Grand Rhine and Dutch Canals - Cruise Only

Step aboard your ship for your Grand Rhine cruise.

Cruise through Amsterdam’s historic canals before sailing the scenic IJsselmeer to Utrecht, a city with a medieval old town, canals, and a striking Gothic cathedral. Explore its historic charm on a guided walking tour, including a visit to Museum Speelklok, home to a unique collection of self-playing musical instruments. Alternatively, discover De Haar Castle, the largest in the Netherlands, on a walking or biking tour. With its turrets, moats, and suspension bridges, this fairytale-like castle impresses inside and out with its grand architecture and opulent interiors.

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Hellevoetsluis, an island metropolis of South Holland. During your tour of this medieval harbor town, you may see enchanting sites such as its iconic working De Hoop windmill and witness the charming wharf houses. Later in the day, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level, and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster, for those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Hellevoetsluis, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, across the Haringvlietdam and back.

There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, on a full-day excursion, including the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent's moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design and a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices.

*Other excursions are not combinable with full-day tour on this day.

Explore Belgium's captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride. If you are a history enthusiast, spend your day traveling back in time to sites related to World War II's historic Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive on the Western Front, and toast fallen soldiers with a tasting of Trappist beer brewed by monks. For those not joining this full-day tour, choose from afternoon excursions that include visiting Gaasbeek Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders, or delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting.

*Other excursions are not combinable with full-day tour on this day.

Explore Belgium's trendy "City of Diamonds" on a walking tour to see Antwerp's Steen Castle, Grote Market, Brabo Fountain, and the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer to bike through Antwerp instead. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew, while foodies may prefer the excursion to sample some of Belgium's culinary delights, such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America.

Established in 1220, Holland's oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city's wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht's fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the "Gateway to Europe," as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town, or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country's greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike.

Enjoy a special tour of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Considered The Netherlands' national museum, the Rijksmuseum encompasses 800 years of Dutch history. Wander through the world's largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art, where some of the most renowned works are housed, and marvel at such historic paintings as Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" and Vermeer's "The Milkmaid."

If you missed the canal cruise earlier in the itinerary, join on board a specially designed boat as you glide beneath the bridges alongside the iconic architecture for which Amsterdam is renowned. Alternatively, explore the city through your tastebuds by joining a walking tour that includes a sampling of local delicacies such as bitterballen and Dutch cheese at one of the city's grand cafes. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Dusseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you have two options for the day's excursions. If you're feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, the Old Market, and the Heumarkt. Alternatively, explore historic Dusseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, then kick up your feet with a tasting of Altbier, a Dusseldorf specialty brewed using traditional techniques.

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments, or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic city views. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altportel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg.

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique before walking through its iconic "La Petite France" district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, ride a guided bike through the city and Parc de l'Orangerie.

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights like the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have "the most beautiful spire on earth." Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home.