Cologne, Germany Arrive in Cologne and transfer to the hotel for a welcome briefing. This day is yours to explore Cologne. Overnight at the hotel.
Day
02
Cologne, Germany Cologne dates back to the Romans in 38 B.C., and has been a center of trade and religion throughout its history. This afternoon you will transfer to the MS Amadeus Diamond where you’ll enjoy a Welcome Toast hosted by your Cruise West Chairman Dick West and his wife Leslie. followed by a delicious welcome dinner in the dining room. The ship will depart from Cologne after midnight, giving you a chance to see the lights shining on or from Gothic towers and gabled roofs. BD
Day
03
Bonn & Koblenz, Germany In the morning you arrive in Bonn, alive with the heritage of Ludwig van Beethoven. After a city tour, take in a concert in the Beethoven Haus, part of a complex that includes a museum, the Beethoven Archives and the Chamber Music Hall. After lunch the cruise continues to Koblenz, a 2,000-year-old town filled with cozy lanes, narrow alleyways and abundant cultural monuments. This evening, you’ll be treated to a piano concert at castle Namedy, built in the 14th century and owned by the same family since 1907. BLD
Day
04
Cochem, Germany Enjoy breakfast with a view of villages, vineyards and forest as you cruise the beautiful Mosel River. After lunch, arrive in the medieval town of Cochem. Half-timbered houses with slate roofs, lush vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest Riesling, medieval town gates, churches and walls… Cochem has a lot to offer. Come with us on a tour of the magnificent Reichsburg castle, which overlooks the town. With its Gothic architecture and Rapunzel turrets, it’s a stunning sight both inside and out, and offers spectacular views of the Mosel Valley. After the tour you may enjoy a quiet stroll along the colorful riverside promenades or refreshments in one of the many cozy wine taverns. BLD
Day
05
Bernkastel & Trier, France You know you’re in wine country when you reach Bernkastel this morning. The quaint town, strategically located in the heart of the Mosel wine-producing region, boasts over 500 years of wine history and is home to the famous Mosel wine Museum. The 13th century town gate still stands and there are numerous beautiful half-timbered houses to see. In the afternoon, cruise on to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. BLD
Day
06
Trier, France & Luxembourg After breakfast a guided tour will acquaint you with the city’s Roman past, including the Roman baths, basilica and amphitheater. The architecture here is diverse and delightful, and a walk around town will take you past Gothic churches, Baroque palaces and a Romanesque cathedral. Trier is also known for being the birthplace of Karl Marx, and you can explore that more modern history at the Karl Marx Museum. In the afternoon you head to Luxembourg the last Grand Duchy in the world. A city tour gives you a chance to discover this cosmopolitan city, from the old center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the modern downtown which is now one of the European Union’s financial centers. BLD
Day
07
Traben-Trarbach Of the Rhine’s tributaries, the Mosel is considered the most beautiful, and you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views from the city, which spans both banks of the river. Walk along the riverside promenade past stunning examples of Art Nouveau, Jugendstil and Belle Epoque architecture Visit Museum Row and take an included tour of the Mittelmosel Museum, filled with city history. Your day also includes an opportunity to sample some of the fine wines made in this region under the guidance of experts. BLD
Day
08
Boppard, Loreley & Rüdesheim This valley between the Rhine and Mosel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its agricultural, cultural and historical wealth. There are nearly 5,000 acres of terraced vineyards on the steep slopes, 28 castles in about 40 miles, and a history as a center of transport and commerce. Your city tour will bring the city’s history alive, from Roman ruins to the Boppard Castle, which, unlike most Rhine castles, stands right in the center of town. This afternoon you’ll sail through the exceptional Rhine Gorge passing a multitude of castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Tonight, dine ashore in the Michelin-starred Stromburg. BLD
Day
09
Rüdesheim & Mainz Rüdesheim is a charming old wine town. After breakfast you may like to go ashore and explore its famous narrow street, the Drosselgasse, lined on both sides with wine taverns. A walking tour of the town includes a visit to Siegfried’s Music Museum where you can see all kinds of mechanical instruments from barrel organs and music boxes to horn gramophones. Before lunch, your cruise continues on to Mainz, former seat of Electoral Princes and Archbishops. You know you’re approaching when you see the six towers of St. Martin Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece that holds many art treasures. Your guided tour takes you through the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the creator of the printing press. You’ll also discover the historic old town with its baroque buildings and palaces. BLD
Day
10
Mannheim, Germany After breakfast, board your motorcoach for a trip to Speyer, with its UNESCO World Heritage Imperial Cathedral. Facades of many architectural styles line the winding streets and you’ll see many of them on your walking tour of Old Town and the cathedral, which holds the remains of German emperors. Lunch in Heidelberg, world-famous university city on the Neckar River, before touring the dramatic red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Known for its beauty, the castle was destroyed by the French in the 17th century. Tour the gardens, once strolled by poet von Goethe, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and river from the Grand Terrace. Afterwards, take a walk through old town to other historic sites. Return to your motorcoach for the drive back to your ship and dine aboard as you continue on to Strassburg. BLD
Day
11
Strassburg, Germany Strassburg is a little bit French, a little bit German, and its changed hands often between the two countries over the centuries. This morning your tour includes visits to the European Parliament and “La Petite France” district with its lovely sandstone Gothic Cathedral and astronomical clock. Lunch on board before taking a motorcoach to Haut Koenigsbourg Castle overlooking the Alsatian plain. Destroyed in the Thirty Years War, it was rebuilt by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1899 as symbol of Alsace’s return to Germany. Drawbridges, knights’ armour and medieval weaponry add to the authenticity. Your tour continues to a traditional Alsatian village where you’ll enjoy a tasting at one of the many wineries known for their fine white wines. BLD
Day
12
Basel, Switzerland If time allows, explore Basel on your own before transferring to the airport for your flight home. B
2010 Departures
2010 Prices
Departure Date
Cabin rates are per passenger in $USD
A
AA
AAA
Suite
Single
October 12 - Oct 23
$5,299
$5,599
$6,299
$7,299
$7,199
Prices Include:
• Cruise in selected category
• Full board meals
• Taxes/ Port Charges /Fees
Prices Do Not Include:
• Individual arrival and departure
• Fuel surcharge
• Travel insurance
• Drinks
• Other personal expenses
*For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
