Inspiring Adventures
The Middle Rhine
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Cologne & Kolsch Tasting
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Cochem
Strasbourg Canal Cruise
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Swiss Folklore Lunch
Guest photo.Mel Busler
Mel Busler
Sports Anchor Mel Busler has been covering sports since 1984. He considers his job to also be part of his hobby. A lifelong resident of Watertown, Mel feels fortunate to be able to do what he enjoys in his hometown.
Explore the Rhine River, one of the most spellbinding river systems in Europe, from our luxurious Amadeus Cruises ship. We begin our getaway in Amsterdam and visit the Zaanse Schans open-air museum as well as the Rijksmuseum, Holland’s largest art museum. Next we board our ship for a seven-night cruise along the Rhine River with eight ports of call in Germany, France, and Switzerland. All meals are included aboard ship! After our cruise, tour the medieval city of Lucerne, take a cog railway to the top of Mount Rigi, and enjoy a celebratory Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner before we return home.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Amsterdam
Explore the Netherlands’ charismatic capital city, nicknamed “Venice of the North.” Take in its rich history at Rijksmuseum, home to nearly a millennium of Dutch art with a magnificent collection of 16th- and 17th-century masterpieces by renowned artists, such as Rembrandt. Later, 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 boat ride. There’s also time to independently browse shops, visit nearby attractions, or savor regional cuisine.
Guest photo.AMADEUS Aurea
Delight in the exclusivity of a boutique hotel with the elegance of a private yacht. The Aurea was designed specifically for providing unsurpassed experiences on European waterways and offers the option of spacious suites featuring private walk-out balconies or comfortable standard cabins, all with upscale bathrooms and walk-in closets. Leisure time on board can be well-spent by savoring locallyinspired dishes, participating in cooking demonstrations, getting pampered in the Massage Room, or relaxing on the River Terrrace with stunning views. Grab a speciality coffee from Cafe Vienna or listen to live musical entertainment in the Panorama Bar. Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are yours to enjoy during dinner while the Cruise Director’s expert commentary and staff’s exceptional service elevate this unforgettable journey.
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
Discover the remarkable beauty of this impressive and picturesque open-air museum! Explore Dutch history while viewing centuries-old windmills, distinctive green houses, barns, and workshops that showcase 18th- and 19th-century life in Holland. Stroll past the bakery museum to smell freshly baked cookies and enjoy an interactive chocolate-making exhibit. Marvel at the talent of local artisans as they create wooden clogs and other authentic crafts, then visit the cheese factory, a replica of a traditional farm in Oostzaan, to learn about the production of this golden delicacy and indulge in delicious samples.
Guest photo.- Day 1: Fly to EuropeOur journey begins with an overnight flight to the Netherlands.
- Day 2: AmsterdamUpon arriving in Amsterdam, we receive a warm welcome from our European guide and driver. Our first stop is Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum that brings Dutch heritage to life with a recreated 18th- and 19th-century village. Step back in time while admiring the traditional buildings and restored windmills, learn about regional costumes, explore exhibits on chocolate making, and watch artisans at work. Later, we check in to our wonderful accommodations and get to know fellow travelers over a Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: Rijksmuseum & Set SailOur morning kicks off with a walking tour of Haarlem, featuring a visit St. Bavo Church and exterior views of the Corrie ten Boom Museum, a hiding place for Jews during World War II. After lunch at leisure, we admire 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. We then explore Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s one-of-a-kind floating flower market, before boarding the luxurious AMADEUS Aurea. Settle into your beautiful cabin for a seven-night cruise with awe-inspiring views and all meals included, starting with this evening’s reception and dinner. There’s also a special shanty choir performance to commemorate our first night aboard the ship!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4: City Sights & Canal CruiseStaying docked in Amsterdam, today we explore this remarkable city that was once a small fishing village. Learn how it became one of the largest historic centers in Europe as we see the Maritime Museum, Jewish Quarter, Museum Quarter and more. Our sightseeing ends with a quintessential canal cruise for unique views of the Dutch metropolis, then we reconnect with our ship in Utrecht.
- Day 5: 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 to relax and soak up the stunning landscapes as we cruise towards our next destination.
- Day 6: 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 nearly destroyed in the 1600s while occupied by French troops.
- Day 7: Middle RhineThis morning, we embark on a walking tour of one of the oldest and most diverse cities in Germany, Koblenz. Nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its architecture of churches, castles, and palaces tell stories of times-gone-by as we explore the area. Later in the day, head to the top deck for spectacular views of castles and steep hillsides as we cruise the gorgeous Middle Rhine into Rhine Gorge. Our afternoon port of call is Rudesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the Rheingau wine region, known especially for its Rieslings. Enjoy time to visit the wine taverns, stroll the charming streets, or ride the Seilbahn Rudesheim cable car over the vineyards. Aboard the ship tonight, attend an elegant “Music of the Rhine” performance, featuring timeless works by Beethoven, Offenbach, and the Schumanns.
- Day 8: Heidelberg & SpeyerWe start our day docking in Mannheim and take a short drive to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Enjoy a guided walking tour to see the most noteworthy attractions, like red roof tiled houses, the beautiful 18th-century bridge, and the red-sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Later, we sail to the beautiful town of Speyer for a guided walking tour where we admire how Speyer Cathedral dominates the landscape with its grand structure and beauty. This evening, we attend the Captain’s Gala dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 9: StrasbourgToday’s 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 Basel.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 10: LucerneThis morning, we disembark in Basel and board a motorcoach for a short ride to Lucerne. 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. Next, we embark on a walking tour to see iconic sights like Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge that spans the river Reuss and is decorated with interior paintings. After settling into our hotel for a two-night stay, the afternoon and evening are yours to explore or relax.
Meals Included: Lunch
- Day 11: Mount RigiOur day begins with a ferry ride 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. We then return to Lucerne and have time to relax or explore independently before tonight’s celebratory Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 12: Fly HomeWe return home today with treasured memories of our European adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night in the Amsterdam area
- 2 nights in Lucerne
Attractions & Highlights
- Zaanse Schans
- All meals & beverage package included aboard the ship
- Haarlem guided walking tour feat. St. Bavo Church
- Rijksmuseum guided tour
- Special AMADEUS Experiences feat. Shanty Choir & Music of the Rhine
- Amsterdam guided walking tour feat. canal cruise & floating flower market
- Cologne guided walking tour feat. Kolsch tasting
- Ports of call: Cologne, Cochem, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Mannheim & Speyer, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Basel, Switzerland
- Cochem guided walking tour
- Moselle River & Middle Rhine scenic cruising
- Koblenz guided walking tour
- Captain’s Gala dinner aboard the ship
- Heidelberg guided walking tour feat. Heidelberg Castle
- Speyer guided walking tour
- Strasbourg guided city tour feat. canal cruise
- Lucerne guided walking tour
- Mt. Rigi cog railway & gondola ride
9 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Amsterdam
- All meals & beverage package included aboard the ship
- Captain’s Gala dinner aboard the ship
- Swiss folklore lunch at Hotel Stadtkeller feat. live music
- Farewell Dinner in Lucerne
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
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