Additional dates available
Additional dates available on the reverse itinerary Enchanting Rhine
Overview
Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region in its welcoming capital, Strasbourg, and its priceless gem, Riquewihr. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Kölsch beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.
Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.
Itinerary
Day 1
Amsterdam / Embark
Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship.
Day 2
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Get acquainted with Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, where you will see the beautiful wooden Skinny Bridge and Anne Frank's House. Continue on with a walk to the Begijnhof and be charmed by its Middle Age buildings, followed by a city tour that includes the Royal Palace and Westerkerk. Later in the day, enjoy scenic cruising.
*Opt for a rare experience with a journey into the Netherland's Floriade Expo in Almere - very close to Amsterdam - which will feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, souvenirs and food stalls. Please note: The Floriade 2022 Expo opens from April 14 to October 9, 2022
Day 3
Cologne, Germany
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi—are believed to rest. Continue on and discover the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus, and the Festival Hall. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. Or visit a local tavern to taste Cologne’s traditional Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with apple sauce.
Day 4
Rhine Gorge / Rüdesheim
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Wine connoisseurs will want to go on a walking tour through the vineyards where you’ll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations. Or, choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.
Day 5
Ludwigshafen
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 18th-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 be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate.
Day 6
Strasbourg, France
Because of its borderline location, Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, has flavors of both France and Germany. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la République, followed by a walking tour through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. You'll also see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. The active adventurer can join a guided bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 7
Breisach, Germany
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 Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.
Day 8
Basel, Switzerland
Arrive in Basel and disembark after breakfast.
ADD ON A PRE-CRUISE AMSTERDAM/POST-CRUISE LUCERNE AND ZURICH LAND PROGRAM
Additional 2-nights in Amsterdam pre-cruise, 2-nights in Lucerne and 2-nights in Zurich post-cruise from $2430 (2023 & 2024).
Pre-Cruise Day 1
AMSTERDAM
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Pre-Cruise Day 2
AMSTERDAM
Visit Zaanse Schans, where you can observe life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses, and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B)
Days 3-10
CRUISE
Day 10
BASEL, SWITZERLAND / DISEMBARKATION / LUCERNE
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lucerne, discover its unrivaled beauty and charm on a walking tour. Afterwards, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 11
LUCERNE
The iconic Lion Monument, which you’ll visit, was sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. (B)
Day 13
ZURICH
Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. (B)
Day 14
DEPART ZURICH
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Captivating Rhine
