One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this mesmerizing river cruise along the Rhine River. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam, as well as guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Delight in excursions to Germany’s Black Forest and to Heidelberg—Germany’s oldest university town with its imposing castle. Also sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. Disembark your river cruise ship in Basel and join the Monograms portion of your vacation starting with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Alpine panoramas and some free time to explore lovely Lucerne. Transfer to vibrant Zürich for an overnight before your included first-class, high-speed train ride to Como. An included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the gothic Town Hall, and the imposing Duomo. The next day enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como to renowned Bellagio with its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone lanes, and charming shops. In your free time, you might like to travel to fashionable Milan, Italy; or take the funicular to the village of Brunate—your Local Host® can help you decide how to make this fabulous vacation just perfect for you!
For specific details on this special interest river cruise, please view the day-by-day itinerary.

City Highlights

Day1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): welcome receptionDay 2 Amsterdam: canal cruiseDay 3 Cologne: guided city walk; Christmas marketDay 4 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; special treat; Christmas marketDay 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; excursion to Heidelberg, guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat; Christmas marketDay 6 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market; onboard woodcarving demonstrationDay 7 Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest: visit a local woodcarver’s workshop; Christmas marketZürich–Lake Como. 4 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast (B); Monograms Local Host service & Destination Guides with city maps; guided sightseeing, inside visits & special features are shown in UPPERCASE; high-speed train (first class) Zürich-Como; transfers to/from train stations; round-trip boat ride Como–Bellagio.

Notes

In the event that a high-speed train is unavailable due to strikes or technical reasons, the route will be altered or operated by motorcoach. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WAZ1-T1-2018