Amsterdam to Basel

Today, we arrive in Koblenz, nestled at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join our morning tour as we explore the town on foot and then ascend by cable car to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, situated high above the town.

This afternoon, relax on deck as we cruise through the legendary Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic riverbanks adorned with vineyards and picturesque castles. Later, we arrive in the winegrowers town of Rüdesheim. Visit a local vineyard for a tasting of the region’s wines and stroll through the famous Drosselgasse with its taverns, garden restaurants, beer bars, and live music venues.

This morning, our ship docks in Mannheim, granting access to the nearby university city of Heidelberg. Heidelberg boasts one of Germany’s best-preserved baroque Old Towns, nestled along the picturesque Neckar River and adorned with the iconic Heidelberg Castle, a striking red sandstone ruin that remains one of Germany’s most infatuating sights.

This afternoon, our journey takes us to Speyer, an esteemed imperial city on the Rhine, famed for its magnificent cathedral, the final resting place of eight Roman emperors and German kings. Speyer’s streets are adorned with historic ecclesiastical architecture, impressive facades spanning various epochs, and charming squares. You’ll have the freedom to explore this city on your own or join us for a walking tour to discover the Imperial Cathedral and its storied history. This evening, we’ll enjoy the great Captain’s Gala Dinner, a fitting culmination to a day filled with exploration and discovery.

Today we arrive in the vibrant capital of Alsace, Strasbourg. This beautiful city’s sights include the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster and the Petite France quarter, a former mill and tanner district that still maintains its medieval charm. Half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, and the Council of Europe are among the wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you. The Grand Island, the city center, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is connected to the rest of the city by 22 stone bridges. Immerse yourself in the city’s beauty with a tranquil canal boat cruise, gliding through these picturesque quarters before we take in the views of the romantic Rhine as we cruise towards Switzerland, our final destination.

This morning, we dock in Basel, Switzerland’s cultural capital. Begin by discovering the historic Basel pier before indulging in a visit to a chocolate factory, where a chocolate-making workshop hosted by a maître chocolatier awaits, adding a delicious touch to our day.

Following a leisurely morning of chocolate tasting and discovery, we set off for a couple of days in the radiant city of Lucerne. Enjoy an orientation tour of Lucerne, where we’ll marvel at its beauty, including the iconic wooden bridges spanning the river. The most renowned of these is the Chapel Bridge, dating back to the 14th century and adorned with historic paintings depicting Lucerne’s rich history. After our tour, unwind with a delightful dinner and a tranquil evening.

Wake up in Lucerne and get ready for an all encompassing day with both lakes and mountains on the horizon. Take your coach to one of Switerzland’s most legendary places, Mount Pilatus. After a morning on the mountain, get ready to relax during a cruise on Lake Lucerne. Afterward, walk the famous piers, shop in boutiques and explore the rest of this charming city at your leisure before dinner.

Today promises more breathtaking scenery and an opportunity to immerse ourselves in Swiss traditions as we embark on a coach journey to explore the beauty of Switzerland. Our route takes us through the picturesque Bernese Oberland via the Brünig Pass, with a memorable stop at the woodcarving village of Brienz for a traditional woodcarving workshop.

In the afternoon, our exploration of the Oberland continues with a scenic lunch amidst the majestic Alps in Interlaken. Following, we’ll visit the renowned ‘village of waterfalls,’ Lauterbrunnen, nestled within the awe-inspiring trough valleys of the Alps, surrounded by towering rock faces and mountain peaks. Marvel at the spectacular 300-meter-high Staubbach Falls before we return to Lucerne for a splendid farewell dinner with our group, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences shared during our Journey.

Today we wave “auf wiedersehen” to our new Swiss friends and make our way to the airport for our flight home. Enjoy a private car to your home upon arrival.