Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history. Then it’s off to Germany, where we’ll discover not only the grand city of Cologne but charming villages like the winemaking hamlet of Rüdesheim and the university town of Heidelberg. Enjoy cruising through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles are strung like pearls along the river banks. Cross the border into France’s Alsace region in enchanting Strasbourg and take in spectacular panoramas of the Swiss Alps before spending 3 nights in Italy’s haven for the rich and famous, Lake Como, where we’ll discover fairytale castles & historic vineyards! Encompassing the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy, as well as iconic landmarks and majestic mountain landscapes, this distinctive itinerary is truly a dream come true!
Day 1 – Home to Amsterdam
Be sure to be well-rested today, as tonight we’ll board our overnight flight to Amsterdam, The Netherlands (a 7 hour time difference). Your R&J Tour Director is there to assist you throughout your entire trip.
Day 2 – Amsterdam (Embarkation)
Today we arrive in Amsterdam after our overnight flight and board the ship for our Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps Cruise.
Included Meals: Dinner
Ship: AmaMora (7 Nights)
Day 3 – Amsterdam
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and we’ll get to enjoy some of them during our canal cruise. Or opt for a rare experience with a journey into the Netherland’s Floriade Expo in Almere – very close to Amsterdam – which will feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, souvenirs, and food stalls. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Cologne, Germany
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, plus see other local sights. 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.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. 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, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Ludwigshafen
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. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s 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. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Strasbourg, France
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 de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Basel, Switzerland
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. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to see 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.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Basel to Lake Como, Italy (Disembarkation)
Today we bid goodbye to our lovely river cruise as we disembark from the ship and travel to Bellinzona, Switzerland, where we will enjoy a brief tour and free time for lunch. Then we continue on to picturesque Lake Como, located in northern Italy’s Lombardy region. Lake Como is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, and is set against the foothills of the Alps. The 1,345’ deep lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up to the mountain town of Brunate. We’ll check into our hotel for the next 3 nights and enjoy our beauitful surroundings.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hilton Lake Como (3 Nights)
Day 10 – Lake Como
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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – Lake Como
Today we’ll take in the splendor & breathtaking views around us as we during our boat cruise on Lake Como. Not only will we admire the beauty of the area, but we’ll also gain insight into why, since Roman times, Lake Como has attracted the most elegant and refined worldwide nobility. Experience the architectural wonders and luxurious villas, such as Villa Olmo, Villa D’Este, Villa Versace, Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. We’ll cruise to the pearl of the region, Bellagio. Known to be the most visited town, Bellagio has been attractive since the Renaissance for its ideal position where many industries flourished, most notably the silk industry. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Be sure to spend time in the picturesque old town center with its pretty and colorful little streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio’s restaurants before returning to the boat.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – Lake Como to Home
Our flight home awaits us as we share fond memories of our wonderful Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps Cruise with our fellow travelers before heading home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
RT Airfare, 23 Meals, Activities as stated, Shore excursions included! All Gratuities on & off board are included!
**PLEASE CALL R&J AT 1-800-758-6877 FOR THE SIX CATEGORY OPTIONS & THEIR PRICING. OR YOU CAN VIEW CATEGORIES & PRICING BY CLICKING ON "DOWNLOAD PDF" IN THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN.**
08/14/2022 08/25/2022
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
TOUR & CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies) with a mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar, walking track, fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
- All onboard meals, snacks, soft drinks, wine & beer included in a variety of dining venues
Immersive tours in every destination
