11 Night Enchanting Rhine Cruise and Land Tour from Zurich

Arrive in Zurich and check into your hotel.

Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future-all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lucerne, where you'll enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. (B)

Discover Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)

Check out of your hotel and visit the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Later, head to Basel. Upon arrival in Basel, enjoy a highlights tour of 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 and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Then enjoy free time for lunch on your own before the drive to the ship. (B,D)

Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise. (D)

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Tower. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Munster, 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 on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D); Please Note: Black Forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, 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 Republique. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage-listed "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 Cathedrale Notre-Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Ludwigshafen is your 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, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosophers' Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you'll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. 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 Altportel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rudesheim where you can visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheim coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

Your exploration of Rudesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rudesheim's vineyards, taking in views of the town, Roman Bridge, and Bromserburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you'll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings-the Magi-are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kolsch beer and Reibekuchen mit Apfelmus-potato pancakes served with applesauce. (B,L,D)

Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise. Or opt for a rare experience with a journey into the Floriade Expo in Almere - very close to Amsterdam - which will feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, souvenirs and food stalls. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges, and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam cafe. (B,L,D); Note: Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate, therefore an alternative tour will operate instead.; The Floriade Expo 2022 opens from April 14 to October 9, 2022.

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)