You'll need to save $2399 per person for cruise only and with the optional 2 nights in Zurich & 2 nights in Lucerne $1040 per person. Don't forget cost for airfare
Here is your cruise itinerary that includes wine lecturers and excursions. | BASEL, SWITZERLAND - EMBARKATION Embark the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a “Welcome Aboard” Wine Toast as you commence your wine-themed itinerary through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions. (D) |
| BREISACH – COLMAR, FRANCE This morning, enjoy scenic cruising and an onboard wine lecture on the way to Breisach, Germany. From Breisach, choose either a Black Forest tour through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Or, you can choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” On your Colmar tour you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses; the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns; canals and the Launch River. This evening, enjoy Alsatian wines at an onboard wine tasting before dinner. (B,L,D) | |
| 3 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE – SPEYER, GERMANY The principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg, is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. This morning, take a tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobblestone streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous Astronomical clock. Then, a canal cruise will take you through this picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. In the alternative to your canal cruise and city tour, you may choose a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled) which will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and Place de la Republique. In the afternoon, you will visit the charming wine town of Obernai. Nestled against the Vosges mountains in the heart of Alsace, Obernai is known for its half-timbered houses, traditional Alsatian wine, food and festivals. After a brief guided tour of Obernai, you will take a short drive to one of Alsace’s most beautiful wine estates. There, in the typical Alsatian setting of Caveau Klipfel, you will tour a unique wine-making exhibit featuring antique wine presses, Vosges wooden wine casks and old viticulture stock. Your visit will also include a wine tasting in a wood-paneled tasting room. Sample a classic Riesling, noble Gewurztraminer and other famous wines of this region, making a most memorable evening in Alsace. (B,L,D) |
| 4 | SPEYER – HEIDELBERG, GERMANY Depart this morning for Speyer, enjoying an onboard wine lecture en route. From Speyer, you will take an excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, overlooking beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. This evening, a German-themed dinner will be served on board, accompanied by paired German wines. (B,L,D) |
| 5 | RÜDESHEIM – KOBLENZ This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. You will also visit the Berg Rottland winery for a tour and wine tasting. Depart at lunchtime for Koblenz. You will cruise through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, famous for its castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz, a wine town at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, where you will take a walking tour. This evening, enjoy a delectable meal with paired wines at the Captains Gala Dinner. The ship moors in Koblenz overnight. (B,L,D) |
| 6 | KOBLENZ – COLOGNE This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture as the ship cruises to Cologne, famous for its legendary 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Upon arrival, you will take a walking tour through the old part of the city, visit the cathedral and also enjoy a tasting of Kölsch, the specialty beer with the straw-yellow hue brewed in Cologne. In the alternative, take a guided bike tour of Cologne (capacity controlled). This evening, enjoy regional specialties at the Fruh Brewery, where you will have dinner. (B,L,D) |
| 7 | AMSTERDAM Arrive in Amsterdam at mid-day. Admire beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches and 16th-century merchant houses on a guided canal boat tour. Then take a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. This evening, bid farewell to your fellow passengers at the Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D) |
| 8 | DISEMBARKATION - DEPART AMSTERDAM Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B) If you are interested give Debbie a shout. debbie@exclusivewinevacations.com |
