Lake Como
Lake Como 11/29/2024
Arrive in Lake Como and check into your hotel.,
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11/29/2024 |
11/29/2024 |
Lake Como
Lake Como 11/30/2024
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 the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean's Twelve and Casino Royale. (B),
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11/30/2024 |
11/30/2024 |
Lake Como
Lake Como 12/01/2024
Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio's restaurants before returning to the boat. (B),
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12/01/2024 |
12/01/2024 |
Bellagio
Bellagio 12/01/2024
Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio's restaurants before returning to the boat. (B),
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12/01/2024 |
12/01/2024 |
Lake Como
Lake Como 12/02/2024
Check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, be treated to a Bellinzona orientation tour. Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D), Embark your ship in Basel for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D),
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12/02/2024 |
12/02/2024 |
Cruise Starts (Embarkation)
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 12/02/2024
Check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, be treated to a Bellinzona orientation tour. Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D), Embark your ship in Basel for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D),
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12/02/2024 |
12/02/2024 |
Basel
Basel 12/02/2024
Check out of your Lake Como hotel and, en route to Basel, be treated to a Bellinzona orientation tour. Once you arrive in Basel, embark your ship for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D), Embark your ship in Basel for your Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D),
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12/02/2024 |
12/02/2024 |
Basel
Basel 12/03/2024
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. Both tours offer free time to visit Basel's Christmas markets. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne or spend your afternoon there. Lucerne is known for 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". Whether you choose the full-day excursion or half-day tour to Lucerne, you'll also see Lucerne's spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century, plus enjoy free time to explore the Christmas markets. (B,L,D),
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12/03/2024 |
12/03/2024 |
Strasbourg
Strasbourg 12/04/2024
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 Notre-Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour, you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'Orangerie. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town Gengenbach and stroll through the town's narrow streets full of half-timbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th-century town hall. (B,L,D),
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12/04/2024 |
12/04/2024 |
Gengenbach
Gengenbach 12/04/2024
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 Notre-Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour, you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'Orangerie. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town Gengenbach and stroll through the town's narrow streets full of half-timbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th-century town hall. (B,L,D),
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12/04/2024 |
12/04/2024 |
Ludwigshafen
Ludwigshafen 12/05/2024
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. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas markets. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosophers' 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. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft, and even a submarine! Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheim coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. (B,L,D),
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12/05/2024 |
12/05/2024 |
Heidelberg
Heidelberg 12/05/2024
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. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas markets. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosophers' 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. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft, and even a submarine! Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheim coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. (B,L,D),
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12/05/2024 |
12/05/2024 |
Rudesheim
Rudesheim 12/05/2024
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. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas markets. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosophers' 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. In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft, and even a submarine! Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town's special delights, Rüdesheim coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. (B,L,D),
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12/05/2024 |
12/05/2024 |
Rudesheim
Rudesheim 12/06/2024
Let Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town's cultural heart, and the Christmas markets. 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, cruise through the captivating UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D),
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12/06/2024 |
12/06/2024 |
Lahnstein
Lahnstein 12/06/2024
Let Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town's cultural heart, and the Christmas markets. 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, cruise through the captivating UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D),
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12/06/2024 |
12/06/2024 |
Cologne
Cologne 12/07/2024
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, and see other local sights. During your free time, browse through the city's most impressive Christmas markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and Reibekuchen mit Apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Cologne historic city centre
Highlights:
Meet our experienced local team member and tailor your walking tour according to your interests and expectations before getting started
Founded by the Roman General Agrippa in 38 B.C, Cologne has a rich Roman and medieval past.
The tour will take you to the most important ancient Roman sites, which include: Remnants of the governor's palace, complete with vaulted Roman sewer, Ruins of a Roman villa, Two-story tomb of Poblicius from 40 A.D., Roman graveyard and vestiges of the ancient stone defences
Visit Cologne's towering landmark, the Cathedral (Dom), a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe
Highlights include the 13th century Reliquary of the Three Kings by Nicholas de Verdun; the 10th century Gero-Crucifix, believed to be the western world's oldest monumental cross, and the luminous Adoration of the Magi triptych by Stephan Lochner (15th century)
See the 14th century Gothic town hall, a Jewish bathing house from 1170 and 'Overstolzenhaus’, Cologne's oldest and finest patrician residence with its steep gables and round arches when strolling the charming pedestrian zone
If of interest visit the Roman-Germanic Museum or Museum Ludwig, the city's famous gallery of 20th century highlights
End your tour at one of the many traditional brewery-style restaurants that dot the city and try a fresh ‘Koelsch’ the famous beer from Cologne before heading back to the ship
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
- Cathedral licensing fee
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions
- Tipping at your discretion
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12/07/2024 |
12/07/2024 |
Amsterdam
Amsterdam 12/08/2024
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges, and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafés. Please note: tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour. (B,L,D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours
Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours
Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace. Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.
After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
- Visit Anne Frank's House
- Explore the Van Gogh Museum
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours
You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.
From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.
Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.
After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).
On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)
Highlights:
- Witness the majestic windmills known as the Three Sisters
- Delve into Delft's artistic heritage
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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12/08/2024 |
12/08/2024 |
Amsterdam
Amsterdam 12/09/2024
Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours
Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
-
Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours
Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace. Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.
After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
- Visit Anne Frank's House
- Explore the Van Gogh Museum
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
-
Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours
You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.
From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.
Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.
After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).
On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)
Highlights:
- Witness the majestic windmills known as the Three Sisters
- Delve into Delft's artistic heritage
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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12/09/2024 |
12/09/2024 |
