UNIWORLD – Castles along the Rhine – Basel to Amsterdam – 8 days
Castles along the Rhine
Program offerings are subject to change.
Day 1:


Day 2:



Featured Excursions: Choice of Alsatian wine villages or Colmar city tour
Starting from Medieval Breisach, the gateway to the Black Forest, you will cross the Rhine and head for the Alsatian Wine Road, which hugs the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. Charming villages, pastoral landscapes, and lush vineyards line this beautiful winding road. You may prefer to linger in the historic center of enchanting Colmar or continue on to the wine villages of Kayserberg and Riquewihr, where you will ramble along narrow lanes and pass half-timbered Medieval houses with conical roofs that are straight out of a fairytale illustration. Whichever you choose, you’ll be treated to an Alsatian specialty,flammekeuche, a delectable flatbread topped with bacon and onions. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.
Day 3:





Featured Excursions: Choice of Strasbourg by canal with Notre Dame Cathedral orexclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Strasbourg walking tour
Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” The heart of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is crisscrossed with Medieval canals. You’ll board a canal boat and cruise past ancient covered bridges and their watchtowers, the picturesque Petite France district with its beautiful half-timbered houses and flower-filled window boxes, and the magnificent Gothic cathedral. You’ll also see the dynamic modern city that hosts numerous European Union organizations. Or, if you prefer, take an intimate walking tour through Old Town, strolling through lively Broglie Square to elegant Place Kléber. Learn about the culinary traditions of Alsace and indulge in tasty pastries and coffee at a charming café. Then spend your afternoon at leisure in this beautiful
city; a shuttle will take you to and from the ship.
Day 4:



Featured Excursions: Choice of Speyer walking tour or exclusive Doktorenhof vinegar estate visit and tasting
A guided walking tour through Speyer reveals a Medieval town with a grand heritage and a compact historic center dominated by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe. With its basilica laid out in the form of a Latin cross, including four towers and two domes, this architectural marvel is a symbol of Medieval imperial power; the rulers of three dynasties are interred here. Nearby, a well-preserved mikvah, or ritual bath, bears witness to a Jewish community that dates to roughly the same era; it is the oldest remaining bath of its kind in Europe. Alternatively, come with us to discover a unique aperitif—wine vinegars made from grapes grown in the wine lands of the Palatine—with a visit to the Doktorenhof vinegar estate, where antique vinegar recipes find new life. Tour the cellars and taste the honey- or herb-flavored elixirs made there.
Day 5:




Featured Excursions: Exclusive Castle Vollrads wine tasting and guided Boppard village stroll
Rüdesheim has been a magnet for romantics since the 19th century. Among its most famous sights is the Drosselgasse, a narrow alleyway lined with wine taverns and shops. Explore the town at your leisure, then be our guest at a princely wine tasting at prestigious Castle Vollrads, a handsome 14th-century castle perfectly situated in the vineyard-covered hills of the Rheingau. Though it is one of the smallest wine-growing regions of Germany, it is world famous for its Rieslings—and Castle
Vollrads is one of the world’s top wine estates for the varietal. Later, find a spot on deck for an afternoon of scenic cruising along the romantic Rhine and take in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Picturesque castles appear around every bend in the river for a 40-mile stretch, a sight that inspired poets, painters, and composers throughout the 19th century. End your day with a guided stroll around Boppard, a typical wine village on the shores of the Rhine.
Day 6:


Featured Excursions: Choice of Koblenz walking tour or aerial cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Awaken on the romantic Rhine and enjoy a morning cruise along the castle-lined river. German Corner, with its famous monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I, announces your arrival in Koblenz, where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet. Choose a walking tour highlighting the appeal of Koblenz—its charming lanes and historic squares, the picturesque alleyways and fountains in the old quarter, and the 12th-century churches of St. Florin and Our Beloved Lady. Or take a thrilling ride on an aerial tram across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress—whose ruined walls once inspired Lord Byron—which in one form or another has stood high on the hill overlooking the rivers’ confluence since its beginnings as a fortification in 1,000 BC. The view from the fortress is dazzling.
Day 7:

Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour with Cologne Cathedral visit
Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Town Cologne with your guide, passing by tiny squares and small churches as you make your way to Cologne Cathedral, the city’s most famous landmark. It took 632 years for Germany’s largest cathedral to be completed, and it is one of the most important Gothic churches in Europe. Inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the earthly remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi—are believed to lie at rest. You’ll learn about the history of the cathedral and its artwork, especially the pieces surrounding the Shrine of the Magi. Christian pilgrims have been flocking here for centuries. In fact, one of the cathedral’s expansions was intended to accommodate the many faithful who travel from far and wide to experience the wonder of this sacred site. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.
Note: On Sundays and Catholic holidays, guided tours inside the cathedral will not be possible.
Day 8:


Pricing Details Per Person (from)
Cruise Start Date | Cruise Only† | Ship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday, March 15, 2015* | £2,024 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, March 22, 2015 | £2,084 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, March 29, 2015* | £2,184 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, April 01, 2015* | £2,284 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, April 05, 2015 | £2,284 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, April 08, 2015 | £2,284 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, April 12, 2015* | £2,404 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, April 15, 2015* | £2,344 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, April 19, 2015 | £2,534 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | £2,529 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, April 26, 2015* | £2,664 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, April 29, 2015* | £2,634 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, May 03, 2015 | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, May 06, 2015 | £2,664 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, May 10, 2015* | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, May 17, 2015 | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, May 24, 2015* | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, May 31, 2015 | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, June 07, 2015* | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, June 14, 2015 | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, June 21, 2015* | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, June 28, 2015 | £2,604 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, July 05, 2015* | £2,604 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, July 08, 2015* | £2,534 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, July 12, 2015 | £2,604 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 | £2,604 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, July 19, 2015* | £2,604 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, July 26, 2015 | £2,604 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, August 02, 2015* | £2,604 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, August 09, 2015 | £2,604 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, August 16, 2015* | £2,604 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, August 19, 2015* | £2,604 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, August 23, 2015 | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | £2,734 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, August 30, 2015* | £2,854 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, September 06, 2015 | £3,054 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, September 13, 2015* | £3,054 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, September 20, 2015 | £2,984 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Sunday, September 27, 2015* | £2,924 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, September 30, 2015* | £2,924 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, October 04, 2015 | £2,924 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, October 07, 2015 | £2,854 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, October 11, 2015* | £2,734 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, October 14, 2015* | £2,734 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, October 18, 2015 | £2,474 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 | £2,474 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, October 25, 2015* | £2,224 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, October 28, 2015* | £2,024 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, November 01, 2015 | £2,094 | + | S.S. Antoinette | ||
Wednesday, November 04, 2015 | £1,964 | + | River Empress | ||
Sunday, November 08, 2015* | £2,024 | + | S.S. Antoinette |
- Port Charges: £105 per person are included in the cruise price
- Prices shown above include cruise in Category 5, twin share.
- Single supplement applies for single accommodation.
- Airfare is not included in the prices listed above.
Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water levels or other uncontrollable factors.
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person the following prices below:
River Empress
S.S. Antoinette
Program offerings are subject to change
Day 1:


Day 2:

Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour with Cologne Cathedral visit
Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Town Cologne with your guide, passing by tiny squares and small churches as you make your way to Cologne Cathedral, the city’s most famous landmark. It took 632 years for Germany’s largest cathedral to be completed, and it is one of the most important Gothic churches in Europe. Inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the earthly remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi—are believed to lie at rest. You’ll learn about the history of the cathedral and its artwork, especially the pieces surrounding the Shrine of the Magi. Christian pilgrims have been flocking here for centuries. In fact, one of the cathedral’s expansions was intended to accommodate the many faithful who travel from far and wide to experience the wonder of this sacred site. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.
Note: On Sundays and Catholic holidays, guided tours inside the cathedral will not be possible.
Day 3:


Featured Excursions: Choice of Koblenz walking tour or aerial cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress; and guided Boppard village stroll
Awaken on the romantic Rhine and enjoy a morning cruise along the castle-lined river. German Corner, with its famous monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I, announces your arrival in Koblenz, where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet. Choose a walking tour highlighting the appeal of Koblenz—its charming lanes and historic squares, the picturesque alleyways and fountains in the old quarter, and the 12th-century churches of St. Florin and Our Beloved Lady. Or take a thrilling ride on an aerial tram across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress—whose ruined walls once inspired Lord Byron—which in one form or another has stood high on the hill overlooking the rivers’ confluence since its beginnings as a fortification in 1,000 BC. The view from the fortress is dazzling. End your day with a guided stroll around Boppard, a typical wine village on the shores of the Rhine.
Day 4:




