Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
A NEW Adventure - With LONG TIME Friends!
Kim and I are so very excited that after more than 25 years of working with travel agent Nancy Nelson and getting to be great friends with her and her husband Rick, that we are finally travelling together. And we are sailing with AMA Waterways for the first time, which will make it an even more unique trip. AND we get to share the experience with Kim's twin sister & husband, Karrie & Randy, as well as the twins' high school pals Lynn & Doug. As an added bonus this package offered a land post extension at no additional cost so we'll be spending three post sail days in the scenic Lake Como, Italy region. And the trip itself is through my MOST FAVORITE part of Europe, the UNESCO Heritage Rhine River Valley with over forty medieval castles dotting the hillsides!
Day 0-1: July 7/ 8 - Travel to Amsterdam
Fly overnight to Amsterdam, arrive and check our room on the AMA Serena, Stateroom #203.
Day 2: July 9 - AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 3: July 10 - COLOGNE, GERMANY
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, plus see other local sights. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 4: July 11 - RHINE GORGE - RÜDESHEIM (my most favorite place in Europe!)
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 5: July 12 - LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. (B,L,D)
Day 6: July 13 - STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 7: July 14 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to see its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B,L,D)
3-Day Extension: Lake Como, Italy
Day 8: July 15 - Lake Como, Italy
Disembark the ship and transfer to Lake Como, stopping in Bellinzona, Switzerland along the way where you'll enjoy a brief tour and free time for lunch. Once in breath-taking Lake Como nestled at the foot of the Alps, check into your hotel for the evening.
Day 9: July 16 - Lake Como
Be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as "Oceans Twelve" or "Casino Royale" (my most favorite movie!)
Day 10: July 17 - Lake Como - Bellagio
Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to it's stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect picture views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up a hill to it's cobblestone streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio's restaurants before returning to the boat.
Day 11: July 18 - Lake Como
Bid farewell to Lake Como and prepare for your flight back home.