Magical Rhine and Moselle

by mreid | May 24, 2016

Magical Rhine and Moselle

$4,449.00

From $4,449* pp | 9 Days • 22 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.

Embark on a cruise and drift by fairy-tale landscapes, vineyards, castles and quaint towns pausing along the way to get to know the rivers’ treasures.

Cruise the famous canals of Amsterdam.
Discover the lovely town of Cochem on a guided tour.
Take in the sounds of barrel organs and medieval instruments at Siegfried’s Mechanisches Musikkabinett.
Set out on a tour of picturesque Rüdesheim.

The Enchanting Rivers of Europe

Set sail on a cruise along the Rhine and Moselle rivers that will take you to Netherlands, Germany and France. Sit back and relax in your outside stateroom and enjoy the luxury of unlimited wine or beer with every dinner and daily onboard musical performances. Join a local expert for a tour of Amsterdam highlighting the city’s centuries-old canal system and famous 16th-century row houses stacked side-by-side. Spend time in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities. Pause in Rüdesheim to explore the famous Siegfried’s Mechaniches Musikkabinett (or Music Museum). Tour the 2,000-year-old city of Koblenz. Your stop in Cologne features a guided walking tour of the city’s old town and Cologne Cathedral. Spend the afternoon in Cochem and sip wine in one of the famous cellars. Enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Strasbourg old town. Step back in time on a walking tour of Colmar, France. Savour a dinner of regional Black Forest specialities and a demonstration of traditional cuckoo clock making in Titisee, Germany. This cruise will bring you by charming panoramas while you get to know the interesting culture and deep history of the region.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation

Meals as per itinerary

Tour guide

Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

Flights

Meals not indicated on the itinerary

Drinks

Optional activities

Visas

Comprehensive travel insurance

Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Board Ship – Tour Begins

Join us for an exciting tour featuring Strasbourg and the romantic Rhine Valley. This journey brings you through one of the most historic and dramatic regions in all of Europe. Your tour opens in Amsterdam where you will board your cruise ship for a 7-night cruise along the Rhine River. Your ship offers an array of amenities including outside staterooms, unlimited wine with every dinner, and daily onboard musical performances. This evening, meet in the lounge for a cocktail reception followed by a “welcome aboard” dinner.

Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 2. Amsterdam

Today, join a local expert for a city tour of Amsterdam including a cruise along the city’s centuries-old canal system. Board your canal boat and cruise by charming cafés and famous 16th-century row houses stacked side-by-side.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 3. Cologne, Germany

As you glide down the river this morning, pass through the picturesque German landscape dotted with medieval towns. Your journey brings you to Cologne where you will join a guide for a walking tour of the city’s Old Town with its narrow, cobbled streets. Admire the Cologne Cathedral, as well as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the Romanesque church of St. Martin.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 4. Moselle River – Cochem

Set sail on the Moselle River to Cochem where you will join a guided tour through this lovely town and Reichsburg Castle. The castle is set on a precipitous rock high above the town and offers breathtaking views of the Moselle Valley. End your tour of Cochem with a visit and introduction by a local winemaker to one of Cochem’s wine cellars where you will taste regional Mosel wines.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 5. Koblenz – Rüdesheim

Continue on to Koblenz and get to know this 2,000-year-old city on a walking tour. See such sights as the town’s old quarter, which was badly damaged during World War II and then rebuilt, as well as the Schaengel Fountain at the town hall. Your next stop is Rüdesheim. Set out on a tour of the city and its famous Siegfried’s Mechanisches Musikkabinett (or Mechanical Music Museum) where you will be treated to the music of barrel organs and medieval mechanical instruments.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 6. Mannheim – Speyer

The river takes you to Mannheim where you will have free time to explore the city on your own. Or, perhaps you will join an optional excursion to the town of Heidelberg. Later, sail to Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, and step back in time on a walking tour to explore such places as the Old Gate and the Jewish baths. A wonderful evening of food, music and entertainment awaits you at the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 7. Strasbourg, France

Your journey takes you to Strasbourg, a provincial capital of France that blends centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences together, creating a unique character. Discover the history of the city on a guided tour of the old quarter, “Petite France,” featuring the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Highlights also include Place de la République and Place d’Austerlitz. You will have free time to explore this perfectly preserved town before returning to your cruise ship.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 8. Disembark Basel, Switzerland- Colmar, FR- Black Forest, Germany- Basel

