Rhine River Cruise
Join Rev. John M. Thomas
Rhine River Cruise
October 6 - 14, 2012
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this mesmerizing journey along the Rine
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Highlights & Sightseeing
CRUISE: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam in an
outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
BASEL: Welcome reception
STRASBOURG: Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district
and the gothic cathedral
HEIDELBERG: Take pictures of the castle
MAINZ: Visit the Gutenberg Museum
RÜDESHEIM: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument
Museum; special treat
RHINE GORGE: Cruise through the gorge
KOBLENZ: Guided sightseeing
COLOGNE: Guided sightseeing
AMSTERDAM: Canal cruise
Romantic Rhine River Cruise
Cruise Overview:
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy guided sightseeing in
Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Sail through the
dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river dotted every mile with castles. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid
Amsterdam, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. Be sure to pack your camera so you
can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sat) Board your overnight transatlantic flight, tour begins the next day.
Day 2 (Sun) Arrive in Zürich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation)
Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France,
Germany, and Switzerland meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 3 (Sun) Strasbourg, France
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of
the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the
noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg
with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 (Mon) Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame, a world-famous love musical. Take pictures of the
ruins of the imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city, and enjoy free time to explore.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 (Tue) Mainz–Rüdesheim
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important
wine market. The Old Town has many interesting shops, tea rooms, and restaurants, and a fountain on the Schillerplatz is
decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every year. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here
and you’ll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. The pretty little town of Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley
wine town. SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL
TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 (Wed) Rhine Gorge–Koblenz
Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river and dotted every mile with
castles. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom.
Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the
Middle Rhine region. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 (Thur) Cologne
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne’s
magnificent gothic cathedral—which took more than 600 years to build—dominate the river skyline. The Germano-Roman
Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. The favorite
local beer here is Kölsch. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 (Fri) Amsterdam, Holland
Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its
elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous
Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to
Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 (Sat) Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Meals
Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a welcome reception,
Captain’s reception and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting
with open seating arrangements