River Cruise Itinerary

Thursday, August 6 - Depart From Home
Depart for The Netherlands.

Friday, August 7 - Arrive in Amsterdam, Cruise Embarkation
Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated and modern capital. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board, or begin your discovery of the many cultural sites this city has to offer. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise. (Dinner)

Saturday, August 8 - Amsterdam City Tour & Afternoon Cruising
Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. Rejoin the ship for lunch on board. This afternoon, cruise south for Germany. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, August 9 - Cologne City Tour
Cruise on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving as you savor lunch on board. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops, and taverns. After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne's vibrant nightlife before setting sail. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Monday, August 10 - Morning in Koblenz
The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. At noon, set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards, and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. This evening, arrive in Rüdesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (AM)

Tuesday, August 11 - Afternoon in Speyer
Today, continue sailing towards Speyer. The ship will make a stop, where passengers may depart for the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. Tour the city and view the ruins of 12th century Heidelberg Castle before returning to the ship in Speyer. In the afternoon, stroll the lanes of this picturesque city founded by the Romans, with its prized red sandstone cathedral named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, the ship sails for Strasbourg. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)

Wednesday, August 12 - Strasbourg City Tour
A lovely day awaits you in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, return to the ship as you sail toward Breisach in the Rhine Valley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Thursday, August 13 - Breisach Walking Tour
Arrive this morning in the small city of Breisach that dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. After lunch set sail for Basel. Tonight, at dinner, share wonderful memories of your Rhine journey and bid farewell to your Cruise Director. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Friday, August 14 - Depart Switzerland
Your vacation ends with breakfast. (Breakfast)

Our prices include the following:

• Organized singles activities with our experienced hosts
• Private singles parties/mixers
• Single-mingle dining
• Welcome dinner and farewell dinner
• Wine and beer with dinners
• Locally inspired recipes
• Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
• Self-serve coffee and tea station
• Lounge serving premium spirits
• River port charges of $190 per person
• 7 nights outside cabin abord the First Class Monarch Duchess
• Cruise porterage
• 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
• Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise
• Services of local guides
• Entrance fees per itinerary
• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access in public areas
• Fitness center
• Non-smoking ship interior
• Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English

Options not included in the prices:

• Airfare to/from Amsterdam -- available on request
• Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect against unexpected events. Click here to read more about travel insurance.

Special Features:

• In Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals.
• Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, capital of the Rhineland.
• Discover 2,000-year-old Koblenz, with its superb Romanesque architecture.
• View the mighty Lorelei Rock named for the siren “Lorelei” rising vertically from the waters.
• Stroll the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns in the lively village of Rudesheim.
• Visit the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, designated a UNSECO World Heritage Site.
• Walk the cobbled streets of tiny Breisach, a city that dates back over 4,000 years.