RHINE & MOSELLE RIVER CRUISE
Including Amsterdam, Paris
&
London
May 12 - 29, 2024
*18 Days
May 12 - 29, 2024
18 Days
Tour Status - Guaranteed
Join David & Brenda Layden from Select Holidays as pages from fairytales come to life as you find inspiration along the fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, with fascinating scenery of Europe’s steepest vineyards lining its shores. Encounter some of the prettiest towns of the Alsace—Strasbourg and Riquewihr—that blend their German and French heritage into one enchanting masterpiece. Cochem and Bernkastel, towns that grew up below a castle, give you a sense of what it was like to live during the Middle Ages. Visit Trier, once known as the second Rome as no other city in Germany has so many monuments from Roman times; and Koblenz, where history meets at two rivers. Bygone grandeur of a different kind can be found at Mannheim’s glorious Baroque Palace. Colorful canals and glistening lakes, hilltop towns and majestic alps, mighty fortresses and storied castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey through time. Start the cruise in Amsterdam, then upon arrival into Basel, take the train for 2-nights in Paris, France. Then to conclude this amazing journey, travel by train under the English Channel on the 50 kilometre railway to London, England from Paris, France.
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Tour Highlights
2 nights pre cruise in Amsterdam, 2-nights post cruise in Paris, PLUS 1 nights in London, England.
12 Day River cruise on the Rhine & Moselle Rivers
Fine dining, including unlimited complimentary hand-selected wines, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board river cruise
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track on river cruise
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Guided shore excursions in every port including Special Interest Tours
Live entertainment, cooking demonstration and more
Complimentary bicycles
Hosted by Select Holidays
PLUS more……….
Day 1: May 12, 2024: Flight from North America to Amsterdam
Depart North America for flight into Amsterdam, Netherlands. (IFM)
Day 2: May 13, 2024: Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS
Arrive Amsterdam and transfer to city center hotel for a two night stay. (IFM)
Day 3: May 14, 2024: Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS
A full day to explore Amsterdam and the surrounding area. A special tour this day for Select Holidays travelers. (B,L)
Day 4: May 15, 2024: Amsterdam / Board River Cruise
A free morning before we board the river cruise for your Rhine & Moselle Fairytales cruise. Overnight onboard river boat in Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 5: May 16, 2024: Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 6: May 17, 2024: Cologne, GERMANY
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will 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. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of 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. (B,L,D)
Day 7: May 18, 2024: Lahnstein, GERMANY
You have a choice to go to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to take the aerial cable car over the Rhine to Koblenz, which boasts a rich history spanning more than 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. In the afternoon, be treated to an exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 8: May 19, 2024: Cochem, Germany
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. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided hike to the castle or a bike tour through Cochem. (B,L,D)
Day 9: May 20, 2024: Trier, GERMANY
Set sail for Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a city 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 also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)
Day 10: May 21, 2024: Bernkastel, GERMANY
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 that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. (B,L,D)
Day 11: May 22, 2024: Rhine Gorge – Rudesheim, GERMANY
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 afterwards, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 12: May 23, 2024: Ludwigshafen, GERMANY
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled 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. (B,L,D)
Day 13: May 24, 2024: Strasbourg, FRANCE
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, 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 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 take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 14: May 25, 2024: Breisach, GERMANY
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 it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic wine country, or go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)
Day 15: May 26, 2024: Basel, SWITZERLAND – Tarin to Paris, FRANCE
Disembark the ship this morning and take the train to Paris, France for a two night stay. (B)
Day 16: May 27, 2024: Paris, FRANCE
Paris is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. From it’s rich history, amazing cafes, shops plus more. A “Hop-On/Hop-Off” bus pass will be included this day. [B]
Day 17: May 28, 2024: Paris, France - London, ENGLAND
Today to travel on the high-speed train from Paris, France to London, England, under the English Chanel. Overnight in London. Options this evening in London include a local play or a walk in many parks in this historic city. [B/L]
Day 18: May 29, 2024: End of Tour
All to soon great things must come to an end with a tranfer to the London Airport for your flight back to North America. [B/IFM]
**Ask about extending your journey and visiting “England & Scotland”. CLICK HERE for more details.
