Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles - Cruise Only

Board your ship in Basel for your Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps cruise.

Explore Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city, known for its historic university, banking, and trade significance. Its medieval town hall, vibrant market square, and elegant 18th-century patrician homes reflect its rich heritage. Discover the city on a walking or guided bike tour through Switzerland, France, and Germany. Alternatively, take a full-day excursion to Lucerne or combine a morning tour with an afternoon visit. In Lucerne, see the Lion Monument, a tribute to Swiss Guards lost in the French Revolution, praised by Mark Twain as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” Admire the city’s well-preserved medieval walls and 13th-century towers.

*Not combinable with other tours on this day.

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.

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four 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 pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rudesheim and 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.

Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. 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, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Lahnstein, where you can enjoy an exclusive evening visit at Burg Lahneck Castle.

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 Fischmarkt, 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 Kolsch 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.

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, taste the local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges, and houseboats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafes.

Please note: A Taste of Amsterdam tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with alternate tour.

**May be replaced with alternate tour based on docking location

Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.