Romantic Rhine With Mount Pilatus, 1 Night In Lucerne & 3 Nights In Lake Como (Southbound)

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey on a Rhine River cruise, which takes you across Germany-and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent European river cruise begins in the ever popular, modern city of Amsterdam, Holland. Experience the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city with a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

Visit Cologne, Germany-a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture-with its famous twin-spired cathedral and Old Town with many shops, cafés, and taverns. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge-the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your Rhine River cruise to Mainz for a guided walk and visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum, or take an excursion to Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its red-walled castle. In Strasbourg, France, marvel at the red-sandstone Gothic-style cathedral with ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Also, stroll through the lovely La Petite France district with its quaint shops, delightful bistros, and peaceful waterfront promenade. Visit Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest-an area of unrivaled natural beauty-best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock.

Disembark your river cruise ship in Basel and continue your vacation in Lucerne and Lake Como, starting with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas and a guided walking tour to explore lovely Lucerne. Travel by high-speed train to Como, where an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the Gothic-style Town Hall, and the impressive Duomo. 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, or ride the funicular to the village of Brunate. The perfect end to your magnificent vacation!

Included Features:

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Amsterdam: Canal cruise

Day 3 Cologne: Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 4 Rhine Gorge-Rüdesheim: Cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host

Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: Choice of guided walk in Mainz with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, or a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk the Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Strasbourg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 7 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to a local winery in Breisach

Day 8 Basel (Disembarkation)-Mount Pilatus-Lucerne: Excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead), guided walking tour in Lucerne with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge

Day 9 Lucerne-Lake Como: Transfer by high speed train (first class) to Lake Como

Day 10 Lake Como: Como walking tour; boat ride on Lake Como to Bellagio

Day 11 Lake Como: Full day at leisure

Day 12 Lake Como: Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning