AMSTERDAM & CASTLES OF THE RHINE CRUISE 2022 – SOLD OUT

This morning you may choose to remain on board to enjoy a relaxing cruise through a myriad of landscapes along the Rhine river, or join the included excursion. This morning’s excursion explores the canal city of Amsterdam and the surrounding countryside, rejoining the vessel in the Dutch town of Hoorn. Founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age as a result of its innovative developments in trade. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centers in Europe, with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century. The center consists of 90 islands, linked by 400 bridges. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Royal Palace, numerous canals and the Museum Quarter. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip.

Afterwards, you will drive through the Dutch Polder landscape to the old fishing village of Volendam. The Volendam houses are built very close together, forming the typical neighborhoods of Volendam. Take a stroll through the old village and see people still dressed in traditional costumes. Board your coach and drive out of Volendam into the countryside to visit a local cheese farm. Here, you will learn how Dutch cheese is made and also sample the local product.

On your way back to your ship, you will enjoy a short walk through the quaint village of Hoorn. Founded in 716, Hoorn rapidly grew to become an important harbor town. During Holland’s “Golden Age” Hoorn was an important base for the Dutch East India Company and the Hoorn fleet sailed the seven seas returning with exotic spices.

Once everyone is back on board, enjoy lunch as we cruise the Ijsselmeer Sea. This afternoon and evening enjoy our Brand g signature activities and entertainment as we sail toward the German border and the next stop on our itinerary, Cologne.

This morning and afternoon enjoy a relaxing day of sailing the beautiful Rhine. Later this afternoon take an included Cologne city walk where you can explore the surroundings of the famous cathedral and the old town. Many attractions are concentrated here, in just one square kilometer around the cathedral, the town hall and the old town with large Romanesque Church of St. Martin. You can take a look at the Roman Dionysus mosaic. In the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town and in the busy squares, such as the old market or the hay market, you will get a feeling for life in this city, both past and present. Of course, you will take a look at the inside of the Cologne Cathedral, either accompanied by your guide or on your own initiative (depending on the opening hours of the cathedral and/or if a mass is celebrated etc.). Since its completion in 1880 the Cologne Cathedral is, due to its two tall towers with a height of 157 m each, not only the landmark of the town and best known architecture monument but also the most often visited sight in Germany.

The harmonious trio of the unique Mosel landscape, thousands of years of wine growing, and culture makes Cochem especially popular. During the walk, you will discover the city with its narrow, winding. streets. In the course of this tour you will also visit the Reichsburg Castle. Thanks to its size and location on a precipitous rock high above the city, this magnificent castle dominates the cityscape. Equally impressive is the view you can enjoy from the castle. You will see the Moselle Valley with its dreamy, mixed forests, meadows and vineyards and the old town. At the end of the tour you can enjoy a taste of local Mosel wines.

Discover Koblenz, one of the most beautiful and oldest towns in Germany, with over 2,000 years of history. On our guided walk through the romantic streets between the St. Castor Basilica and the Liebfrauenkirche (the Church of our Beloved Lady) you will discover the most important sights of Koblenz. Obviously this tour would not be complete without a visit to the Emperor Wilhelm Memorial at the famous German Corner and the town’s landmark, the Schängel Fountain at the town hall. At the end of the walk you will reach the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine and the ropeway of Koblenz – well known since the German Federal Garden Show.

An afternoon guided tour leads you through the picturesque town of Rüdesheim. Explore the heart of the old town – the Drosselgasse – where wine houses and garden taverns invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and visit the Eagle Tower, a part of the city wall, and the fortifications from the 15th century.

Morning touring includes a comfortable coach to Heidelberg, the world famous university city on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. Heidelberg was discovered quite early by romantics to use for diverse literature, songs and paintings. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone has been a ruin, maybe the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads into the and into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall.

For those who opt not to go to Heidelberg, stay onboard and sail to Speyer, for an afternoon tour. The city tour includes a visit to the Romanesque Imperial Cathedral from the outside, with its striking twin tower portal, and visits to the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Old Gate (Altpoertel) and the Jewish Ritual Bath.

Enjoy a discovery tour through the beautiful city of Strasbourg. After a short bus trip through the city, the tour continues with a walk through the lovely, historic old part of the town and includes a visit to the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster (not possible on Sundays and public holidays, sometimes with security check.). During a boat cruise on the river, you will discover the famous quarter, “Petite France”. This former mill and tanner district still maintains its medieval charm. Some of the beautiful, half-timbered houses on the banks of the river Ill are up to 500 years old. You will enjoy Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, the Council of Europe and all the other wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you.

This morning, following disembarkation, we depart for a city tour of the highlights of Basel, including the Basel Münster (big church), town hall, market place, the oldest hotel in Switzerland (3kings) and a chocolate tour. Afterwards, we will check into the host hotel, where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore or relax.

This evening join us for a farewell cocktail reception.

Your transfer to the Basel or Zurich airport for your flight home is included. Hotel check out is at 11:00am.