Pass through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions as you sail through four countries along the Rhine River. Zurich’s medieval houses, narrow lanes and town halls from the Renaissance period offer a striking backdrop to its trendy and ultra-modern metropolis. Take a front row seat on an enchanting wine-themed Rhine River journey. Discover the differences between France’s distinctive Alsatian wines, praised for their fragrant aromas, and Rüdesheim’s finest Rieslings. Sip local varietals while cruising through Germany’s designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle-laden Rhine Gorge. Partake in wine-themed excursions and indulge in a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board – all with the guidance of a dedicated wine expert.
Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Zurich’s medieval houses, narrow lanes and town halls from the Renaissance period offer a striking backdrop to its trendy and ultra-modern metropolis. And Amsterdam’s Golden Age melds seamlessly with its lively cafés, exciting nightlife and glorious museums. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the making of Kölsch, Cologne’s legendary brew, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike.
Enchanting Rhine (Wine Cruise)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a “Welcome Aboard” Wine Toast as you commence your wine-themed itinerary through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions. (D)
Day 2 | Breisach | Colmar excursion and wine tasting |
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| | OR Black Forest hike with Black Forest cake |
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| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
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Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. While there, enjoy a visit to a winery for a tasting of locally produced wines. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside; or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, followed by a tasting of delicious Black Forest cake. (B,L,D)
*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.
Day 3 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
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Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. Later in the afternoon, be treated to a special Alsatian wine tasting of some of the region’s most delicious and notable wine. Discover how the Vosges Mountains provide the Alsace with ideal wine making conditions, and as such, Alsatian wines are not only delightful on the palate, but they’re also highly praised for their fragrant aromas, ranging from bright and fruity to crisp and spicy. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
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| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
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| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike |
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| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
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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. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you’ll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. 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. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
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| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
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| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
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| Lahnstein | Lahneck Castle Visit |
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Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour |
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| Dusseldorf | OR Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting |
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As a leading hub for German culture, commerce and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. (B,L,D)
Start your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, take in the beautiful scenery on your way into Amsterdam. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your scenic canal cruise tour. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D)
*Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 8 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
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Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Zurich | Hotel check-in |
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Arrive in Zurich and check in to your hotel.
Day 2 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
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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 among medieval houses and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. You will also see the famous St. Peter Church, featuring the largest church clock face in the world. (B)
Day 3 | Zurich | Transfer from Zurich |
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| Lake Lucerne | Queen of the Mountains excursion |
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| Lucerne | Scenic Lake Lucerne cruise |
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Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lucerne. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend picturesque Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” on a cable car ride, Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Then, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Impressive mountainous panoramas are the backdrop of this lake excursion, with steep and sometimes snow-capped peaks looming over the city, some coming right to the edge of the lake. Afterwards, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 4 | Lucerne | Lucerne City Tour |
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Discover Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)
Check out of your hotel and visit the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Later, head to Basel. Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a “Welcome Aboard” Wine Toast as you commence your wine-themed itinerary through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions. (B,D)
Day 6 | Breisach | Colmar excursion and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Black Forest hike with Black Forest cake |
|
| | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. While there, enjoy a visit to a winery for a tasting of locally produced wines. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside; or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, followed by a tasting of delicious Black Forest cake. (B,L,D)
*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.
Day 7 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. Later in the afternoon, be treated to a special Alsatian wine tasting of some of the region’s most delicious and notable wine. Discover how the Vosges Mountains provide the Alsace with ideal wine making conditions, and as such, Alsatian wines are not only delightful on the palate, but they’re also highly praised for their fragrant aromas, ranging from bright and fruity to crisp and spicy. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s hike |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
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. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you’ll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. 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. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Lahneck Castle Visit |
|
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour |
|
| Dusseldorf | OR Düsseldorf walking tour and Altbier tasting |
|
As a leading hub for German culture, commerce and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Utrecht | Walking tour |
|
Start your day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. In the afternoon, take in the beautiful scenery on your way into Amsterdam. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your scenic canal cruise tour. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D)
*Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 12 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your flight home. (B)