Rhine Discovery

R129: Rhine Discovery
8 Days/7 Nights

Places Visited

Amsterdam Capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned for its museums, colourful gardens, abundance of bicycles and endless lattice of canals. A scenic canal boat ride is an excellent way to enjoy views of Amsterdam’s Golden Age architecture. This 800-year-old city is also famous for the Rijksmuseum, which houses works by Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters. Other highlights include the famous house where Anne Frank penned her poignant diary chronicling her days in hiding during World War II.	Typical Amsterdam Scene
Basel Located along the Rhine River, Basel sits at the point where French, German and Swiss borders meet, marking the gateway to the Swiss Rhineland. Basel’s cobblestone streets, 18th century buildings and three surviving medieval gates reflect the city’s rich past. A cultural centre, Basel is also home to many museums including the Museum of Fine Arts with masterpieces by Picasso and Dali.	Basel's Town Hall in Enchanting
Breisach Breisach’s most prominent landmark is the Cathedral of St. Stephanus. Visible from any part of the city, this landmark towers high above the Rhine. Breisach is located in one of the warmest parts of Germany, next to Alsace, which is famous for its wine-growing. It is also the gateway for your tour of Germany's famous Black Forest.
Cologne An intriguing mix of old and new, Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in the city layout and ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town. Cologne’s modern plazas and Hohe-Strasse, a pedestrian-only shopping zone, provide a variety of stores, lively bars and enticing restaurants. Of particular note is the city’s 14th century Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic artistry. Spared Allied bombs during World War II, the Cathedral’s lacy spires are visible for miles, and its stained-glass windows fill the interior with brilliant coloured light.
Heidelberg Germany’s oldest university town, Heidelberg is situated in the Neckar Valley just east of the Rhine. Known as the cradle of the German Romantic movement, it also boasts beautiful baroque architecture. Heidelberg is most famous as the site of the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a magnificent red sandstone ruin perched 330 feet above the river and the former home of the Palatinate princes until it was partially destroyed by fire in the 17th century.	Turreted Gateway in Heidelberg
Koblenz Set at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Koblenz is filled with traditional German charm. Founded more than 2,000 years ago, it has grown to become the business and cultural centre of the Middle Rhine Region. Its cobblestone streets, ancient market square and medieval churches remind tourists of yesteryear, although reconstruction has given the city a spacious, modern appearance. Highlights include the Residenz Schloss, one of Germany’s best examples of neoclassic architecture, and Ehrenbreitstein, Europe’s oldest fortress.	Kaiser Wilhelm Monument, Koblenz
Rüdesheim Located on the Rhine River, Rüdesheim is the chief centre of Rhine wine making. The famed Drosselgasse, a tavern-lined cobblestone street, attracts locals and visitors alike. Half-timbered medieval houses, narrow streets and old inns give the town the flavour of the Middle Ages. Visitors to the town may wish to see the 9th century Bromserburg, the oldest castle on the Rhine or Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of self-playing instruments.
Strasbourg The multi-cultural city of Strasbourg exhibits both French and German influences due to its location along the Rhine River at the border of both countries. The old streets of “Petit France,” with wooden houses and picturesque canals, seem to make time stand still. The carefully restored Cathedral of Notre Dame contains a combination of architectural styles and is most recognized for its 465-foot-tall graceful spires. Another landmark is the 18th century Château des Rohan, which houses three of the city’s major museums.