Day-By-Day Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2Amsterdam
There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3Cologne, Germany
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of the magnificent gothic cathedral dominate the river skyline, and the Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. Try a Kölsch, the favorite local beer, and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz
Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine tour and SIEGFIRED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblez is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The Deutsches Eck, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5Cochem
Today we sail up the Moselle River, which rises in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and enters Germany at Trier. Visit Cochem’s REICHSBURG CASTLE, which sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. From here the views of the little town nestled down below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6Bernkastel
In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful MARKET PLACE. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. Before dinner, visit a local WINE CELLAR and taste several of this region’s varietals. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7Trier–Remich, Luxembourg
The venerable Episcopal city of Trier is the oldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome! A house on the marketplace bears the inscription, “Trier was standing 1,300 years before Rome.” The famous Porta Nigra is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and it still gives access to the town center. Trier’s most famous son was socialist revolutionary Karl Marx. This afternoon, cruise to Remich in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8Remich (Disembarkation)–Paris, France
After breakfast, transfer to Metz to board the HIGH-SPEED TRAIN for a swift and comfortable journey to Paris. (Breakfast)
Day 9Paris
Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife including some of the world’s most famous cabarets. (Breakfast)
Day 10Paris
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)