Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps River Cruise

Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards, stunning Lake Como and more as part of this all-encompassing Rhine River cruise and land tour. Start by exploring Amsterdam, with its maze of canals, neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then set sail to Germany, where you’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. Enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the riverbanks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps before spending 4 nights exploring Italy’s Lake Como and the city of Milan.

Day 1 – Overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Day 2 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

Day 3 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)

Day 4 Amsterdam – Embarkation – Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing 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, D)

Day 5 – Amsterdam Canal Cruise – Enjoy some of Amsterdam’s 165 canals on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail with AmaWaterways out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Cologne, Germany – Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then 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 to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. Active guests may want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Rhine Gorge – Rudesheim, Germany – Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet 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. (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Ludwigshafen, Germany – Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four 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 enjoy 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time exploring the shops. (B ,L, D)

Day 9 – Strasbourg, France – Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a short drive to the Place de la République before walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Basel, Switzerland –  Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, you may opt to visit Lucerne with a full-day excursion. In the afternoon, for guests who have not chosen the full-day Lucerne excursion, visit a local winery to sample Swiss wines, tour Wildegg Castle, a fortress built by the Habsburgs in the early 13th century that features a 3,300 square meter garden, or embark on an exhilarating hike to the castle. (B, L, D)

Day 11 – Basel – Disembarkation – Lucerne – Lake Como, Italy – Disembark the ship and transfer to Lake Como, Italy, stopping in Lucerne, Switzerland along the way, where you will enjoy a brief tour and free time for lunch. Once in breathtaking Lake Como, nestled at the foot of the Alps, check into your hotel for the evening. (B)

Day 12 – Lake Como – Bellagio – Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio’s restaurants before returning to the boat. (B)

Day 13 – Lake Como – Milan – Check out of your hotel and be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean’s Twelve and Casino Royale. Afterward, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Milan. (B)

Day 14 – Milan – Discover Milan’s elegance on a guided stroll through its historic heart. Enjoy a visit to the Duomo, marveling at its Gothic interiors and ascending to the breathtaking rooftop terraces, and explore the majestic Sforza Castle, a Renaissance fortress with Leonardo da Vinci frescoes and extensive art collections. (B)

Day 15 – Milan – Bid farewell to Milan as you prepare for your journey home (B).