Today is filled with exploration! Disembark your ship in Basel and travel to the Alsace wine region to spend time in beautiful Colmar. Step back in time with a local guide on a walking tour of the Old Town highlighting its many architectural landmarks. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming city on your own. Next, drive to Titisee, a German resort town nestled alongside its picturesque lake hidden deep in the Black Forest. Savour some leisure time to browse the shops for the region’s famous cuckoo clocks. Prior to dinner you’ll have an opportunity to meet a local artisan who demonstrates how these cuckoo clocks are made with traditional techniques. Then, enjoy a dinner of Black Forest regional specialities before returning to your hotel in Basel.

Breakfast & Dinner High 21° Low 11° Radisson Blu Hotel Basel

Day 9. Basel – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today.

Breakfast

The Netherlands, France and Germany are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Elevation on this tour will not exceed 1,500 feet.
The currency in the countries visited is the Euro.
Europe uses 220 volts.
Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobble stoned streets.

Aug 26, 2017 – Sep 3, 2017 $4,459

Sep 1, 2017 – Sep 9, 2017 $4,459

Sep 9, 2017 – Sep 17, 2017 $4,459

Sep 6, 2018 – Sep 14, 2018 $4,449

Sep 12, 2018 – Sep 20, 2018 $4,449

Timeless France

by mreid | May 24, 2016

Timeless France

$3,809.00

From $3,809* pp | 12 Days • 23 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.

Journey through France blending its waterways, quaint villages and captivating cities in the regions of Alsace, Burgundy, Provence and the French Riviera.

Behold the majestic Cathedral of Strasbourg, also known as Strasbourg Minster.
Savour a wine tasting at a local wine cellar.
Spend five nights relaxing onboard your cruise ship, the MS Amadeus Symphony.
Mingle with the locals in quaint French villages along the way.
Enjoy a Captain’s Gala Dinner aboard your cruise ship.
Uncover the secrets of the famous Palais des Papes in Avignon.

Take the Road Less Traveled

Bask in the charm and storybook ambiance on this tour that takes you from France’s Alsace region to Burgundy and Provence and concludes in the French Riviera. Marvel at the storybook village of Riquewihr, the canals of Colmar and the charming streets of Strasbourg. Delight in the beauty of Burgundy while visiting wineries in Beaune and the Palace of the Dukes in Dijon. Set sail on a 5-night cruise along the Saone and Rhone Rivers from Lyon to Provence. Sit back, relax and enjoy the luxury of your outside stateroom and daily onboard performances. Join a local guide as you tour the gastronomic hub of Lyon. Relish in a tour of the medieval walled city of Avignon including a visit to the 14th-century papal palace. Spend time in Arles, touring this former Roman village complete with a colosseum, and discover why it became an inspiration to Van Gogh. Finish your tour relaxing on the Mediterranean in Antibes a place that brings to life the joie de vivre of this fabulous country.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation

Meals as per itinerary

Tour guide

Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

Flights

Meals not indicated on the itinerary

Drinks

Optional activities

Visas

Comprehensive travel insurance

Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1. Frankfurt, Germany – Tour Begins

Join us on a journey through France that blends a river cruise with an immersive land tour. Along the way, discover four of the most magnificent regions of France – Alsace, Burgundy, Provence and the French Riviera. Welcome to Frankfurt, the historical “city of coronations,” now a thriving financial hub. Get acquainted with this great city with time on your own before gathering with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Dinner High 20° Low 12° Le Meridien Parkhotel Frankfurt

Day 2. Frankfurt – Strasbourg, France

Travel to Strasbourg, “Petite France.” Come to know this provincial capital that mixes centuries of Roman, French, German and Alsatian influences, creating a unique character. Embark on a fascinating city tour with a local expert who will lead you on a guided tour featuring the Cathedral of Strasbourg, also known as Strasbourg Minster, a gorgeous Roman-Catholic complex and the world’s tallest building for most of the 18th century. Then, enjoy free time to explore the perfectly preserved town at your leisure.

