Discover authentic European charm on this wonderful 12-day adventure exploring the priceless gems of four countries along two legendary rivers, the Rhine and Moselle. Discover the dramatic rivers yielding to fairy-tale towns, vineyards majestically clinging to hillsides, and mesmerizing moments shaped by luscious wines, hearty beers, and epicurean delights.
Highlights
Admire the famous canals of Amsterdam on an exclusive city tour
Discover Cologne's majestic Gothic cathedral
Bike along the beautiful Moselle River
Visit Mannheim's red-walled castle and enjoy the views of the Neckar Valley
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise. Tall narrow homes along the water, the beautiful wooden Skinny Bridge, and the Anne Frank House are a few of the highlights you can see. Then walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings and followed by panoramic city tour. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and Reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with apple sauce. Active adventurists may want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Because of its strategic importance on the Rhine, Lahnstein was heavily fortified. Many old gates and towers still demonstrate its importance in the Middle Ages. You’ll discover this is a common theme throughout the region. You have a choice to visit one of the region’s medieval castles; or alternatively, you can take a cable car across the Rhine where you can discover Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, overlooking the Rhine and Moselle rivers. For those seeking a more active adventure, explore the area on the "Two rivers bike tour," which takes you along both the Rhine and Moselle rivers; or go on hike around Lahnstein.
Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle, situated high above the town, and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided hike to the castle. Or for a different adventure, explore the Bundesbank Bunker to get a closer look at this mysterious Cold War era bank vault.
In Trier, Germany’s oldest city, discover such sites as the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths, and Basilica of Constantine. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. Hear the history, secrets, and stories of the bishops and barbarians who have crossed through this famed gate that dates back to 180 A.D. You also have the choice to go on a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River.
Bernkastel, located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region, an area which has been cultivating wine for over 500 years, enchants you. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the shores of the Moselle River; and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the wine-making town of Rüdesheim. Wine connoisseurs take you on a walking tour through the vineyards where you can stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations. Or choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Music 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.
Discover a grand Baroque palace, one of Mark Twain’s favorite European towns, or one of the most whimsical gardens in Europe on choice of excursions. Relive a bygone era on an excursion to the Mannheim Baroque Palace, one of Europe’s largest. If you prefer to fall in love with one of Mark Twain's favorite towns, then join a tour to perfectly preserved Heidelberg. For those who love a bit of whimsy, visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance.
Enchanting 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 République before walking through its 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 Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr. Having survived WWII without being damaged, this charming medieval hamlet looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and surrounding vineyards as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s 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.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,999
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Category E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 148 sq. ft.
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Category D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 148 sq. ft.
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Category C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Category BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Category BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Category AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Category AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Category AA+
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 290 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
Notes
Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
