JUN 2024 - The Majestic Rhine

Depart for Amsterdam.

After arrival in Amsterdam, transfer (for those taking the group flight) to our hotel and check in. During our Welcome dinner our hosts will provide an Introduction to our Rhine Concert Series. (D)

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
at the Concertgebouw

Start the day in Amsterdam with a city tour. The afternoon is yours to enjoy one of the famous museums (Rijkmuseum or Van Gogh for example) or perhaps a relaxing stroll through the maze of streets around the Damrak. (B,D)

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
at the Concertgebouw

We visit the city of Delft and learn about its trademark pottery. We include a local lunch and then we’ll proceed on a tour to the Zaanse Schans Windmills and village before returning to Amsterdam.
After dinner we can look forward to our second fantastic musical performance. (B,L,D)

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
at the Muziekgebouw

Enjoy a canal boat cruise to bid farewell to the city. We’ll have a view of the tall townhomes which line the canals, the beautiful old merchants’ houses and enjoy the unique city from a different perspective. Then we rendezvous with the AmaSerena to embark.
A light lunch on board and an afternoon of cruising await us. There is time to get settled into our luxurious surroundings before our Welcome Drink and first dinner aboard. (B,L,D)

Begin with a brief stop in Düsseldorf this morning and then enjoy the cruise to Cologne, home to the cathedral which is one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll set off on a guided tour of the historic Old Town and UNESCO-designated cathedral. Our tour then continues on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. We remain moored in the city overnight. (B,L,D)

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
featuring Terence Tam, Lorraine Min and Rachel Desoer at AmaSerena, lounge

Enjoy Cologne this morning. Perhaps visit the museum or the site on Glockengasse where the original Eau de Cologne has been produced for 220 years. Then we sail to Bonn, where we will have a brief tour, visit the Beethoven-Haus Museum, and after dinner enjoy a special concert in Beethoven’s city. (B,L,D)

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
featuring Terence Tam, Lorraine Min and Rachel Desoer at Beethoven House

Our spectacular concert this morning will be followed by a little time to stretch our legs during a walking tour of Koblenz. Then we depart to cruise through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of this river, before reaching our destination at the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. This stretch of the Rhine is lined with castles, scenic villages and is of course famous for the legend of the Lorelei. We’ll visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, and after dinner you have time to enjoy the town. Perhaps stroll and sample the special coffees or local wines for which the region is renowned. (B,L,D)

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
by String Quartet of Villa Musica at Schloss Engers

Ludwigshafen is our gateway to a choice of three 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, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask. For a more active adventure in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and a medieval Altpörtel, or “Old Gate”. (B,L,D)

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
featuring Terence Tam, Lorraine Min and Rachel Desoer at AmaSerena, lounge

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavours of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Notre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
featuring Terence Tam, Lorraine Min and Rachel Desoer at AmaSerena, lounge

Breisach is our gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. We’ll step back in time visiting the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. Our walking tour gives us perfect means to admire the charming architecture and notable sights, such as the Dolder Gate.
Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside; or go to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timbered houses, castle ruins and quaint towns. (B,L,D) 

— MUSICAL PERFORMANCE —
featuring Terence Tam, Lorraine Min and Rachel Desoer at AmaSerena, lounge

Transfer to either airport Basel or airport Zurich (B)
Or continue with Zurich extension program.

Optional Zurich post-tour extension (June 17–19, 2024)