Breakfast High 20° Low 14° Hilton Strasbourg

Day 3. Strasbourg – Colmar – Strasbourg

Set out for a full day of touring through the Alsace region. Your first stop is at a sixth-generation local winery where you’ll sample their latest vintages and learn about world-class wine making. Then we’re off to the storybook village of Riquewihr, one of the most beautifully preserved villages in France. Continue on to Colmar, located in the middle of the Alsatian wine route, and considered to be the “capital of Alsatian wine.” As you walk with your local guide through its well-known historic old town and past its canals, the architecture will have you feeling as if you have stepped into a fairy tale. Spend the afternoon meandering through the village. Tonight, savour dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialities.

Breakfast & Dinner High 20° Low 14° Hilton Strasbourg

Day 4. Strasbourg

The day is yours to independently explore Strasbourg and everything it has to offer. Perhaps you’ll choose to take an optional tour delving into the history of Alsace during WWII, including visits to the Maginot Line, a French strategic defence system, and the KL-Natzweiler, the only Nazi concentration camp in France.

Breakfast High 20° Low 14° Hilton Strasbourg

Day 5. Strasbourg – Dijon – Macon – Embark Ship

Say au revoir to Alsace and head towards the city of Dijon in Burgundy. Spend time exploring the old town and the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, a remarkably well-preserved building which now houses the fine arts museum. Make a stop along the way at the medieval church of Notre Dame. After time on your own to explore or enjoy lunch, we head to the town of Macon to board the MS Amadeus Symphony, your home for the next five nights.

Breakfast & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 6. Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune

Today we sail north, making a stop in charming Chalon-sur-Saône. From here, continue by land to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Join a local expert for a guided tour of this historic walled city, highlighting its 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu. Famous for its dramatic design, this delightful building was once a charity hospital. Finally, we complete our visit to Burgundy with a wine tasting at a local cellar. Back aboard ship, enjoy an afternoon and evening sail down the Saône and Rhône rivers towards Lyon.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 7. Lyon

Wake this morning docked in the city of Lyon, full of historical and architectural treasures, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s renowned Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse indoor market will dazzle your senses. Browse its endless stalls and experience the lively atmosphere. Continue on your tour through Lyon’s enchanting Old Town. This afternoon, take in the scenery of the Côtes du Rhône from the comfort of your cabin or take advantage of any of the ship’s public spaces as we continue southward.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 8. Avignon

Today, stop in the ancient city of Avignon. Your guided tour showcases its historical gems, including the Palais des Papes. Built during the 14th century, a total of seven popes lived here during the Avignon Papacy, and the city remained under Papal control until 1791. This afternoon, you may continue to explore Avignon on your own or choose to join an optional tour bound for Pont du Gard and the charming city of Uzes.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 9. Arles

Relax and savour the scenery on your way to the town of Arles. Today, you may choose to join an optional tour to the Camargue Nature Reserve – learn about the reserve’s 400 bird species and how this territory remains one of the most protected in all of Europe. This afternoon, gather for a guided tour of Arles. Your walking tour introduces you to the history and culture of this ancient Roman town. Visit the imposing Arles Amphitheatre – once capable of seating over 20,000 people, it has hosted chariot races and gladiator battles. Later, take in the stunning architecture as you stroll the streets that inspired artists such as Van Gogh. Tonight, it’s time to bid farewell to the Symphony at your Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 18° Low 8° Lueftner Cruises

Day 10. Diembark Ship – Aix-en-Provence – Antibes

Your journey continues in picturesque Aix-en-Provence. Experience this quintessential French city on a guided walking tour. You’ll quickly see why it is referred to as the “town of a thousand fountains.” Each turn seems to reveal colourful local markets and a wealth of architectural treasures. Enjoy some free time exploring this captivating city on your own before we continue on to the picturesque seaside resort of Antibes.

Breakfast High 24° Low 17° Hotel Ac Ambassadeur

Day 11. Antibes

The day is yours to discover this ancient port at your own pace. Spend some time strolling the narrow streets, browsing the local markets or soaking in the view from the harbour’s medieval ramparts. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and take in the breathtaking Mediterranean panoramas. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the close of an unforgettable trip.

Breakfast & Dinner High 24° Low 17° Hotel Ac Ambassadeur

Day 12. Antibes – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close this morning.

Breakfast

The countries visited on this tour are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
The currency in France and Germany are the Euro.
There is no significant elevation on this tour.
The voltage in France and Germany are 220V.
Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected

Jun 26, 2016 – Jul 7, 2016

~~$4,809~~ $3,809

Sep 11, 2016 – Sep 22, 2016

$4,809