Find inspiration along the castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, on this unique 15-day cruise from Basel, located exactly between the corners of three countries—Germany, France and Switzerland. Cruise to Strasbourg, the “Crossroads of Europe,” and finally Amsterdam, experiencing past and present Europe up close. Throughout your journey, wander through postcard-perfect towns such as Cochem, Trier, Bernkastel, and Rüdesheim. Let your inner adventurer out as you hike through vineyards and bike along the rivers. Along the way, savor distinctive wines, sampling the best these regions have to offer.
Highlights
Cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne & its beautiful mountain scenery
Explore on foot the lovely “La Petite France” neighborhood in Strasbourg
Visit Trier, Germany’s oldest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Admire beautiful Amsterdam with a panoramic tour of its famed landmarks
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel. Spend your day exploring this beautiful town.
Day 2: Zurich
1 Breakfast
Set alongside a glistening lake and framed by the Alps, Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse, a mile-long street featuring exclusive fashion boutiques, stores and street cafés.
Day 3: Zurich | Lucerne
1 Breakfast
Check out of your hotel and head off on a scenic drive past Alpine lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Once in Lucerne, you’ll check into your hotel.
Day 4: Lucerne
1 Breakfast
Lucerne’s beauty and charm is unrivaled. Discover this beauty on a walking tour. The mighty mountains of Mount Pilatus and Rigi overlook the swans that glide along the scenic lake and are part of Lucerne’s everlasting allure, as is the iconic Lion Monument, which you can visit. Sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792, it has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries. Visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century.
Check out of your hotel for a scenic drive past three lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Join a walking tour and visit the Lion Monument before enjoying free time; you’ll then transfer to Basel where you’ll board your ship.
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 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; or go to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles and quaint towns.
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. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “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 this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
You have several choices of morning excursions. Explore the glorious Mannheim Baroque Palace, one of Europe’s largest. Prefer to visit the town Mark Twain wrote about in “A Tramp Abroad,” then join a tour to perfectly preserved Heidelberg. Alternatively, visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance. Wander through the gardens with more than 100 sculptures and admire an assortment of whimsical buildings. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.
Your exploration of Rüdesheim 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. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg; or hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles.
Sail along the scenic Moselle to Bernkastel, located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region, an area that’s been cultivating wine for over 500 years. Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. 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.
Take a city tour of Trier and find out why it has been called the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 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. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise to your next destination.
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Cochem with its majestic Reichsburg Castle, perched high above the town. Discover how the castle has been an integral part of the town’s history and afterwards go on a walking tour along Cochem’s narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses. For a more active excursion, hike to the castle or go on a biking tour along the Moselle River. As an alternative excursion, you can visit one of Europe’s oldest working mustard mills where you will sample Cochem’s famous mustard.
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 will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, join the Jewish Heritage tour, which begins with a visit to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum chronicling the history of the Jewish community in Amsterdam.
Day 15: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home.
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.
$7,2192-3 travelers
Category E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 148 sq. ft.
Category D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 148 sq. ft.
Category C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Category BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Category BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
Category AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Category AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
Category AA+
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 290 sq. ft.
Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
Notes
Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Prompt response with clarified information to questions.
Joyce Spencer
21 hours ago
Betty was extremely helpful and friendly! I have never traveled by long boat and was nervous about the options and the experience. Betty listened carefully to my wants and needs and presented exactly what my sister and I hoped for! I couldn’t have asked a more pleasant experience - I am so excited about our trip!!
Jan Struck
1 day ago
Tilly knowledgeable , quick to respond , and friendly
Raymond
1 day ago
They have very comprehensive options for the place we want to go to
Lian Choo L.C. Toh
2 days ago
The immediate response and knowledge of the tours. Jess was terrific with accessing our budget and type of tour.