Featured Excursions: Exclusive Castle Vollrads wine tasting
Rüdesheim has been a magnet for romantics since the 19th century. Among its most famous sights is the Drosselgasse, a narrow alleyway lined with wine taverns and shops. Explore the town at your leisure, then be our guest at a princely wine tasting at prestigious Castle Vollrads, a handsome 14th-century castle perfectly situated in the vineyard-covered hills of the Rheingau. Though it is one of the smallest wine-growing regions of Germany, it is world famous for its Rieslings—and Castle
Vollrads is one of the world’s top wine estates for the varietal. Later, find a spot on deck for an afternoon of scenic cruising along the romantic Rhine and take in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Picturesque castles appear around every bend in the river for a 40-mile stretch, a sight that inspired poets, painters, and composers throughout the 19th century.
Day 5:



Featured Excursions: Choice of Speyer walking tour or exclusive Doktorenhof vinegar estate visit and tasting
A guided walking tour through Speyer reveals a Medieval town with a grand heritage and a compact historic center dominated by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe. With its basilica laid out in the form of a Latin cross, including four towers and two domes, this architectural marvel is a symbol of Medieval imperial power; the rulers of three dynasties are interred here. Nearby, a well-preserved mikvah, or ritual bath, bears witness to a Jewish community that dates to roughly the same era; it is the oldest remaining bath of its kind in Europe. Alternatively, come with us to discover a unique aperitif—wine vinegars made from grapes grown in the wine lands of the Palatine—with a visit to the Doktorenhof vinegar estate, where antique vinegar recipes find new life. Tour the cellars and taste the honey- or herb-flavored elixirs made there.
Day 6:





Featured Excursions: Choice of Strasbourg by canal with Notre Dame Cathedral or exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Strasbourg walking tour
Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” The heart of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is crisscrossed with Medieval canals. You’ll board a canal boat and cruise past ancient covered bridges and their watchtowers, the picturesque Petite France district with its beautiful half-timbered houses and flower-filled window boxes, and the magnificent Gothic cathedral. You’ll also see the dynamic modern city that hosts numerous European Union organizations. Or, if you prefer, take an intimate walking tour through Old Town, strolling through lively Broglie Square to elegant Place Kléber. Learn about the culinary traditions of Alsace and indulge in tasty pastries and coffee at a charming café. Then spend your afternoon at leisure in this beautiful
city; a shuttle will take you to and from the ship.
Day 7:



Featured Excursions: Choice of Alsatian wine villages or Colmar city tour
Starting from Medieval Breisach, the gateway to the Black Forest, you will cross the Rhine and head for the Alsatian Wine Road, which hugs the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. Charming villages, pastoral landscapes, and lush vineyards line this beautiful winding road. You may prefer to linger in the historic center of enchanting Colmar or continue on to the wine villages of Kayserberg and Riquewihr, where you will ramble along narrow lanes and pass half-timbered Medieval houses with conical roofs that are straight out of a fairytale illustration. Whichever you choose, you’ll be treated to an Alsatian specialty, flammekeuche, a delectable flatbread topped with bacon and onions. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell and Gala Dinner.
Day 8:


YOUR CRUISE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
TRUE ALL-INCLUSIVE BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISING™ All gratuities for all onboard and onshore services; unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages; shore excursions with local experts as your guide; free Internet and Wi-Fi; and all arrival and departure day transfers.
TRAVEL
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the exquisite S.S. Antoinette or the elegant River Empress
TASTE
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and mineral water
EXPLORE
4 countries
6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Guided “Do as the Locals Do,” “Village Day,” and “Gentle Walking” programs
3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio–headset system on all shore excursions
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
EXPERIENCE
Captivating onboard local entertainment
Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture: “The Rhine River: Shaping European History from the Romans to the European Union”
Exclusive Multigenerational Family-Friendly Program on select July departures
Information is subject to change.