Rhine & Moselle Fairytales

Arrive in Amsterdam and settle into your hotel.

Stroll through Amsterdam with your guide, exploring its iconic canals, charming bridges, and unique architecture.

Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses, and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. 

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you can see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. Alternatively, during a guided tour, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the world's tallest building at its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.

Visit Lahneck Castle, a 13th-century medieval fortress in the riverside town of Lahnstein. A treasure trove of legends surrounds this castle, some including the twelve Knights Templar. Hear these stories and more on a guided tour through this historic castle. Alternatively, head to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to take the aerial cable car over the Rhine to Koblenz, which has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. For those seeking a more active adventure, explore the area on the “Two Rivers Bike Tour,” which takes you along both the Rhine and Moselle rivers, or go on a hike around Lahnstein to Burg Lahneck Castle.

Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. Those wishing to explore the area more actively can go on a guided hike to the castle or go on a bike tour through Cochem.

Set sail for Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a tour why it has been called the “Rome of the North” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You can also bike through the historic city center and along the Moselle River or hike high above Trier to Petersburg.

Enjoy a scenic cruise to Bernkastel that will enchant you. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour with a winery visit and tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can join a bike tour, and hikers can trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates back to the 9th century.

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterward, be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour through the Rheingau wine region. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream.

You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on an excursion to the glorious Schwetzingen Baroque Palace. Tour this splendid palace furnished with over 800 exhibits. You can also hike the historic Philosopher’s Path along the Neckar River or bike to the charming town of Ladenburg and glide past its half-timbered architecture.

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of 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 République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can ride a guided bike through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. 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. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic wine country or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.”

Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, take a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, discover this pristine city's unrivaled beauty and charm on a walking tour. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. 

Today, stop at the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers dating back to the 13th century.

Check out your hotel, and before transferring via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise in Lucerne. As part of your included excursion, you ascend a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel.

Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be fully displayed during your city tour. One of Zurich's top experiences is visiting Old Town, where you can find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches, and the modern Bahnhofstrasse.

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