Find inspiration in the romantic, soul-stirring beauty of the fabled Rhine
Flowers tumble from baskets lining streets of half-timbered houses, and lights glint off quiet canals. A mighty river carries ships and cargo through a landscape shaped by time and history. The spires of medieval churches and castles appear around each bend in the river, and vineyards climb the verdant hillsides.
Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg; stroll through the fairytale towns of Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Rüdesheim; and taste delightful white wines in the villages where the grapes are grown. Beethoven and Byron loved the romantic landscapes of the Rhine River, and the beauty that inspired them is still yours to experience.
Who will enjoy this cruise
Romantics who love the picturesque and the historic will find medieval castles, splendid cathedrals and scenes that have inspired great poets, painters and composers alike.
Generations Family Program (select sailings)
Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they’re also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.
DAY 1: BASEL (BREISACH)
Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, where you will be transferred to the ship. Note: Guests sailing on the S.S. Antoinette will embark in Breisach between March and May due to lock renovations.
DAY 2: BREISACH (KAYSERBERG AND RIQUEWIHR OR COLMAR)
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Choice of Alsatian “Village Day” OR Colmar city tour
Breisach is your gateway to the Alsatian wine road, your launching point for one of two excursions. You can visit Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, two of the most picturesque villages in the region, sampling local delicacies and getting a feel for daily life, or take a tour of the larger town, Colmar, considered one of the most beautiful destinations along the wine road. Enjoy the festive Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.
DAY 3: KEHL (STRASBOURG)
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Choice of Strasbourg by canal OR exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Strasbourg walking tour
The Alsatian town of Strasbourg boasts a UNESCO-designated city center, a grand Gothic cathedral and half-timbered houses. See the sights on a delightful canal cruise through the picturesque Petite France district, or if you wish to do as the locals do, opt for an Old Town walking tour with stops for pastries and coffee.
DAY 4: MANNHEIM (SPEYER)
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Choice of Speyer walking discovery tour OR exclusive Doktorenhof vinegar estate visit and tasting
Stroll through Speyer’s charming Old Town to the city’s grand cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, for a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Doktorenhof vinegar estate to sample unique aperitifs made from wine vinegars.
DAY 5: RUDESHIEM, CRUISING THE ROMANTIC RHINE RIVER, BOPPARD
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Choice of exclusive Castle Vollrads wine tasting OR exclusive guided “Go Active” hike from Rüdesheim to Assmanshausen, and guided Boppard village stroll
Wine connoisseurs will want to go on a private tour and Riesling tasting at Castle Vollrad. Adventurers will want to soar up to the Niederwald Heights on a gondola, followed by a hike. Then, after a cruise along the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine, stroll through quaint Boppard.
DAY 6: CRUISING THE ROMANTIC RHINE RIVER, KOBLENZ
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Choice of Koblenz walking discovery tour OR aerial cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress OR exclusive guided “Go Active” bike ride, and Marksburg Castle visit
Watch the waters of the Moselle meld with the Rhine as you stand at the German Corner during your discovery tour. If you prefer to see the city from above, take an aerial tram to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. For a more active exploration, bike from Boppard to Koblenz. Later in the day, get a close-up look at Marksburg Castle. Note: The aerial tram to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is only available on cruises that depart on or after April 2.
DAY 7: COLOGNE
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Cologne walking discovery tour with choice of Cologne Cathedral OR Kölsch beer tasting or Museum Ludwig
You have an array of choices for how you wish to experience Cologne’s many treasures. Those interested in history and architecture will want to stroll with a local expert through Old Town to the city’s iconic UNESCO-listed Gothic Cologne Cathedral. For beer connoisseurs, you’ll wish to visit a brewery to taste the traditional local brew of the city, Kölsch. And for lovers of art, you won’t want to miss one of the most important contemporary museums in Europe, Museum Ludwig. Cap the day off at the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.
Note: On Sundays and Catholic holidays, tours inside the cathedral are not allowed, but individual visits are still welcomed.
DAY 8: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARK), TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Amsterdam.