Day 1 – Zürich, Switzerland – Basel – Board Cruise Ship

Today, after your flight arrives in Zürich, Switzerland, travel to Basel where you’ll board your ship. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. For those arriving earlier in the day, you may relax in the ship’s lounge and enjoy refreshments until your cabin is ready in the late afternoon. Or, if you’re ready to explore, you might take some time to explore Basel independently. This evening, meet in the lounge for a cocktail reception followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2 – Breisach, Germany – Freiburg – Breisach

This morning, cruise to Breisach, Germany before boarding a coach bound for Freiburg, the capital of the Black Forest region. Enjoy a guided tour through Freiburg’s beautifully preserved medieval Old Town set against the stunning backdrop of the Black Forest. Then return to Breisach, one of the oldest towns in the country, and spend the afternoon strolling through its picturesque alleys and colorful market square. Perhaps you’ll visit one of the town’s many cafés or ice cream shops before your ship departs for Strasbourg.

Day 3 – Strasbourg, France

Cross the French border and experience Strasbourg, a fairytale town that blends centuries of international influences to create its own unique culture. On a guided walking tour of the old quarter and a canal cruise along Petite France, take in the iconic timber-framed houses, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and Place de la République. Make the most of your free time in the afternoon by exploring this perfectly preserved town before returning to your ship.

Day 4 – Speyer, Germany

Sail to Speyer, another of Germany’s oldest cities. This morning, it’s your choice! Get to know Speyer on a walking tour where you’ll trace the story of Speyer’s Jewish community from the year 1084 to today, visiting significant UNESCO sites -OR- follow guides on a journey back in time to discover the everyday lives of citizens in the Middle Ages. Spend the afternoon as you wish, perhaps joining an optional excursion to Heidelberg, an ancient city of Renaissance buildings and castle ramparts.

Day 5 – Winningen – Cochem – Treis Karden

Start your morning with scenic sailing along the Rhine and through the Lorelei Passage, the river’s narrowest point, named for a storied siren. After lunch, dock in Winningen and travel by coach to Cochem, a storybook town overlooking the water. Embark on a guided tour through the town and into Reichsburg Castle, a fortress perched high upon a hill with a stunning view of Cochem and the Moselle Valley below.

Day 6 – Cologne

Your journey brings you to Cologne, where you’ll join a guide for a walking tour of the city’s Gothic Old Town. Wander along cobblestone streets and admire the Cologne Cathedral, the Roman Dionysus mosaic, and the Romanesque church of St. Martin. Top off this walking tour with a tasting of Cologne’s famous Kölsch beer. Continue your afternoon gliding along the Rhine River and passing through picturesque German landscapes dotted with medieval towns. As your day comes to an end, prepare for an elegant farewell cocktail reception followed by dinner.

Day 7 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Begin your day in Amsterdam, a city of narrow canals and stone bridges. Embark on a canal tour with a local expert and experience Amsterdam from a different perspective, voyaging along the city’s centuries-old canal system. Sail by charming cafés and famous 16th-century row houses stacked side-by-side. Once your tour concludes in the late morning, spend the remainder of the day exploring the city however you wish. Perhaps you’ll stroll through the charming Jordaan district or book a visit to Amsterdam’s famed museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, or Rijksmuseum.

Day 8 – Amsterdam – Disembark Ship – Tour Ends

This morning, wish the river valleys goodbye as you disembark and your tour comes to a close.