.
Rhine and Moselle Fairytales Itinerary
Day 1 - Amsterdam (Holland)
Embark ship in Amsterdam. Meet your fellow travellers tonight at the Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 2 - Amsterdam
See the sights of Amsterdam, from the beautiful homes which line the canals to the Skinny Bridge and Anne Frank House on a canal cruise followed by a walk to the historic Begijnhof area and free time to explore. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour to see the Royal Palace, Westerkerk and a traditional Dutch windmill. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Cologne (Germany)
Enjoy a guided walk through Cologne visiting the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, the Old Town and Cathedral Square; choose a Kolsch beer and local delicacies tasting; or join the guided city bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Koblenz or Lahnstein
In 2018 explore Koblenz, a historic wine-growing town, on a guided walking tour. Alternatively take the cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress or join a guided bike ride. In 2019 dock at the fortified town of Lahnstein where there is the chance to visit one of the region's medieval castles or cross the Rhine on a cable car to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The more active can cycle along the Rhine and Moselle rivers or hike around Lahnstein. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Cochem
Today, visit the fairytale village of Cochem, surrounded by the scenic wine villages of the Mosel Valley. Walk along narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses before taking a guided tour of Reichsburg Castle. Situated high above Cochem, the castle grounds boast spectacular views of the River Mosel. If you prefer you can join a guided walk through the stunning scenery to the Castle, visit the Cochem Mustard Mill (2018 only) or explore the mysterious Cold War Bundesbank Bunker (2019 only). (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Trier
Explore Trier, Germany's oldest city, on a guided tour to the Roman Amphitheatre and the Roman Baths. Alternatively there is the chance to discover the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate which dates back to 180 AD or join a guided bike ride of Trier's historic centre and along the riverbank towards Senheim. In 2019 there is also the option to hike to Petrisberg high above Trier. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Bernkastel
Continue to Bernkastel at the centre of the Moselle wine-producing region and take a guided walking tour through the old town centre; in 2019 a winery visit and tasting follows the walk. The more active may prefer to join a bike ride along the Moselle river, a guided hike through this historic town (2018 only) or a hike up to the ruined Landshut Castle (2019 only). (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Rudesheim
Sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge past the famous Lorelei Rock to Rudesheim where there is the chance to cycle along the Rhine river on a guided bike tour. In 2018 you can sample the region's fine wines at a local vintner or take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. In 2019 the gondola ride is followed by a wine tasting, or join the hike through the town's beautiful vineyards. Later visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to the best collection of self-playing musical instruments, or enjoy a tasting of traditional Rudesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Ludwigshafen
Choose from three excursions this afternoon. Visit Mannheim's famous Baroque Palace, take a trip to Heidelberg to see the red-walled castle and its Great Vat, or tour the ornate Schwetzingen Gardens. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Strasbourg (France)
Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region. Enjoy a guided tour by coach or bike and see the city's highlights including the Orangery and the European Parliament. Continue on foot with a walking tour of the Petite France area to see the Gothic cathedral with its famous Astronomical Clock. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Breisach (Germany)
Today choose to take a walking tour of the picturesque town of Riquewihr or visit historic Freiburg. The more active can enjoy a guided bike tour through the Rheinau woods (2018 only), a bike ride through the scenic countryside (2019) or an excursion to the magical Black Forest (2019). (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Basel (Switzerland)
Disembark ship in Basel. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.