One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany-and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland!This magnificent river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s "Golden Age." Cologne, Germany-a 2,000 year-old city known for its gothic architecture-will be an exciting stop with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge-the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. And nearby, in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine river cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, you’ll be amazed by the red-sandstone gothic cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade.Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest-an area of unrivaled natural beauty-best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.Disembark your river cruise ship in Basel and join the Monograms portion of your vacation starting with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour to explore lovely Lucerne. Transfer by high-speed train to Como, where an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the gothic Town Hall, and the imposing Duomo. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio with its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. Travel to fashionable Milan for the last 2 nights of your vacation. Your Local Host® can help you decide how to make this fabulous vacation just perfect for you!
Included Features:
Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Amsterdam: canal cruiseDay 3 Cologne: choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 4 Koblenz-Rhine Gorge-Rüdesheim: free time in Koblenz; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in RüdesheimDay 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: choice of guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, or guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or hike up Philosophers’ WayDay 6 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralDay 7 Breisach: choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to Badische WinzerkellerDay 8 Basel (Disembarkation)-Mount Pilatus-Lucerne: excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead), guided walking tour in Lucerne with the Lion Monument and Chapel BridgeDay 9 Lucerne-Lake Como: transfer by high speed train (first class) to Lake Como; guided walking tour Day 10 Lake Como: boat ride on Lake Como to BellagioDay 11 Lake Como: full day at leisureDay 12 Lake Como-Milan: transfer to Milan; guided sightseeingDay 13 Milan: full day at leisureDay 14 Milan: your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
/BR>
Less