2019 Departure Dates & Pricing Amsterdam to Basel (WARZ) - 13 days -or- Basel to Amsterdam (WZRA) - 13 days For further assistance call 1-800-526-8539 Ship - Luminary, Visionary, Artistry II Ask about our Travel Insurance

Detailed Itinerary: Amsterdam to Basel - Southbound (WARZ)

Skip to Basel to Amsterdam itinerary

Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambiance. If your flight arrives early enough, you might like to take an optional excursion to nearby Zaanse Schans. Then, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (D)

NOTE:Guests must be on board ship by 5:00 pm for the SAFETY DRILL.

Day 2: Amsterdam - Volendam - Excursion to Edam

After breakfast, set out to discover the treasures of this city by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” At lunchtime, sail out of Amsterdam and head for the Ijsselmeer and Volendam, a picturesque fishing town with a unique open harbor and a small, timbered church dating back to 1658. From here, drive to Edam, whose cheese of the same name has become famous worldwide. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK through the Old Town center, where especially the Kwakelsteeg still has lovely characteristic Waterland houses. (B,L,D)

This morning, stop in Kinderdijk, a quintessential Dutch scene with its 19 splendid windmills standing on reclaimed polder land between the Rivers Lek and Noord. Windmills have become a symbol of Holland, and a visit to one of these WINDMILLS will explain their function as pumps when the water was drained from the polders around 1740s. Be sure to take photos, then after some free time, rejoin your ship for lunch. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of cruising on your way to Cologne. (B,L,D)

One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles the Rhine and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between a GUIDED CITY WALK or a JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. Later, during free time, perhaps check out the Romano-Germanic Museum, home to a large collection of artifacts from the Roman settlement on which modern Cologne is built—a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years, and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne. (B,L,D)

Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. Here, join a Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR of the city, which reveals an eventful past through its castles, fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments; or visit nearby SAYN MANOR HOUSE, belonging to the counts of the same name. This afternoon, as you cruise the wide peaceful curves of the Moselle River, it quickly becomes obvious why the Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery, and that this is an important wine-growing area. Simply relax or attend an ONBOARD LECTURE to learn more about this region. (B,L,D)

In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its fascinating narrow streets and half-timbered houses that have stood since the Middle Ages. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK that includes the beautiful marketplace with its renaissance-style Town Hall - built in 1608 - and the “pointed house,” built in 1416. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. This afternoon you might like to participate in an optional bicycle outing (weather permitting) or perhaps visit the Wine Museum to learn more about the history of the region’s wine. Before you sail again, enjoy a pleasant included TASTING of several of the region’s varietals in the Moselle Vinoteque. (B,L,D)

At the head of the Moselle Valley is Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Some say Trier is even older than Rome and that it was populated over a thousand years before the Romans arrived. Many Roman remains have survived, including a 20,000-seat amphitheater; the Porta Nigra, the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement, which still gives access to the town’s center; imperial baths; and the Roman Bridge, Germany’s oldest bridge with stone pilings dating from 144-152 AD - all evidence of this once grand Roman city. Trier also offers pleasant market squares, Germany’s oldest Christian church, and a cornucopia of architectural styles - Roman, baroque, neo-classicism, renaissance, and gothic. A choice of GUIDED CITY SIGHTSEEING or the more history-focused “ROMAN TRIER” guided tour, followed by some free time, gives you the opportunity to discover this magnificent town. Rejoin your ship and continue sailing down the Moselle to your next stop, Cochem. (B,L,D)

Arrive in charming Cochem, a picturesque town with half-timbered houses and winding streets full of history and legends that will be brought to life during your GUIDED WALK. Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, built in 1000 AD and furnished with renaissance and baroque furniture. Sitting dramatically atop a conical hill covered in vines, this castle offers splendid views of the little town nestled down below and of the river valley. Cochem is at the heart of the Moselle wine trade and, most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (B,L,D)

A highlight this morning after breakfast: cruise through the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom. Then, arrive in Rüdesheim, a typical Rhine Valley wine town. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, where you’ll see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to pick up some souvenirs on the narrow, cobblestoned Drosselgasse, where colorful flowers, open-air wine gardens, and live music add to the festive atmosphere. (B,L,D)

Strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers is the city of Mainz, with “civilized” origins dating back to around 38 BC and evidence of settlements as far back as 300,000 BC. Today this is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. The Altstadt (Old Town) has many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz, a tribute to the jesters at the city’s annual Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here, and during your GUIDED WALK you’ll visit the captivating GUTENBERG MUSEUM. After lunch, travel to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany. With a local expert, visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You’ll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel.” At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! (B,L,D)

Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is without a doubt an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Also spend time exploring Place Kléber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine country is available. After dinner tonight, enjoy an onboard WOODCARVING demonstration. (B,L,D)

Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The area got its name because the forests are so dense that local residents described them as black. Surely the most well-known products from this region are cuckoo clocks, Black Forest ham, and Black Forest cherry cake. Choose to visit the workshop of a local woodcarver and clock maker, and purchase some locally made souvenirs, or visit an OPEN-AIR MUSEUM to see just how life was lived in this area centuries ago. (B,L,D)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

NOTE:Departure flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am.

