Escorted Castles & Vineyards Along the Rhine

Highlights

• Roundtrip Transportation to Airport (minimum # required)
• All Meals Onboard
• 7 Nights onboard the Viking Gersemi
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service, bottled water and complimentary cappuccino, coffee and tea at the 24-hour hot beverage bar
• 6 Guided Shore Excursions led by knowledgeable local guides utilizing an audio headset system
• Ship Shop Escort throughout Tour
• Port Taxes & Fees
• Roundtrip Airfare: Air is not included in above rates. If cabin is booked by Jul 31, 2024 air cost is $799 per person roundtrip

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Board your deluxe motorcoach to the airport for your flights to Amsterdam- a city famous for its many canals, art museums and much more.

Day 2

Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Arrive in Amsterdam and after clearing Customs, transfer to your beautiful Viking Longship. A city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums and abundant bicycles, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. You may wish to visit the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum. (D)

Day 3

Kinderdijk, The Netherlands: Kinderdijk is a village community in the Alblasserwaard province. This corner of South Holland, part of the scenic Waal and Merwede regions, has long been shaped by Rhine Delta waters. Kinderdijk is most known for its 19 remarkably preserved 18th-century windmills. You will walk with your guide into the serene polder lands of South Holland. As you cross the dike to the windmills, you will notice that they in fact are at a lower elevation than your ship, as much of this part of The Netherlands is below sea level. Built in the mid-18th century, these 19 windmills, the largest concentration in The Netherlands, stand like sentinels on a hushed landscape. You will learn why they were built and see firsthand how they work, even stepping into a working windmill to observe its mechanics and living quarters. Families who live in these mills are required to keep them in working order. This excursion provides a revealing look at these marvelous buildings that helped shape the legendary Dutch landscape. (B, L, D)

Day 4

Cologne, Germany: Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in its city layout and the ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town. Cologne’s modern plazas and Hohe Strasse host welcoming shops, enticing restaurants and cologne boutiques. Of note is the city’s 14th-century cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic artistry and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having survived Allied bombs during World War II, the cathedral’s imposing twin spires are visible for miles and its stained glass windows fill the interior with brilliant colored light. Its steps lead to a platform with astounding views. Today on your walking tour you will learn about Cologne’s heritage and view its iconic cathedral, towering over the city in all its Gothic splendor. (B, L, D)

Day 5

Koblenz, Germany; Cruising the Middle Rhine; Rudesheim, Germany : This wonderful day begins in Koblenz - a traditional German city, founded more than 2,000 years ago. This former trading settlement rests on a massif of the Middle Rhine Highlands. Its cobblestone streets, wood-beamed houses adorned with flowers, ancient market square and medieval churches recall the fairy-tale Germany of old. At the “German Corner,” a massive equestrian statue of Prince William I observes the lovely riverside scene.  This afternoon experience scenic sailing along the Middle Rhine—The Rhine River flows through one of Germany’s most scenic regions. As you sail its most picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine, you will pass vineyard-blanketed hills whose steep slopes require vintners to pick grapes by hand, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Splendid castles line the banks, all of which have stories to share, and the Lorelei Rock presides at a dramatic curve in the river. This infamous river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet. Later in the day arrive in Rudesheim, Germany, located in the heart of Germany’s Rheingau region, Rüdesheim is the area’s center of winemaking. The famed Drosselgasse, a cobblestone street lined with taverns that pour local vintages and spill music into alleyways, attracts locals and visitors alike. Half-timbered houses, narrow warrens and old inns lend the town a medieval flavor. Castles once provided security for the region, including the 9th-century Brömserburg Castle, the oldest on the Rhine. The Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet museum also houses an impressive collection of self-playing instruments. (B, L, D)

Day 6

Speyer, Germany: Enjoy a fascinating stroll through Speyer, home to the largest of the three Romanesque imperial cathedrals. It is believed that the Protestants earned their name here in 1529 after citizens and royalty drafted the “Protestation at Speyer,” proclaiming their right to practice Christianity as they please. In 1689, Louis XIV’s troops plundered Speyer and left it in ruins; over many decades, it was artfully rebuilt. During your walk, you will marvel at the exterior of the red sandstone cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eight emperors are entombed here, including some of the most notable Holy Roman Emperors. Reconstructed after Louis XIV’s invasion, its six towers dominate the skyline. Pass the Jewish courtyard, once home to one of the most important medieval synagogues, and Speyer’s Altpörtel, or Old Gate, the last remains of the town’s fortifications. There will also be time to stroll the city’s charming, shop-lined main thoroughfare. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Strausbourg, France: The largest port on the Upper Rhine, Strasbourg is the cultural center of France’s Alsace region. Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, it boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences. The well-preserved Old Town is enclosed on all sides by the little Ill River, with sites so compact that it is easy to explore the “island” on foot. And there is plenty to explore: cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses and intersected by picturesque canals. Indulging in Alsatian café culture is central to any visit here; enjoy coffee and cake amid lovely half-timbered houses. (B, L, D)

Day 8

Breisach, Germany: Admire the dense, lofty fir forests of Germany’s Schwarzwald, the fabled Black Forest. Embark with your guide on a scenic drive through a mythical land of cuckoo clocks, glassblowing and timeless fairy tales. Your panoramic route will take you through wine-producing villages, each of them cradled among the soft, undulating hills, bucolic woodlands and prolific vineyards of southwestern Germany. Your journey culminates in a winding ascent up to the beautiful Hofgut Sternen hotel, a loyal keeper of Black Forest traditions. During your visit, you may choose your immersion into Black Forest culture: take an invigorating forest stroll, attend a cuckoo clock demonstration, watch a glassblower at work, or learn to make the decadent Black Forest Cake for which this region is known. After, return to your ship via Freiburg, a major university and ecclesiastical center. (B, L, D)

Day 9

Flights Home: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flights home taking with your wonderful memories of Germany & France. Upon arrival home in the States, your motorcoach will be awaiting your arrival to transfer you to Connecticut. (B)

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