The Enchanting Rhine

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Day 1 - Amsterdam

Welcome on board your ''floating hote''. Meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. (D)

After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the ''Venice of the North''. See the tall narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge, and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WWII. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour that will show you many key sights, including a photo stop at the windmill famously painted by Rembrandt. You'll have some free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. The ship departs this afternoon, en route to Germany. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Cologne/Koblenz

Cologne/Koblenz Enjoy a guided tour of Cologne this morning, which will take you to the Old Town, Cathedral Square, and the city's majestic 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Afterwards, you'll have free time to visit some of the local shops or have a coffee at a quaint cafe. Or, if you prefer, take a guided bicycle tour of Cologne (capacity controlled). Late tonight, the ship cruises to Koblenz and moors overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - R

This morning, cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, with its castles, fortress ruins, and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rudesheim, where you will enjoy an afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner. You'll have free time to explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. This evening, visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to a remarkable collection of centuries-old robotic and self-playing musical instruments. As an alternative, sample a glass of Ruedesheimer coffee - a local favorite - at a friendly cafe. The ship sails overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Speyer/Heidelberg

Arrive around noon in Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the 13th Century Altp?rtel (''Old Gate''). Choose either a city tour of Speyer or a half day excursion to historic Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th Century wine cask) and see beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. This evening, the ship continues onward to Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Strasbourg

Capital city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Rhine at the German border. After arriving this morning, enjoy a panoramic city tour that will take you past the Orangery, the town's oldest park, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, take a walking tour of the lovely ''La Petite France'' neighborhood, where you will see the Gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, see the sights on a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled). The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Breisach

You have three exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the 16th Century. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town that houses one of Europe's largest wine cellars. In Freiburg, you will visit the historical city center and the Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. A third option is a guided bike tour of Breisach (capacity controlled). Tonight, the ship cruises to Switzerland. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Basel/Lucerne

Basel/Lucerne Disembark after breakfast for a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. Long an important center for banking, commerce and trade, Basel's glorious past is still evident in its Medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th Century homes. After free time for lunch on your own, depart for Lucerne. You will visit the Lion Monument en route, a dramatic sculpture that honors the Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution. Arrive in Lucerne mid-afternoon and check into your hotel. (B)

Day 9 - Lucerne

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of this Medieval gem. You will see some of the city's lovely cobblestone streets, monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for watches, knives and delicious Swiss chocolates. Or, if you prefer, join the optional tour and cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus, the mountain which dominates the city (seasonal availability). The return trip from the mountain is via the world's steepest cogwheel railway, an excellent example of Swiss engineering at its best. (B)

Day 10 - Lucerne/Zurich

Enjoy a free morning in Lucerne before checking out of your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, where you will board a motorcoach for a scenic drive to Zurich. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B)

Day 11 - Zurich

Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zurich will include Grossmunster Abbey, St. Peter (with the world's largest church clock face), Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumunster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360 panoramic view of Zurich. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the town on your own, or you may take an optional excursion to see the Rhine Falls. (B)