Even with its international flair and reputation as an iconic center for progressive art and design, Basel’s medieval town center invites exploration by foot with an abundance of museums and galleries. While antiquity may be Basel’s strong suit, two of its native sons – architects Herzog & de Meuron renowned design London’s Tate Modern Beijing’s Bird’s Nest – bring a modern flair to the city’s design along with other notable architects including Frank Gehry
Between the supremely scenic towns of Freiburg and Colmar lies Breisach, the gateway to the surrounding Black Forest. There is much to keep travelers within the embrace of this lively city, too, including its Romanesque church with a late-Gothic altar and cobbled streets lined by pastel-hued buildings. Nearby, explore the star-shaped fortress town of Neuf-Brisach, or New Breisach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is one of the world’s most photogenic towns. It boasts a breathtaking Gothic cathedral and a remarkable charm that oozes from virtually every cozy corner of Grande Île, or “Large Island,” the first city center to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Speyer’s history reaches past the influences of the Roman age to a settlement by the Celts. Cobbled streets wind through the centuries, passing half-timbered buildings, the remains of a medieval synagogue, fine museums, and festive taverns, culminating at the town’s UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral, called Kaiserdom, housing the tombs of eight Holy Roman emperors and German kings.
With roots as a Roman outpost that helped stand guard over the empire’s far-north territory, Mainz has a rich history. Today, Mainz is inviting and intriguing, located at the union of the Rhine and Main rivers, with pedestrianized areas filled with historical sites, classic cuisine and local wines. Of course, most visitors associate Mainz with its cultural treasure, an original Gutenberg Bible, housed at the Gutenberg Museum.
If Rüdesheim’s scenic location on the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge doesn’t sweep you off your feet, then the town’s medieval Old Town with its half-timbered buildings and narrow lanes, especially the Drosselgasse overflowing with charming shops and taverns, surely will. The region’s renowned Rieslings, produced here for centuries from vineyards dating to Roman times, promise to delight, too.
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.
Germany’s most visited landmark – the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral – dominates the skyline here, its magnificent Gothic twin-spires reaching toward the heavens. Peel your eyes away from the Kölner Dom, its local name, to see the space needle-like Rhine Tower, ancient Roman ruins, a modern museum, cozy beerhalls and the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge, reconstructed after the war.
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.
Day 11: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast aboard the Crystal Bach and finally disembark at 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.
$5,649
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Petite Suite Seahorse Deck (S5)
188 sqft. King-size bed or two twin beds, adjustable dining table, writing desk, vanity, and 40” flat-screen HD TV. Butler service is provided.
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Petite Suite Crystal Deck (S4)
188 sqft. King-size bed or two twin beds, adjustable dining table, writing desk, vanity, and 40” flat-screen HD TV. Butler service is provided.
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Deluxe Suite (S3)
237 sqft. King-size bed or two twin beds, full-length mirror, writing desk, vanity, and flat-screen HD TV. Butler service is provided.
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Deluxe Suite (S2)
253 sqft. Supreme comfort king-size bed with fine Egyptian cotton linens. Butler service is provided.
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Deluxe Suite (S1)
253 sqft. Supreme comfort king-size bed with fine Egyptian cotton linens. Butler service is provided.
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Crystal Penthouse (CP)
506 sqft. The master bedroom features a large king-size bed facing the panoramic balcony-window, walk-in closet, flat-screen HD TV, fine Egyptian linens. Butler service is provided.
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Crystal Suite (CS)
759 sqft. Two lavish bedrooms each feature king-size beds, fine Egyptian linens, large flat-screen HD TVs, spacious closets, and expansive panoramic balcony-windows. Nightstands include charging pads and USB outlets. Butler service is provided.
Notes
A wide selection of specially curated and optional shore excursions are available on every itinerary. In each port visited, there will be complimentary adventures to choose from, other excursions will be available at an additional cost.
Cruise Fares Include:
Beverages including fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees
Complimentary Wi-Fi for the duration of your voyage.
Cruise Fares Exclude:
Airfare
Cruise port, security, navigation, berthing, stevedoring, and baggage handling/storage charges
Fuel surcharges, fees or charges imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities,
Optional shore excursions,
Sightseeing or meals ashore, taxes, gratuities,
Visa fees
Laundry or valet service or any item or service whatsoever of a personal nature, such as medical treatment, expenses incurred on board or ashore in connection with medical treatment, medical condition, or medical debark
Massage, spa services or hairstyling for which separate charges may be imposed.
Transfers between the airport and ship on the day of embarkation and disembarkation
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
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
