VIKING – Rhine Discovery – 8 days

Day 1 Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your ship. After boarding, the afternoon is yours free to explore the city on your own. If time permits, you may wish to visit the Anne Frank House. (D)

Day 2 Kinderdijk

Sail to Kinderdijk and tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood management devices. Learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, tour an actual working windmill and see its mechanisms and living quarters. Return aboard for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions: sample a distilled juniper liquor, handcrafted Dutch cheeses and jenever,  then try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard). Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Cologne

Continue cruising along the Rhine this morning until arrival in Cologne and disembark for a walking tour. Experience  Old Town and stroll past St. Martin’s Church,  spend some time inside Cologne’s Dom, an amazing Gothic cathedral which began construction in 1248 and which was only completed in 1880. Explore the dockside  cafés, shops and taverns on your own, and as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dinner is served aboard and your ship remains docked until late evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Koblenz & Rüdesheim

Proceed along the Rhine and disembark to tour the remarkable 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and its museum. Lunch aboard as you enjoy the  UNESCO World Heritage Site of castles overlooking the river from their hilltop locations.

Arrive in Rüdesheim later in the afternoon. Spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine at one of the wine bars or restaurants  — have a choice of dining aboard or in town if you prefer. Your Ship departs after midnight. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Heidelberg & Speyer

Cruise through the morning while enjoying brunch and the passing scenery. Arrive in Mannheim and see Germany’s oldest university in Heidelberg, founded in 1386. Go on to visit the beautiful sandstone ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle, taking in the scenery of the Neckar River Valley and the city’s many red rooftops from its hilltop location. Take a  walking tour through the Old Town to Heidelberg’s renowned gates. Rejoin your ship in Speyer this afternoon and take some time to explore. Your ship is docked in full view of the imposing Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral was built in the 11th century and is the final resting place of eight German monarchs. Its magnificent interior features graceful rows of sandstone columns and a large stained-glass window. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Strasbourg

Your ship docks this morning in Kehl. Disembark for a guided tour of Strasbourg and see the European Parliament and  the interior of the city’s famed cathedral. The afternoon is free to further explore this Alsatian city’s blend of German and French cultures—lovely Art Nouveau and modernist architecture, fabulous churches, medieval covered bridges and beautiful parks. Dine aboard your ship and enjoy free time this evening in the quaint little city of Kehl. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Breisach

Cruise through the night and arrive during breakfast in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. Take a scenic route through the area’s renowned mountain landscape, dense forests and rolling meadow . Once there, visit a local workshop and witness a cuckoo clock-making demonstration. Return to Breisach for some free time or choose an optional excursion to the quaint Alsatian town of Colmar, or an optional walking tour of a working vineyard. Dine aboard on your ship while you cruise on to Basel, arriving around midnight. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Basel

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your flight home. Why not extend your journey with 2 nights in Lucerne and enjoy the scenic landscape of the Swiss Alps with a view from your hotel, situated on the banks of beautiful Lake Lucerne. (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

 

SAVE on many 2015 itineraries.

Call now on  –  0800 612 5677

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
+ Return flights
+ Deluxe accommodation
+ Shore excursions
+ Delicious on board meals with complimentary wine

Amsterdam 2-night pre-extension – From £329.00 per person

Lucerne 2-night post-extension – From £359.00 per person