Departures & Pricing

Detailed Itinerary: Basel to Amsterdam - Northbound (WZRA)

Skip to Amsterdam to Basel itinerary

Flights into Zurich must arrive before 3:00 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France, Germany, and Switzerland meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception at 6:00 pm. (D)

NOTE:Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2: Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest

Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The area got its name because the forests are so dense that local residents described them as black. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, Black Forest cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. You may opt for a visit to the workshop of a local woodcarver who produces clocks and other carvings, or to the OPEN-AIR MUSEUM of Vogtbauernhof to see how life was lived in this area centuries ago. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Strasbourg, France

This morning, wake up in Strasbourg. Situated on the border of France and Germany, this city blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is, without a doubt, an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. In fact, on your WALKING TOUR you will discover Europe at its most quintessential. Visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Also spend time exploring Place Kléber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (B,L,D)

This morning, arrive in Mannheim. From here, an excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany, which was founded in 1386. Visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You’ll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel.” At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! Rejoin your vessel in time for lunch, and sail to Mainz. Strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own: stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town) with its many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz, a tribute to the jesters at the city’s annual Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here, and you might like to pay a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge

Pretty Rüdesheim is a typical Rhine Valley wine town. Here, visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, where you’ll see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to pick up some souvenirs on the narrow, cobblestoned Drosselgasse, where colorful flowers, open-air wine gardens, and live music add to the festive atmosphere. Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom. Enjoy an afternoon relaxing on board. The confluence of the Moselle and Rhine is at Koblenz and here you enter the Moselle River, some 312-miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. (B,L,D)

The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery, and in the middle of this region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses that have stood since the Middle Ages. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK that includes the beautiful marketplace with its renaissance-style Town Hall and the “pointed house,” built in 1416. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. Perhaps visit the Wine Museum to learn more about the history of the region’s wine, or join an optional biking outing (weather permitting). Before dinner, enjoy a pleasant TASTING of several of the region’s varietals in the Moselle Vinoteque. This evening, sail toward Grevenmacher in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Grevenmacher, Luxembourg. Excursion to Trier

In the early morning your ship docks in Grevenmacher. Disembark after breakfast for an excursion to the venerable episcopal city of Trier. At the head of the Moselle Valley, Trier is Germany’s oldest city. Some say Trier is even older than Rome and that it was populated over a thousand years before the Romans arrived. Many Roman remains have survived, including a 20,000-seat amphitheater; the Porta Nigra, the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement, which still gives access to the town’s center; imperial baths; and the Roman bridge, Germany’s oldest bridge with stone pilings dating from 144-152 AD—all evidence of this once grand Roman city. Trier also offers pleasant market squares, Germany’s oldest Christian church, and a cornucopia of architectural styles—Roman, baroque, neo-classicism, renaissance, and gothic. A choice of GUIDED CITY SIGHTSEEING or the more history-focused “ROMAN TRIER” guided tour, followed by some free time, gives you the opportunity to discover this magnificent town. Trier’s most famous son was socialist revolutionary Karl Marx. (B,L,D)

As you cruise the wide, peaceful curves of the Moselle River this morning, it quickly becomes obvious why the Moselle Valley is well-known for its scenery, and that this is an important wine-growing area. Simply relax or attend an ONBOARD LECTURE to learn more about the region. Arrive in Cochem, a charming, picturesque town with half-timbered houses and winding streets full of history and legends that will be brought to life during your GUIDED WALK. Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, built in 1000 AD and furnished with renaissance and baroque furniture. Sitting dramatically atop a conical hill covered in vines, this castle offers splendid views of the little town nestled down below and of the river valley. Cochem is at the heart of the Moselle wine trade and, most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (B,L,D)

Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. Here, join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR of the city, which reveals an eventful past through its castles, fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments. Later, enjoy some free time in the city; alternatively, opt to visit nearby SAYN MANOR HOUSE, belonging to counts of the same name. Later, your ship sails to Königswinter, located at the foot of Drachenfels mountain, where you remain docked this evening. (B,L,D)

Early this morning, arrive in Cologne. One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between a GUIDED CITY WALK or a JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. Later, during free time be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! Before lunch set sail for Holland and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising. (B,L,D)

This morning, stop in Kinderdijk, a quintessential Dutch scene with its 19 splendid windmills standing on reclaimed polder land between the Rivers Lek and Noord. Windmills have become a symbol of Holland, and a visit to one of these WINDMILLS will explain their function as pumps when the water was drained from the polders around 1740. Be sure to take photos, and after some free time, rejoin your ship for lunch and head for Hoorn, where you arrive tonight. (B,L,D)

North of Amsterdam and situated on the Ijsselmeer is Hoorn, a charming town that gave its name to Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South AmericaDrive to Edam, whose cheese of the same name has become famous worldwide and where cheese markets are still held in the summer months. A GUIDED WALK shows you the Old Town center, which still has lovely characteristic Waterland houses. Rejoin your ship in Volendam,, a unique open harbor with a maze of fishermen’s houses built on poles. The small, timbered church dates back to 1658. Your final stop is Amsterdam. Set out to discover the treasures of this city by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” (B,L,D)

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Departures & Pricing

• A valid passport is required for travel. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after the last day of travel.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise operator and the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.