Experience a journey along the river less traveled and the fairytale sites of Germany and the Netherlands. Venture to meccas of music and art in Bonn, the hometown of Beethoven, and Dusseldorf, a hub for contemporary fashion and architecture. Explore the famed Mosel Wine Region that embraces the Moselle River, and trace the path of history along cobbled alleyways and charming town squares.
Highlights
Explore Düsseldorf's edgy art culture and innovative business landscape
Discover squares lined by classic Germanic architecture in Koblenz
View 12th-century Eltz Castle in Trier
Visit unofficial second capital of a reunified Germany - Bonn
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Everyone has an image of Amsterdam. For some, it’s small boats gliding on the canals and locals two-wheeling on bikes to work and, as frequently, to meet friends for drinks. For others, it’s gabled buildings leaning, seemingly precariously, over cobbled streets and cozy taverns illuminated by candles. Still others imagine tulips in bloom and the paintings Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Each vision is even more beguiling when experienced in person.
For a city whose history can be traced to the 7th and 8th centuries, Düsseldorf's edgy art culture and innovative business landscape are all the most impressive. The capital city of the North is decidedly posh, pushing the boundaries of high fashion and high-rise design, and a culinary and nightlife scene caters to the international elite who populate the city. Banking and tech industries have brought the city great wealth, making Dusseldorf one of the world’s most livable cities.
Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers and three mountain ranges meet, Koblenz’ scenery is unmatched. Add to that the city’s 2,000-year-old history, hilltop fortress and squares lined by classic Germanic architecture and you have a place ready-made for photos. Ambling along the town’s narrow lanes and river promenade, you might encounter medieval churches, flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes and perhaps a weinstube, or wine tavern, ideal for sipping Riesling and drinking in the atmosphere.
A well-preserved medieval town, Bernkastel’s colorful Market Square is among the most authentic and lovely of those that line the riverside, with a Renaissance-era Town Hall and the bustling activity of shops and cafés. Don’t miss the Spitzhaüschen (pointed house) that famously towers above the other rooftops. With its ground floors built narrower than the upper floors, the building appears to wobble off balance but has stood strong since 1416.
Germany’s oldest town was founded by Romans and still bears remarkably preserved evidence of the culture – Roman baths, amphitheater and the imposing Porta Nigra gateway. It has since become synonymous with the rolling wine vineyards of the Rhineland that follow the Moselle, with the commanding 12th-century Eltz Castle standing guard.
With its half-timbered buildings, steep terraced slopes, lush vineyards and a picturesque castle overlooking the Moselle River, this charming town’s riverside promenade allows a chance to savor the atmosphere of a fairytale come to life. Take in the beauty of the surrounding hills, sometimes laced with mist, and see bridges spanning the lazy waters of the river. Perhaps you will feel somewhat lazy yourself, reluctant to move too quickly through a town seemingly stopped in time.
With its lovely riverside setting, Bonn is still considered the unofficial second capital of a reunified Germany, home to several governmental operations, as well as more than 20 United Nations institutions. Founded by Romans, it was the onetime capital of the Electorate of Cologne and the site of the largest known Roman fortress. Its favorite son, Ludwig van Beethoven, turns 250 in 2020, so the excitement here is reaching a high note.
People have been fighting over Arnhem for centuries. It’s no mystery, given its natural beauty, abundant parks and bicycle pathways, and lively scene of cafés and creative hubs. Its darkest hour came during World War II, when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, occupying the whole country within one week. In resistance, Arnhem became the site of the largest airborne military operation in history. Today, this prosperous town is known as a center of fashion and design.
Day 11: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the Crystal Bach, disembark at your final destination - Amsterdam.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
Solo Supplement: A select number of cabins are available for single use. The single supplement varies by cabin type, please contact us for details. Child Discount: Children age 11 or under receive 50% off when sharing a cabin with two full paying guests. Children, regardless of age pay full rate in a double occupancy cabin.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days 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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.