Cruise along the fabled Rhine passing colorful landscapes, windmills, and tulips. Visit the charming city of Colmar, scenic Strasbourg, tour a magnificent Gothic cathedral in Cologne, delve into Dutch culture in Amsterdam, stroll through acres of flowers at Keukenhof Gardens, and explore a floating flower market. This tour is perfect for those that want to visit historic towns, medieval city centers, and amazing museums amid springtime blossoms.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Zurich – Embarkation on the M/S Symphonie
Upon arrival in Zurich, we transfer to Basel and the MS Symphonie for check-in. After getting settled, there is free time to explore the city of Basel before meeting our ship’s crew at a welcome Cocktail Reception. This evening, we enjoy our first meal of locally prepared French Cuisine. (D)
Day 2 - Breisach, Germany
This morning, join us for an optional guided tour of Breisach with wine tasting. This lovely riverside city is one of many we will encounter along the Rhine. Then, this afternoon, you can opt to visit Colmar and the Unterlinden Museum. Colmar is a colorful city bursting with Alsatian charm. We’ll spend time in the romantic Little Venice neighborhood before visiting the Unterlinden Museum. The museum exhibits span 7,000 years ! The most regarded masterpiece in its collection is the polyptych by artists Niclaus of Haguenau and Grünewald. Later, we return to the MS Symphonie for an evening of leisure and entertainment. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Breisach - Strasbourg, France
The morning will be spent cruising through the vineyards, dotting the hills along the Vosges Mountains, the Black Forest, and the Alsatian plains. Upon arrival in Strasbourg, you can embark on an optional boat tour of the canals through this historical town and visit its masterpiece cathedral. Like many European cities, Strasbourg has a striking mix of architecture that includes a broad range of traditional structures next to bold modern designs. Join us for an evening of dancing in the lounge as we cruise towards Mainz. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Mainz, Germany - Koblenz
Today the optional shore excursion tours the vineyards from Mainz. We’ll settle in for an open-air wagon ride, where we’ll tour one of the largest vineyards in Germany and take in the magnificent views of the Rhine. This afternoon we will enjoy traditional bread, wine, and a cold-cut snack from the region. Afterwards, cruise through the romantic Rhine Valley and enjoy the amazing scenery as we travel to the legendary rock of the Lorelei. We’ll have dinner onboard, fore visiting the city with a local guide. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Koblenz - Cologne - Dusseldorf
We’ll begin to cruise to Cologne, passing the cities of Andernach, Konigswinter, and Bonn. As our ship approaches Cologne, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Seven Hills (Siebengebirge), known for the myths and fairytales about its origins. Upon arrival in Cologne, we have an optionall locally guided tour of this magnificent city; the crossroads of Europe since the Middle Ages. Discover the immense, Gothic cathedral; the tallest twin-spire church in the world and the most visited landmark in Germany. Later, we head over to Old Town, where we stroll the streets and pass in front of the famous Farina Fragrance Museum. Enjoy free time before returning to the ship for our festive gala evening. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Dusseldorf - Nijmegan - Amsterdam
Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: A visit to the Netherlands Open-Air Museum in Arnhem. This national museum focuses on the everyday life of Dutch people throughout the country’s history and includes old homes, farms, and factories from different regions. You can stroll through the attraction at your own pace or take the authentic trams. As you enjoy your day, the ship will cruise to Nijmegen. We’ll return on board in Nijmegen and begin to cruise to Amsterdam. Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Amsterdam, the Netherlands
This morning, join us for an optional panoramic tour of the city and a visit to a diamond merchant. Amsterdam is one of the most unique and extraordinary cities in the world. Enjoy a highlight tour of all the major sites, including the tallest windmill in the Netherlands, the De Gooyer. We’ll then heading over to the dazzling floating flower market. This afternoon, join us for a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens (included). Tour the beautiful spring gardens at your own pace. Don’t forget to visit the Orchid House, the Japanese Garden, and the 19th-century windmill on the edge of the tulip fields! Keukenhof also contains the works of 25 artists. To make your visit more active, you can take a boat trip through the fields or bike ride through the surrounding area. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - M/S Symphonie Disembarkation - Amsterdam
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. We then transfer to our hotel located in the heart of Amsterdam and check-on for our 2-night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this unique and fascinating city. (B)
Day 9 - Amsterdam
Today, the choice is yours. Experience one of the many world-renowned museums like the Van Gogh Museum or discover the Frank family’s life at the Anne Frank House. If you are a fan of the Dutch Golden Age, take a short ride to Royal Delft, famous for is hand-made Delft-blue porcelain recognized the world over. We get together tonight at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 10 - Depart Amsterdam
After breakfast, we make our way to the airport for your trip onwards. (B)
