesheim’s Winzerexpress feat. wine tasting
- The Middle Rhine & Moselle River scenic cruising
- Cochem guided walking tour
- Cologne guided walking tour feat. Kolsch tasting
- Amsterdam guided city tour feat. canal cruise
- Excursion to Volendam & Edam feat. cheese tasting
- Haarlem guided walking tour
- Rijksmuseum guided tour
- Zaanse Schans
25 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Lucerne
- All meals included aboard the ship
- Swiss folklore lunch at Hotel Stadtkeller
- Farewell Dinner in Haarlem
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
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